Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1898) v3.djvu/191

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Wailings I!

Cease ye, and let us haste unto the deed;

For if prayers, javelin-like, pierce earth, he hears.

Forefather Zeus, and Justice' majesty,

To him, to me, to her, grant happy speed!

Three friends—their venture one, the forfeit one,—

Owe all the selfsame debt, to live or die.

[Orestes and Pylades enter the palace.

(Str.) Dames of Mycenæ, beloved of me,

In the Argives' Pelasgian dwelling the noblest ye—

What wouldst thou say unto us, O Princess?—for thine

This name is yet in the city of Danaus' line.

Set ye yourselves—along the highway some,

And on yon bypath some—to watch the house.

But tell to me, friend, why wouldst thou win

This service of me for thy need?

I fear lest one yon palace within,

Who hath set him to work a bloody deed,

May earn him but murder for murder's meed.