Page:Sophocles (Storr 1919) v2.djvu/225



I seek and long have sought Aegisthus’ home.

’Tis here; thy guide is nowise blameable.

Would one of you announce to those within

The auspicious advent of our company?

This maiden, as the next of kin, will do it.

Go, madam, say that visitors have come

And seek Aegisthus—certain Phocians.

Ah woe is me! You come not to confirm

By ocular proof the rumours that we heard?

I’ve heard no “rumours.” Agèd Strophius

Charged me with tidings of Orestes.

Ha!

What tidings, stranger? how I quake with dread!

Ashes within this narrow urn we bear,

All that remains of him, as thou mayst see.

Ah me unhappy! in my very sight

Lies palpable the burden of my woes.

If for Orestes thou art weeping, know

This brazen urn contains the dust of him.

O if it hold his ashes, let me, friend,

O let me, let me take it in my hands. 213