Page:The Dramas of Aeschylus (Swanwick).djvu/84

14

Of these great tidings what the certain proof?

Warrant I have;—how not? or Heaven deceives me.

Trusting the suasive augury of dreams?

The fancies of the sleep-bound soul I heed not.

But hath some wingless rumour buoy'd thee up?

Thou chidest me as were I a young girl.

But since what time was Priam's city spoiled?

This very night now bringing forth the day.

What messenger could travel with such speed?

Hephaestos, a bright flash from Ida sending.

Hither through swift relays of courier-flame,

Beacon transmitted beacon. Ida first

To the Hermaean rock on Lemnos' Isle;

Thence Athos' summit, dedicate to Zeus,