Page:The Dramas of Aeschylus (Swanwick).djvu/184

114 O household Fury, hard to grapple with,

How many, though aloof, thou visitest,

Piercing with well-aimed arrows from afar,

While wretched me thou hast stript bare of friends.

And now, Orestes, who, by lucky chance,

His foot from ruin's slough had well-nigh freed,

Cancels by death our cherished hope, sole cure

Of the ill revelry that reigneth here.

With hosts so richly dowered I fain had sought

Acquaintance and kind cheer, as messenger

Bearing more welcome tidings; for what bond

More friendly than of stranger to his hosts?

Yet not to consummate for friends a charge

So weighty, deemed I an impiety,

By promise bound, and pledges of good-will.

Worthy regard not less shalt thou receive;

Nor have the less fair welcome to this house.

Another all the same had brought thy news.

But time it is that strangers who have made

A day-long journey should their strength recruit.

[To an attendant.

To the men's chambers usher him as guest;

His escort too, and fellow-traveller.

There be they tended as befits this house.

Do ye my will as who must give account.

Ourselves will to the rulers of this house