Page:Sophocles (Storr 1919) v2.djvu/187

 The vision that I yesternight beheld

Of double import, if, Lycean King,

It bodes me well, fulfil it; but if ill,

May it upon my enemies recoil!

If there be some who treacherously plot

To dispossess me of my wealth and power,

Prevent them, and vouchsafe that I may rule

The house of Atreus in security,

And wield the sceptre, sharing prosperous days

With the same friends and with my children—those

By malice and blind rancour not estranged.

Grant, O Lycean Phoebus, of thy grace,

To me and mine fulfilment of my prayers.

And for those other things my heart desires,

Though unexpressed, thou as a god dost know them;

For naught is hidden from the sons of Zeus.

Good ladies, might a stranger crave to learn

If this indeed be King Aegisthus’ house?

It is, Sir; thou thyself hast guessed aright.

And am I right conjecturing that I see

His royal consort here? She looks a queen.

Indeed thou art in presence of the queen.

I greet thee, Madam, and I bear to thee

Fair news, and to Aegisthus, from a friend.

I welcome thy fair words, but first would know

Who sends thee. 175