Page:The Dramas of Aeschylus (Swanwick).djvu/169

Rh Upon man's daring, crafty deed,

To parents thou dost deal their righteous meed.

Oh be it mine to celebrate,

Triumphantly, the howl of pain,

From caitiff smitten to the death,

From woman yielding up her breath!

For why the rage dissemble now

That shakes my soul? at my heart's prow

Relentless gales of vengeful hate,

And stormful rancour, blow amain.

Oh that, with arm of might

Great Zeus, who guards the right,

Woe, woe,—would strike the guilty pair!

Come peace to this domain!

Just meed may the unjust obtain!

Earth, and ye powers of Hades, hear my prayer.

For law it is, when on the plain

Blood hath been shed, new blood must fall.

Carnage doth to the Fury call;

Avenger of the earlier slain,

She comes, new Ruin leading in her train.

Oh Earth, and ye who rule below,