Page:Sophocles (Storr 1919) v2.djvu/255



I would that woe

Were for Aegisthus not for thee alone.

The curses work; the buried live again,

And blood for bloody the slayer’s blood they drain,

The ghosts of victims long since slain.

Enter and  from the palace.

Lo they come forth with gory hands that reek

Of sacrifice to Ares—’twas done well.

How have ye sped, Orestes?

All within

Is well, if Phoebus’ oracle spake well.

The wretched woman’s dead?

No longer fear

Thy mother’s arrogance will flout thee more.

Cease, for I see Aegisthus full in sight.

Back, youths, back to the house!

Where see ye him?

Approaching from the suburb with an air

Of exultation. He is ours!

Quick to the palace doorway! half your work

Is well done : do no less well what remains. 243