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164 For done it is, and clear and undenied.

But if to thee this murder's cause seem right

Or wrongful, speak—that I to these may tell.

To you, Athena's mighty council-court,

Justly for justice will I plead, even I,

The prophet-god, nor cheat you by one word.

For never spake I from my prophet-seat

One word, of man, of woman, or of state,

Save what the Father of Olympian gods

Commanded unto me. I rede you then,

Bethink you of my plea, how strong it stands,

And follow the decree of Zeus our sire,—

For oaths prevail not over Zeus' command.

Go to; thou sayest that from Zeus befel

The oracle that this Orestes bade

With vengeance quit the slaying of his sire,

And hold as nought his mother's right of kin!

Yea, for it stands not with a common death,

That he should die, a chieftain and a king

Decked with the sceptre which high heaven confers—

Die, and by female hands, not smitten down

By a far-shooting bow, held stalwartly

By some strong Amazon. Another doom

Was his: O Pallas, hear, and ye who sit

In judgment, to discern this thing aright!—

She with a specious voice of welcome true

Hailed him, returning from the mighty mart

Where war for life gives fame, triumphant home;