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236 to her discourse; nor should I have touched upon this theme, had I not heard that she was threatened with a dread doom, which shall restrain her from her long-drawn laments.

. Come, declare it then, this terror! If thou canst tell me of aught worse than my present lot, I will resist no more.

. Indeed, I will tell thee all that I know. They purpose, if thou wilt not cease from these laments, to send thee where thou shalt never look upon the sunlight, but pass thy days in a dungeon beyond the borders of this land, there to chant thy dreary strain. Bethink thee, then, and do not blame me hereafter, when the blow hath fallen; now is the time to be wise.

. Have they indeed resolved to treat me thus?

. Assuredly, whenever Aegisthus comes home.

. If that be all, then may he arrive with speed!

. Misguided one! what dire prayer is this?

. That he may come, if he hath any such intent.

. That thou mayst suffer—what? Where are thy wits?

. That I may fly as far as may be from you all.

. But hast thou no care for thy present life?

. Aye, my life is marvellously fair.

. It might be, couldst thou only learn prudence.

. Do not teach me to betray my friends.

. I do not,—but to bend before the strong.

. Thine be such flattery: those are not my ways.

. 'Tis well, however, not to fall by folly.

. I will fall, if need be, in the cause of my sire.

. But our father, I know, pardons me for this.