Page:The Dramas of Aeschylus (Swanwick).djvu/493

Rh The stinging phrase, provoking direful wrath,

The wound by word inflicted word may heal.

But to avert the stain of kindred blood,

In sacrifice must many a victim bleed,

To many gods,—for remedy of ill.

Sooth! from this fray fain would I keep aloof,

Unskilled in evils rather let me be

Than wise! Beyond my hope may good prevail!

Of many solemn words hear now the goal.

I listen. Speak. Thy words shall 'scape me not.

Girdles and zones have I my robes to clasp.

Such garniture beseems the woman's lot.

By means of these, know well, contrivance fair—

Speak; what this word which thou wilt utter forth?

Unless some pledge thou givest to this train—

What will device of zones for thee effect?