Page:Tragedies of Seneca (1907) Miller.djvu/344

326 Shall e'er be taken from thee. Make request: What thou desirest will I freely give, And fill thee with thy loving family. Thou shalt be satisfied; be not afraid. E'en now thy children, mingled with my own, Enjoy alone their youthful festival. They shall be summoned hither. Now behold This ancient cup, an heirloom of our house. Take thou and drink the wine which it contains.

Thyestes: I take my brother's proffered gift. But first Unto our father's gods we'll pour a share, And then will drink the cup. But what is this? My hands will not obey my will; the cup— How heavy it has grown, how it resists My grasp! And see how now the wine itself, Though lifted to my mouth, avoids the touch, And flees my disappointed lips. Behold, The table totters on the trembling floor; The lights burn dim; the very air is thick, And, by the natural fires deserted, stands All dull and lifeless 'twixt the day and night. What can it all portend? Now more and more The shattered heavens seem tottering to their fall; The darkness deepens, and the gloomy night In blacker night is plunged. And all the stars Have disappeared. Whatever this may mean, Oh, spare my children, brother, spare, I pray; And let this gathering storm of evil burst Upon my head. Oh, give me back my sons! Atreus: Yes, I will give them back, and never more Shall they be taken from thy fond embrace. [Exit.] Thyestes: What is this tumult rising in my breast? Why do my vitals quake? I feel a load Unbearable, and from my inmost heart Come groans of agony that are not mine. My children, come! your wretched father calls.