Page:House of Atreus 2nd ed (1889).djvu/121

Rh Upon the grave these streams funereal,

With what fair word can I invoke my sire?

Shall I aver Behold, I bear these gifts

From well-loved wife unto her well-loved lord,

When 'tis from her, my mother, that they come?

I dare not say it: of all words I fail

Wherewith to consecrate unto my sire

These sacrificial honours on his grave.

Or shall I speak this word, as mortals use—

Give back, to those who send these coronals,

Full recompense—of ills for acts malign?

Or shall I pour this draught for Earth to drink,

Sans word or reverence, as my sire was slain,

And homeward pass with unreverted eyes,

Casting the bowl away, as one who flings

The household cleansings to the common road?

Be art and part, O friends, in this my doubt,

Even as ye are in that one common hate

Whereby we live attended: fear ye not

The wrath of any man, nor hide your word

Within your breast: the day of death and doom

Awaits alike the freeman and the slave.

Speak, then, if aught thou know'st to aid us more.

Thou biddest; I will speak my soul's thought out,

Revering as a shrine thy father's grave.

Say then thy say, as thou his tomb reverest.

Speak solemn words to them that love, and pour.