Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1896) v2.djvu/279

Rh That they may compass with cleansed hands the altar."

But spake Orestes, "In pure river-streams

It was but now we purified ourselves.

If strangers may with citizens sacrifice,

Ready we are, nor say thee nay, O King."

So made they end of parley 'twixt the twain.

Then, laying down their spears, the tyrant's guards,

His thralls, all set their hands unto the work.

Some brought the bowl of slaughter, some the maunds:

The fire some kindled, and the caldrons set

Over the hearths: with tumult rang the roofs.

Then took thy mother's paramour the meal,

And thus spake, on the altars casting it:

"Nymphs of the Rocks, vouchsafe me oft, with her,

Mine home-mate Tyndareus' child, to sacrifice,

As now, blest, and my foes in like ill case."

Thee and Orestes meant he; but my lord

Reversed the prayer, low-murmuring, even to win

Ancestral halls. Aegisthus from the maund

Took the straight blade, the calf's hair shore therewith,

And on the pure flame with his right hand cast;

Then, when his thralls heaved shoulder-high the calf,

Severed the throat, and to thy brother spake:

"Herein, men boast, Thessalians take their pride,

In deftly quartering the slaughtered bull,

And taming steeds. Take thou the steel, O guest,