Page:The Tragedies of Aeschylus - tr. Potter - 1812.pdf/193



N this tragedy the reader will find the strongest traces of the genius of AEschylus, and the most distinguishing proofs of his skill. Great in his conception, Bold and daring in his metaphors, strong in his passions, he here touches the heart with uncommon emotions. The odes are particularly sublime, and the oracular spirit, that breathes through them, adds a wonderful elevation and dignity to them. Short as the part of Agamemnon is, the poet has the address to throw such an amiable dignity around him, that we soon become interested in his favour, and are predisposed to lament his fate. The character of Clytemnestra is finely marked; an highspirited, artful, close, determined, dangerous woman. But the poet has no where exerted such efforts of his genius, as in the scene where Cassandra appears: As a prophetess, she gives every mark of the divine inspiration, from the dark and distant hint, through all the noble imagery of the prophetic enthusiasm; till, as the catastrophe advances, she more and more plainly declares it: As a suffering