Page:The Dramas of Aeschylus (Swanwick).djvu/102

32 Swerving, to wedlock bitter end she wrought.

To Priam's offspring came she, mischief fraught,

Evil companion, bringing evil dower.

By Zeus escorted, guardian of the guest,

She sped, dire Fury, bridal pest.

Lives among men this saw, voiced long ago;

"Success consummate breeds apace,

Nor childless dies, but to the race

From prosperous Fortune springeth cureless Woe."

Apart I hold my solitary creed.

Prolific truly is the impious deed;

Like to the evil stock, the evil seed;

But fate ordains that righteous homes shall aye

Rejoice in goodly progeny.

But ancient Arrogance, or soon or late,

When strikes the hour ordained by Fate,

Breedeth new Arrogance, which still

Revels, wild wantoner in human ill;

And the new birth another brood

Unhallowed, in the house doth bear;—

Gorged Insolence, and, not to be withstood,

Defiant Boldness, demon unsubdued;—

Swart curses twain, their parents' mien that wear.

But Justice doth the smoke-begrimèd cell

Illumine with celestial sheen,