AESCHYLUS VOL.II WITH AN ENGLISH TRNSL. BY HERBERT WEIR SMYTH 1926

AESCHYLUS 

WITH AN ENGLISH TRANSLATION BY 

HERBERT WEIR SMYTH, Ph.D. 

ELIOT PROFESSOR OF GREEK LITERATURE IN HARVARD UNIVERSITY 

IN TWO VOLUMES 

II 

AGAMEMNON 

LIBATION-BEARERS EUMENIDES 

FRAGMENTS 

LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN 

NP:vv YORK: G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS 

MCMXXVI

2-2>.(I.S^ 

Printed in Great Britain.

CONTENTS OF VOLUME II 

AGAMEMNON 

THE LIBATiON-BEARERS 

EUMENIDES 

FRAGMENTS 

INDEX OF PROPER NAMES 

155 

269 

374 

522 

(i

ata slip, Aesch.— Vol. II. 

ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS TO VOL. I 

Additions to the List of Editions (p. xxxi ff.).—All 

the plays : 1853-54, Buckley. 1920-25, Mazon. Choephoroe 

: 1729, Oxford. 1774, Foulis press. 1776, Vollborth. 

Eumenides : 1901, Barnett. 1901, Plaistowe (w. prose 

translation). Persians ; 1847, Paley. Undated, Haydon. 

Prometheus : 1887, Plaistowe and Masom (w. prose translation). 

1900, Plaistowe and Mills (w. prose translation). 

Seven against Thehes : 1847, Paley. 1897 (1900), Plaistowe 

(w. prose translation). 

Additions to the List of Translations.— Agamemnon : 

1823, Boyd (prose). 1839, Fox. 1846, Sewell. 1848, 

Anon. 1880, Anon, (prose). 1886, Students of the University 

of Sydney (prose). 1888, Anon, (prose). 1890, Cooper 

(Oresteia). 1893, Campbell (Oresteia, prose). 1900(1911), 

Sixth Form Boys of Bradfield College. 1919, Davis. 1920, 

Ellis. 1920, Murray. 1920, Trevelyan (Oresteia). 1921, 

Robinson in " The Genius of the Greek Drama." Choephoroe, 

Eumenides : 1890, Cooper (Oresteia), 1893, Campbell 

(Oresteia, prose). 1920, Trevelyan (Oresteia). 1923-25, 

Murray. Persians : 1829, Palin. 1855, Wood (prose). 

1873, Staunton. 1922, Cookson. Prometheus : 1822, 

Anon, (prose). 1823, Edwards (prose). 1835, Fox. 

1839, Giles. 1846, Swayne. 1848 (1881), Mongan (prose). 

1870, Lang. 1870, Perkins (prose). 1903, Bouchier. 

1907, Whitelaw. 1916, Wier. 1920, Harman (prose and 

verse). 1922, Cookson. Seven against Thebes : 1881, 

Mongan (prose). 1922, Cookson. Suppliants : 1839, 

Giles (prose). 1922, Cookson. 

Full List of the Editions of the Fragments.— 1619, 

Meursius. 1663, Stanley. 1745, Pauw, 1805 (1844), 

Bothe. 1816, Butler. 1821, Schutz. 1830 (1869), Dindorf. 

1842, E. A. J. Ahrens. 1852 (1859), Hermann. 1855, 

Hartung. 1856 (1889), Nauck. 1893 (Berlin), 1896 

(Athens), Wecklein. 1899 (1902), Sidgwick. Unlisted 

fragments: Smyth, Am. Journ. Phil, xli (1920).

ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS TO VOL. I 

P. 17, line 5: for "shall not Zeus" read "Zeus Shall" 

and change punctuation. 

P. 48, verse 458 : put the * after yvvai^l not after hv. 

P. 49, at bottom : read * rvxa." ywaiKwu : rdx &v Markscheffel, 

ywaiîv Wecklein, 7i)i'ai^' Tucker. 

P. 71, line 3, and in note 1 : read " Lyceus." 

P. 103, line 14: for "is our destiny" read "be our 

destiny,". 

P. 135, line 2 from below : read " Darius in his time so 

scatheless a lord of the bow unto his people, to the men of 

Susa a leader dear," 

P. 180, verse 815 : Kptinh vveanv corr. by Housman to 

KpTjvis dir€

VOL. II 

AGAMEMNON

TA TOY APAMAT02 nP02i2nA 

TAAS 

XOPOS 

KATTAIMHSTPA 

KHPTS 

AFAMEMNfiN 

KASANAPA 

Ainseos 

DRAMATIS PERSONAE 

Watchman 

Chorus of Argive Elders 

Clytaemestra 

Herald 

Agamemnon 

Cassandra 

Aegisthus 

Scene.—Argos. 

Time.—The heroic age. 

Date.—458 b.c, at the City Dionysia.

ARGUMENT 

When that Helen had Jied with Paris to Troyland, her 

husband Menelaiis and his brother Agamemnon, the sons 

of Atreus and two-throned Kings of Argos, sought to 

take vengeance on him who had done outrage to Zeus, 

the guardian of the rights of hospitality. Before their 

palace appeared a portent, which the seer Calchas interpreted 

to them : the two eagles were the Kings themselves 

and the pregnant hare seized in their talons was the city 

,1-^ which held Priam's son a?id Helen and her wealth. But 

..^•^. Artemis, she that loves the wild things of the f 

eld, was 

fvroth with the Kings : and when all their host was 

, , 

gathered at Aulis and would sail with its thousand ships, 

^ . she made adverse winds to blow ; so that the ships rotted 

^^\^\a,nd the crews lost heart. Then the seer, albeit in darkling 

J^ Vôrds, spake unto Agamemnon " : If thou wilt appease 

!r{Jj^ the goddess and so free the fleet, thou must sacrifice with 

V1[ thine own hand thy daughter Iphigenia." And he did 

J 

even so, and the Greeks sailed away in their ships. 

Nine years did they lay siege to Troytown, but they 

could not take it ; for it was fated that it should%ot be 

taken until the tenth year. 

Now when King Agamemnon fared forth from Argos, 

he left at home his Queen, Clytaemestra, Leda's child 

and Helen's sister (though she had for father Tyndareus, 

but Helen s was Zeus himself) ; and in her loneliness 

and because Agamemnon had slain her daughter, she 

4

AGAMEMNON 

gave ear to the whisperings of another's love, even of 

Aegisthus, son of that Thyestes who had lain with the 

wife of his brother Atreus ; and for revenge Atreus 

slew other of Thyestes' sons and gave their father thereof 

to eat ; and when Thyestes learned whereof he had eaten, 

he cursed his brother's race. 

With the coming of the tenth year of the war, Queen 

Clytaemestra, plotting with Aegisthus against her husband's 

life, ordered that watch be kept upon the roof of 

her palace at Argos ; for a succession of beacon-fires 

was to flash the news from Troy when the city should 

be captured by Agamemnon. For weary months the 

watchman has been on the look-out— but at last the signal 

blazes forth in the night. In celebration of the glad 

event, the Quee?i has altar-fires kindled throughout the 

city. The Chorus of Elders will not credit the tidings ; 

nor are their doubts resolved until a herald announces 

the approach of Agamemnon, whose ship had alone 

escaped the storm that had raged in the night Just passed. 

Welcomed by his Queen, Agamemnon bespeaks a kindly 

reception for his captive, Cassandra, Priam's daughter, 

and on his wife's urgence consents to walk to his palace 

on costly tapestries. Cassandra seeks in vain to convince 

the Eiders of their master's peril ; and, conscious 

also of her own doom, passes within. Agamemnon's 

death-shriek is heard ; the two corpses are displayed. 

Clytaemestra exults in her deed and defies the Elders. 

Aegisthus enters to declare that Agamemnon has been 

slain in requital for his father's crime. The Elders, on 

the point of coming to blows with Aegisthus and his 

body-guard, are restrained by Clytaemestra, but not before 

they utter the warning that Orestes will return to exact 

vengeance for the murder of his father.

. 

20 

AFAMEMNQN 

*TAAH 

Qeovs fJiev alroj tcDj/8' dTra?0âyrjv ttovcov 

povpds irelas jxrJKOs, rjv^ KoipiiLfxevos 

areyais Ârpeihcov dyKadev, kvvos Slktjv, 

aarpcov /carotSa vvKrepcov ofxtjyvpLv, 

5 /cat Tovs (ficpovras x^^H-'^ '6Pos yap dvd^ vttvov TTapaararei, 

15 TO fJiTj êâiojs ^X4(f)apa av/jbâXeZv vttpco' 

orav 8 deiSeiv rj fxtvvpeadai Sokco, 

VTTVOV ToS' duripLoXiTOV ivre/xvcov* a/co?, 

/cAaio) tot' oiKov rovSe avfiôpdv areviov 

ovx ios ra irpoad dpiara SLaTTOuovpievov 

vvv 8' evrvxrjs yevoir diraXXayrj ttovojv 

1 3' 9jv MV, 7)^ FV3N. 2 Bracketed by Pauw. 

' iXirllûv with over w M. * iKrifivwv FiRom.V3.

AGAMEMNON 

Watchman 

[ Upon the roof of the palace of Agamemnon at Argos] 

Release from this weary task of mine has been my 

cry unto the gods throughout my long year's watch, 

wherein, couchant upon the palace roof of the 

Atreidae, upon my bended arm, like a hound, I have 

learned to know aright the conclave of the stars of 

night, yea those radiant potentates conspicuous in 

the firmament, bringers of winter and summer unto 

mankind [the constellations, what time they wane 

and rise]. 

So now I am still awatch for the signal-flame, the 

gleaming fire that is to harbinger news from Troy 

and tidings of its capture. For thus rules my 

Queen, woman in sanguine heart and man in strength 

of purpose. And whenever I make here my bed, 

restless and dank with dew and unvisited by dreams 

—for instead of sleep fear stands ever by my side, so 

that I cannot close my eyelids fast in sleep—and 

whenever I 

am minded to sing or hum a stave (and 

thus apply an antidote of song to ward off drowsiness), 

then it is my tears start forth, as I bewail the 

fortunes of this our house, not ordered for the best 

as in days agone. But to-night may there come 

7


evayyeXov âreWoj op^vaiov irvpos. 

CO xatpe XafXTTTTjp vvktos, rjfMeprâtov 

(f>dos 7n(f>avaK

! 

; 

AGAMEMNON 

happy release from my weary task ! 

May the fire 

with its glad tidings flash through the gloom ! 

[The signal-fire sudde7ily fiashes out 

All hail, thou blaze that showest forth in the night 

a light as it were of day, thou harbinger of many a 

glad 

choral dance in Argos in thanksgiving for this 

event 

What ho ! What ho ! 

To Agamemnon's Queen I thus cry aloud the signal 

to rise from her couch and in all haste to uplift in 

her palace halls a shout of jubilance in welcome of 

yon fire, if in very truth the city of Ilium is taken, as 

this beacon doth unmistakably announce. And I 

will make an overture with a dance upon my own 

account ; for my lord's lucky cast I shall count to 

mine own score, yon beacon having thrown me 

treble sixes. 

Ah well, may the master of the house come home 

and may I clasp his welcome hand in mine ! For 

the rest I'm dumb ; a great ox stands upon my 

tongue ^—yet the house itself, could it but speak, 

might tell a tale full plain ; since, for my part, 

of mine own choice I have words for such as 

know, and to those who know not I've lost my 

memory. 

[He descends by 

an inner stairway 

attendants kindle fires at the altars 

placed in front of the palace. 

Enter the chorus of Argive Elders 

Chorus 

This is now the tenth year since Priam's mighty 

adversary, King Menelaiis, and with him King 

Agamemnon, the mighty twain of Atreus' sons, 

9


TLfirjs oxvpov êvyos ÂrpeiSdv 

45 aroXov ÂpyeioiV ^''^ôvaijrrjv^ 

TTJaS d-jTO x^p(^s 

rjpav, arpaTLayriv apcoyrjv,^ 

fxeyav e/c dvp,ov KXdôvres "Aprj 

TpoTTov alyvTTLcov, olr* eKirariois 

60 dXyeat TratScup' VTraroi Xexeoiv 

arpo(f)o8ivovvraL 

TTrepvycov eperixolcriv ipeaao/xevoL, 

SefjbVLOT-^prj 

TTovov opraXixitiV oXecravres' 

56 VTTaros S dicov 7] tls ' AttoXXcov 

T] Udv t) Zey? otcovodpoov 

yoov o^vôav rcovSe 

varepoTTOivov 

fxeTOLKCov 

TTe/XTTet TTapa^daiv 'E/jtrw. 

60 ofToj 8' Ârpeojs nalSag 6 Kpetacrcov 

€77 AXe^dvSpo) TriiXTTei feVtos" 

Zey? TToXvdvopos d/xtf)! yvvaiKos 

TToXXa TraXaiapLara Koi yvioâprj 

yovaros Koviaiaiv epeihojxevov^ 

66 hiaKvaiopLev-qs t' iv irpoTeXeiois 

KapLaKog O-qaojv Aavaotai 

Tpcoai 6^ o/xoLOj?. ecTTL 8' ottt] vvv 

can* TeAetTat 8' is to TreTTpcopLevov 

ovd VTTOKaiojv* ov9^ VTToXî^lOV 

70 ovTe SaKpviov dnvpcov Upwv 

opyds drevels TrapadeXêi. 

rjixcls 8' drtrai aapKi^ iraXaia 

^ Xi-î.ova.vTav MN {r-qv superscr. m). 

• apuyhv M (77JV superscr. m). 

• ipiSo/i^yov M, ifxiirofievov F^N. * vwoKXaluv : Casaubon. 

• dWrdi a-apKi corr. from drlr* aapK* M. 

10

AGAMEMNON 

joined in honour of throne and sceptre by grace of 

Zeus, put forth from this land with an armament of 

a thousand ships by Argives manned, a warrior force 

to champion their cause. 

Loud I'ang the battle-cry they uttered in their 

rage, even as eagles scream, that, in lonely grief for 

their brood, driven by the oarage of their pinions, 

wheel high over their eyries, for that they have lost 

their toil of guarding their nurslings' nest. 

But some one of the powers supreme—Apollo 

perchance, or Pan, or Zeus—heareth the shrill 

wailing scream of the clamorous birds, these 

sojourners in his realm, and against the transgressors 

sendeth vengeance at last though late. Even so 

Zeus, whose power is over all, Zeus lord of host and 

guest, sendeth against Alexander the sons of Atreus, 

that for the sake of a woman of many a lord^ he 

may inflict struggles full many and wearisome (when 

the knee is pressed in the dust and the spear is 

shivered in the onset) on Danaans and on Trojans 

alike. 

The case now standeth where it doth—it moveth 

to fulfilment at its destined end. Not by offerings 

burned in secret, not by secret libations, not by 

tears, shall man soften the stubborn wrath of 

sacrifices unsanctified.^ 

But we, incapable of service by reason of our aged 

Menelaiis, Paris, Deiphobus. 

^ 

^ " Unsanctified," literally " fireless," " that will not 

burn." A veiled reference either to the sacrifice of Iphigenia 

by Agamemnon and the wrath of Clytaemestra, or to Paris' 

violation of the laws of hospitality that provoked the anger 

of Zeus. 

11

; 

, 


TTJs ror dpojyrjs VTToXeK^devres 

IxLfjLvofJLCv 

lax^v 

76 taoTTaiha vifiovres eVt aKi^TTTpois. 

6 re yap veapos jxveXos arepvoiv 

ivTos avaaacov^ 

iaoTTpea^vs, "Ap-qs 8' ovk evt x^P9-> 

TO 6* VTTcpyqpcov^ ûAAaSo? rjSrj 

80 KaTaKap(f)op,€vrjs rpiirohas p-kv oSouj 

arei')(ei, TratSo? 8' ovhkv dpeicov 

ovap rjp,€p6(f)avT0v^ dXatvei. 

(TV 8e, TvvSdp€0}* 

dvyarep, âaiXeia 

KXvraifM'^crTpa,^ 

86 Ti XP^'oS"; TL viov; tI S' iTratcrdopêvr], 

rlvos dyyeXlas 

TTeiOoL^ 7T€pL7T€fi7TTa OvoaKels' 

TTavTOJV be Oecov tcov darvvopuuiv 

VTTaTCOV, 

XÔVLCOV, 

90 TCOV t' ovpavLcov rcbv t' dyopaicov, 

^(x)p.ol ScopoLCTL^ (jiXiyovTaf 

dXXr] 8 dXXodev ovpavopii^Krjs 

Xap,7rds 

dvtax^L, 

app,aaaop,€vr] )(pLp,aros dyvov 

95 piaXaKOLS dSoXoLOL irap-qyopiais, 

TTcXdvw pLVXoOev âcfiXeicp. 

rovroiv Xeâa' 6 n koX Svvarov 

Kal dep.LS atvcXv, 

nauov T€ yevov rrjaSe p,€pLp,vr]s, 

100 ^ v^v Tore p,€V KaKocfypojv reXedei,, 

Tore 8' e/c dvaicjv dyavrf âivova^ 

12 

eXnls d/Ltwet povTih' dirXrjcn-ov^^ 

^ dvdffffwv ! Herm.

AGAMEMNON 

frame, discarded from that martial mustering of 

long ago, bide here at home, supporting on our 

staves a strength like unto a child's. For as the 

vigour of youth, leaping up within the breast, 

is like unto that of age, since the war-god is not 

in his place ; so over-age, its leafage already 

withering, goeth its way on triple feet, and, no 

better than a child, wandereth, a dream that is 

dreamed by day. 

But, O daughter of Tyndare6s, Queen Clytaemestra, 

what hath befallen ? What tidings hast 

thou ? On what intelligence and convinced by what 

report is it that thou sendest about thy messengers to 

enjoin sacrifice ? For all the gods our city worships, 

the 

gods supreme, the gods below, the gods of the 

lieavens and of the mart, have their altars ablaze 

with offerings. Now here, now there, the flames 

•ise high as heaven, yielding to the soft and 

guileless persuasion of hallowed unguent, even the 

lacrificial oil brought from the inner chambers of 

;he palace. Of all this declare whatsoever thou 

;anst and durst reveal, and be the healer of my soul 

Ustraught, which now at one moment bodeth ill, and 

hen again hope, shining with kindly hght from the 

^ TiOiirepyrjpojs M, rodiirepyrjpws VF, t6 0' viripyrjpuv N. 

^ i]/j.ep6(paTov M, rifiepdcpavrop N. 

* Tvv8dpeii3 (a> made from ao) a and ov superscr. M. 

* K\vTaifjLV7](TTpa FN. * TTvOoi: F Rom. 

' 0vo


TTJS dvfXOôpOV (f)p€Va Xv7T7)S.^ 

[crrp. 

Kvpios eljxt dpoelv ohiov Kpdros atacov dvSpcov 

105 eKTeXeuiV en yap Oeod.ev KaTaTTvevei^ 

TTeidoj^ 

fxoXTrdv* 

oAfcai' crviJL(f)vros alcov 

oTTcos 

'A)(ai,6jv 

hiOpovov Kpdros, 'EAAaSo? tJôs^ 

llO ^vp,(f)pova rayav,® 

7re/x7ret avv Sopl /cat êpt' TrpdKTopt 

Oovpios opvLs TevKpiS^ err* alav, 

olcoviov 

âcriXevs âaiXevat ve- 

115 ail' o KcXatvos, o r Iôttiv dpyas,^ 

(/)av€VT€S iKTap p.eXddpcov 

X^P^s ^K SopiTrdXrov^ 

Tra/xTrpeTTTois"^*' iv eSpaicriv, 

ôa-KOfjievoL Xaylvav, epiKVjxovd^^ îpixari^^ yiwav 

120 jSAajSeVra XoLcrdicov Spofjuov, 

atXivov atXtvov^^ elire, ro 8' ev viKdrio. 

[dvr. 

KeSvos 8e arparofxavrLS IBdjv 8vo^* Xiqixaai Siaaovi 

ArpetSas p.axipiovg ehdr) Xayohairas^^ 

TTOfiTTOvs t' dpxds'^^ 

125 ovrco 8' eiTre repdt,o)V 

a 

a 

^ TTji* 9viJiO(f>06pov \uw7ji piva M, Ty)v ffvfio^Spov XvTrr)^ (pp^vt 

F: Herm. * KaTairvi*ii M, /caTaTri/ei'/et VFN 

' irtiOG} M', Trei^w M^. * fioXnctv M\ fio\irdv M\ 

* ijâv: f(/3as Aristoph. Ran. 1285. 

* rdf 7ai' M, raydv VFN. 

' Sopl SlKat: 5opi Kai x^pi Aristoph. Han. 1288. 

• d/rytai : Thiersch after Blomfield. » dopvirdXrov : Turn 

" irapurpiwoi^ (corr. from -irpîrTois M) F. 

" ipiKU/jMTa M, ipiKVfiova VFN. "

! 

AGAMEMNON 

sacrifice, wards off the cankering care of the sorrow 

that eateth my heart. 

Power is mine to proclaim the augury of triumph 

given on their way to princely men—since still 

my 

age,i inspired of the gods, breatheth upon me Persuasion, 

the strength of song—how that the twinthroned 

command of the Achaeans, the concordant 

captains of the youth of Hellas, was sped with 

avenging spear and arm against the Teucrian land 

by the inspiriting omen appearing to the kings of 

the ships—the kingly birds, one black, one white of 

tail, hard by the palace, on the spear-hand,^ in a 

station full conspicuous, devouring a hare with brood 

unborn checked in the last effort to escape.^ 

Sing the song of woe, the song of woe, but may 

the good prevail 

Then the goodly seer of the host, marking how 

that the two warlike sons of Atreus were twain in 

temper, knew the devourers of the hare for the leaders 

of the armament, and thus interpreted the portent 

^ ffiix(f>vTos ald}v, literally " life that has grown with me," 

" time of life," here " old age," as the Scholiast takes it. 

Mrs. Barbauld, " Life ! We've been long together." 

Cp. 

2 The right hand. 

The Scholiast, followed by Hermann and some others, 

^ 

takes \ayivav yivvav as a periphrasis for \a-ywbv, with which 

pXaêvra agrees (cp. iraaa 7^1/m . . . 5ic

, 

. 

"xpovco fiev 

ayp€i 


UptdfjLov ttoXlv aSe KeXevdog, 

TTOvra 8e TTvpycov 

KTrjvrj TTpocrOe ra^ SrjiJiL07rXr]9r} 

130 Motp' dXaTrdêc TTpos ro ^[atov 

olov pLTj Tt? dya^ OeoOev Kve(f)darj) 

7TpoTV7T€V aTopLLOv pueya Tpotas 

Grparcodev. oIktco^ yap im- 

135 (f)9ovos "AprepLLS dyvd 

TTravoZaiV kvcfI Trarpos 

avroTOKOv Trpo Xoôv pLoyepdv Trra/ca dvopievoicnv' 

(jTvyel Se heiTTVov alercov." 

aiXivov atXivov elire, to S' ev VLKdro}. 

140 " Toaov^ 7T€p ev(f)pa)v, KoXd,^ 

hpoaoLcn,^ AeTTTOtS'' p,aXep(X)v Xeovrojv^ 

TrdvToyv r dypovopicov iXop,darois 

drjpwv o^piKdXoiai repirvd, 

roDTCov atv€L^ ^vpiôXa Kpdvai, 

[eiTCph 

146 Seîo. pîv, Kardpiopiâ Se dapi,ara \arpovdaiv\.^'^ 

IrfLov 8e KaXeco Ilatat'a, 

pi'q nvas dvTLTrvoovs 

AavaoLS xpovtas ix^vfjSas 

150 aTrXoias rev^rj, 

(j7T€v8opi,€va dvaiav irepav dvop,6v riv* , aSatrov 

veiKecov reKrova avp,

! 

AGAMEMNON 

and spake : "In time they that here issue forth 

shall seize Priam's town, but before its towered walls 

all the public store of cattle shall be ravaged perforce 

by fate. Only may no jealous wrath of Heaven 

lour down upon the embattled host, the mighty 

curb forged against Troy, and smite it ere it reach 

its goal ! For, of her pity, holy Artemis is wroth at 

the winged hounds of her sire that they make 

sacrifice of a wretched timorous thing, herself and 

her young ere she hath brought them forth. An 

abomination unto her is the eagles' feast." 

Sing the song of woe, the song of woe, but may the 

good prevail 

" Although, O Beauteous One, thou art so gracious 

to the tender whelps of fierce lions, and takest 

delight in the suckhng young of every wild creature 

that roves the field, vouchsafe that the issue be 

brought to pass accordant with these signs, portents' 

auspicious yet fraught with ill. And I implore 

Paean,^ the healer, that she may not raise adverse 

gales with long delay to stay the Danaan fleet from 

putting forth by reason of her urgence of another 

sacrifice, knowing no law, unmeet for feast, worker 

of family strife, dissolving wife's reverence for 

husband. For there abideth wrath—terrible, not 

to be suppressed, a treacherous warder of the home, 

ever mindful, a wrath that exacteth vengeance for 

a child." 

Such utterances of doom, derived from auguries 

^ Apollo ; who is implored to divert his sister Artemis 

from accomplishing the evil part of the omen. 

' diXiTTois M, aiwroiai VFN : 

Wellauer. * 6vt(j}v MV. 

[ ] 

• atVe?: Gilbert. ^° Person. ^^ diriKXaiêv M. 

VOL. II c 17

1 


ixopaifi' aTT* opviOcov oStcov olkols /SaCTtAetots" 

TOLS S' 6fji6(f>a)vov 

aiXivov aiXivov eiVe, ro 8' €v vcKara). 

160 ZiCvs, oaris ttot iariv, el t68' av- [(Trp. ^. 

rep (f>i,Xov K€KXrjp,evcp, 

TOVrO VIV 7TpO(T€VV€TrOJ. 

OVK e^ct) npoaeLKdarat 

TTavT iTTLaradfjuopbevos 

165 ttXtjv Alos, et to p,drav^ a770 ^povriôs o-xOos 

XP"^ âXetv irrjTVfJLCos . 

ovB' ooTts" irdpoiOev rjv fieyas, [dvr. ^. 

rrapudxtp dpdaei ^pvcov, 

170 ovhe Xeêrat^ TTplv cov 

o? o eTTeiT e(pv, rpta- 

KTTJpos OLxerai rvxoiv. 

ZiTJva Se res 'TTpo

! 

AGAMEMNON 

on the march, together with many bodings of good, 

did Calchas sound forth to the royal house ; and in 

accord therewith 

Sing the song of woe, the song of woe, but may 

the good prevail 

Zeus, whosoe'er he be,—if by this name it well 

pleaseth him to be invoked, by this name I 

call to 

him—as I weigh all things in the balance, I can 

conjecture none save " Zeus," if in very sooth I 

needs must cast aside this vain burthen from my 

heart. He^ who aforetime was mighty, swelling with 

insolence for every fray, he shall not even be named 

as having ever been ; and he ^ who arose thereafter, 

he hath met his overthrower and is past and gone. 

But whosoe'er, heartily taking thought beforehand, 

giveth title of victory in triumphant shout to " Zeus," 

he shall gain wisdom altogether,—Zeus, who leadeth 

mortals the way of understanding, Zeus, who hath 

stablished as a fixed ordinance that " wisdom cometh 

by suffering . " But even as trouble , bringing memory 

of pain, droppeth o'er the mind in sleep, so to those 

who would not cometh wisdom. With constraint, 

methinks, cometh the grace of the powers divine 

enthroned upon their awful seats. 

So then the captain of the Achaean ships, the elder 

bending to 

of the twain—holding no seer at fault, 

'' 

Uranus. 2 

Cronus. 

^ T65e fidrav : Pauw. " ov8^v \4âi : H. L. Ahrens. 

3 Tw M : Schiitz. * jStaiws : Turn. 

19

, 


e/XTratot? rv)(cu,aL avfjUTrvecov 

cSt* aTrXoia Kevayyei âpvvovr* 

*A)(auK6s Xea)s, 

XaAfctSo? iripav €)ôjv 

na- 

190 Xippoxdois^ iv AvXlSos tottols' 

TTVoai o O.TTO ^rpv/jLovos fxoXovaat [o"^P« S* 

KaKocrxoXoi vqarLSes SvaopjxoL, 

PpoTcov aAai, vacov ^ /cat 

195 Treiaixdroiv aêiSets", 

200 Ppi'Ovrepov Trpofioicnv 

TTaXLfjLpîJKT] xp^ô^ TideicraL 

rpi^cx) Kareâtvov av- 

Oos Âpyeicov iirel Se Acat niKpov 

XîiJiaros aAAo firjxap 

lxdvTLseKXayêv^'7Tpo(j)epa)v''Kpr€ixiv,war€x06vaâKrpois 

eTTiKpovcravras 'Ar/aetSa? SaKpv firj KaTacrx^lv 

205 aiva^ 8' o rrpia^vs tot*' elne ^cuvcDv [dvr. 3. 

" Papeia fiev Kr)p to fxr) TTiOeadat,^ 

Papeia S', el tckvov Sat- 

^(o, Sofjicov dyaXjxa, 

fxiaivojv 

7Tapd€voa

AGAMEMNON 

— 

the adverse blasts of fortune, what time the Achaean 

folk, on the shore over against Chalcis in the region 

where Auhs' tides surge to and fro, were sore 

distressed by opposing winds and faihng stores ; and 

the breezes that blew from the Strymon, bringing 

them grievous leisure, hunger, and tribulation of 

spirit in a cruel port, driving the men distraught, 

and sparing nor ship nor cable, by doubhng the 

season of their stay, began to wither by wasting 

the flower of Argos ; and when the seer, urging 

Artemis as cause, proclaimed to the chieftains 

another remedy, more grievous even than the bitter 

storm, so that the sons of Atreus smote the ground 

with their staves and stifled not their tears 

Then the elder king spake and said " : Hard is 

my fate to refuse obedience, and hard, if I must 

slay my child, the glory of my home, and at the 

altar-side stain with streams of a virgin's blood a 

father's hand. Which of these courses is not fraught 

with ill ? How can I become a deserter to my fleet 

and fail my allies in arms ? For that they should 

with passionate eagerness crave a sacrifice to lull 

the winds—even a virgin's blood—stands within 

their right. May all be for the best." 

But when he had donned the yoke of Necessity, with 

veering of spirit, impious, unholy, unsanctified, from 

^ TraXippddoLs : H. L. Ahrens. * Person. 

3 ^KXayê : Person. * rSd' : Stanley. 

^ TreiOâdai M, veideadai. other mss. : Turn. 

peidpois M, peldpois N. ' ûfiov TreXas : Blomfield. 

^ tL 7r>5s XiwdvavcrTe M, irws Xnrdvavs N. 

21

— 


220 avayvov avtepov, rovev 

TO TTavTOToA/jLov poveiv fiereyvoi. 

PpoTovs^ dpaavv€L yap alaxpo/jbrjTLS 

rdXaiva TrapaKOTra npcoroTT-îxcov . erXa 8' ovp 

dvTTjp yeveadai dvyarpos, 

226 yvvaiKOTToivcov TToXeficov dpojyav 

/cai TTpoTeXeia vacov. 

Xirds 8e /cat KXrjSovas Trarpatovs [dvr. € 

vap* ovSev alco re^ Trapdeveiov^ 

230 edevTO (jyiXopiaxov ^paîjs. 

pda€v 8' d6t,oLs TTaTrjp fxer evxdv 

hUav xi'fJ'Oiipas* virepde ^cxj/xov 

TTCTrXoiai TTeptneTrj navrl dv/jicp irpovcuTn) 

235 Xaêlv depSrjv, aropiaTos 

T€ KaXXlTTpO) - 

pov (f)vXaKa^ Karacrx^lv 

d6yyov dpaZov oIkols, 

îa xoAii/wv T dvavhtp yueVet. [arp. ^. 

KpOKov â(f)ds 8' is rrehov xôvaa 

240 eâXX' eKaarov dvT-qpojv dn 6/xfâros 

ê'Aet ^LXoiKTCp, 

npeTTovad 6' ws iv ypa(f>aLs, TrpoaeweTreiv 

ueXova , eVci TroAAa/cis" 

narpos Kar dvBpaJvas evrpaTreôvs 

245 CfxeXtPev, dyvd' 8' draiipcoros ai)8a« 7raTp6s 

TTOTfxov iraidva' ^t'Acos eVt/za 

ra 8' evdev ovt etSov ovr Ivve-noi- \dvr. t, 

T€xyat Se KaXxavTos ovk aKpavroL. 

260 Ac/ca 8e rots fxcv iradovaiv iiadelv 

22

— 

AGAMEMNON 

that hour his purpose shifted to resolve that deed 

of uttermost audacity For mankind is emboldened 

by wretched delusion, counsellor of ill, primal source 

of woe. So then he hardened his heart to sacrifice his 

daughter that he might prosper a war waged to 

avenge a woman, and as an offering for the voyaging 

of a fleet ! 

Her supphcations, her cries of " Father," and her 

virgin life, the commanders in their eagerness for 

war reckoned as naught. Her father, after a prayer, 

bade his ministers lay hold of her as, enwrapped in 

her robes, she lay fallen forward, and with stout 

heart to raise her, as it were a kid, high above the 

altar ; and with a guard upon her lovely mouth, the 

bit's strong and stifling might, to stay a cry that had 

been a curse on his house. 

Then, as she shed to earth her saffron robe, she 

smote each of her sacrificers with a glance from her 

eyes beseeching pity, and showing as in a picture, 

fain to speak ; for oft had she sung where men 

were met at her father's hospitable board, and with 

her virgin voice had been wont lovingly to do honour 

to her loved father's prayer for blessing at the third 

libation ^ 

What next befell, I beheld not, neither do I 

The art of Calchas failed not of fulfilment. 

tell. 

Justice 

inclineth her scales so that wisdom cometh at 

^ At the end of a banquet, libations were offered (1) to* 

Zeus and Hera, or to the Olympian gods in general, (2) to 

the Heroes, (3) to Zeus, the Saviour ; then came the paean, 

or song, after which the symposium began. 

^ (SjooTois : Spanheim. 

Miiller. ' irapdivLov aiiova 

* 

ir. : O. 

XeLfxalpas MV, x'â'pas FN. ^ 

M, wapdiveLov 

(pvXaKav : 

FN. 

Blomfield. 

* dyva . . . aitda M, d7J'^ N, FN. 

" 

aiQva : Enger. 

av8^ 

23

. 

emppeTTei' ro fMcXXov 


d6vos. 

KATTAIMH2TPA 

evayyeXos fxev, tZanep rj irapoLfMia, 

265 €U)S yevoLTO jjL-qrpos ev^poviqg trdpa. 

irevar) 8e X^Pl^^ fielôv cAmSo? kXvclv 

Hpid/xov yap rjpiJKacnv Âpyeloi ttoXlv. 

X0P02 

TTOis ^rjs; TTe(f>€vy€ tovttos i$ dTnartas. 

KATTAIMHSTPA 

Tpoiav *A)(aiu)v ovaav ^ ropdjs Xiyut; 

X0P02 

270 X^P^ M' V(f>€p7T€L BdKpvov eKKaXovfievTj. 

^ Tbfj^Wov rb 5k TrpoK\v€iv M'-VF ; rb fjAWov M'N :

; 

AGAMEMNON 

the price of suffering. But what is yet to be, that 

thou — shalt know when it befalleth ; till then, let it 

be 'tis all one with sorrowing too soon. Clear it will 

cojne, together with the hght of dawn. However, 

[enter Clytaemestrd] as for what shall follow, may the 

issue be happy, even as is the wish of our sole guardian 

here, the bulwark of the Apian land, who standeth 

nearest to our lord. 

I am come, Clytaemestra, in obedience to thy 

royal authority ; for it is meet to do homage to the 

consort of a sovereign prince when her lord's throne 

is tenantless. Now whether the tidings thou hast 

heard be good or ill, and thou dost make sacrifice 

with hopes that herald gladness, I fain would hear 

yet, if thou wouldst keep silence, I make no complaint. 

Clytaemestra 

As herald of gladness, with the proverb, may 

Morn be born from her mother Night ! Thou 

shalt hear joyful news surpassing all thy hopes—the 

Argives have taken Priam's town ! 

Chorus 

How say est thou ? The meaning of thy words hath 

escaped me, so incredible they seemed. 

I 

Clytaemestra 

said that Troy is in the hands of the Achaeans. 

Is my meaning clear ? 

Chorus 

Joy steals over me, giving challenge to my tears. 

' 

KXvTaLfxriarpa MN, KXvTatfMvrjcrTpa VF. 

* eiVe Kedvbv : Auratus. 

25

; 


KATTAIMH2TPA 

eS yap povovvros o/>i/xa aov Korrjyope'L. 

X0P02 

Tt yap t6^ TTLarov; earc rcijvSe aoi rcKfiap; 

KATTAIMHSTPA 

eariv ri o ou;(t; /lit) ooAioaavrog oeov. 

X0P02 

TTorepa 8' oveipoiv

AGAMEMNON 

Clytaemestra 

Aye, for 'tis of a loyal heart that thine eye argues 

thee. 

Chorus 

What then is the proof? Hast thou warranty of 

this ? 

Clytaemestra 

I have, indeed ; unless some god hath played me 

false. 

Chorus 

Dost thou pay regard to the persuasive visions of 

dreams ? 

Clytaemestra 

I would not heed the fancies of a slumbering brain. 

Chorus 

But can it be some pleasing rumour that hath fed 

thy hopes ? 

Clytaemestra 

Truly thou floutest mine understanding as it were 

a child's. 

Chorus 

But at what time has the city been destroyed ? 

Clytaemestra 

In the night, I say, that hath but now given birth 

to yonder sun. 

Chorus 

And what messenger could reach here with speed 

like that ? 

27

, 

. 


KATTAIMH^TPA 

"HâtCTTos' "ISt^? XafiTTpov €K7T€fj.7Ta)v GcXas 

(I>Pvkt6s 8e (f)pvKT6u Seup' oltt* dyydpov^ TTVpos 

€iT€p,TT€V' "Ih-q fjiev TTpog 'Ep/xatov^ Xiiras 

Ariixvov fxeyav 8e Travov^ €k vqaov rpirov 

285 'Aôjoi' aiTTOS Ztjvo? efeSefaro, 

VTTepTeXiqs re, ttoj'tov ayare VioriaaL, 

laxvs TTopevrov XafiTrdSos npos rjSovrjv 

4 

'fTTevKT) TO ;(pucropvKTov ^cD? ctt' Ei)pt7roy poa? 

MeaaaTTtou (f>vXa^t arjpâivei p,oX6v. 

oi S' dvrdXapîfjav /cat 7rap7^yyetAav Trpoaoj 

295 ypaias epeiKiqs^ dojp,6v di/javres iTvpi. 

adivovaa Xap,7Tds 8' ouScttcd p.avpovp.evq 

VTrepdopovcra rreStov * Actcottov ,'' Slk7]v 

(fyatSpds G€Xi]V7]s, irpos Kîdaipiovos Xenas 

Tjyeipev dXXrjV eKho)(r^v 7rop,7rov nvpos. 

300

. 

AGAMEMNON 

Clytaemestra 

Hephaestus, from Ida speeding forth his brilliant 

blaze. Beacon passed beacon on to us by courierflame 

: Ida, to the Hermaean scaur in Lemnos ; to 

the mighty blaze upon the island succeeded, third, 

the summit of Athos sacred unto Zeus ; and, soaring 

high aloft so as to arch the main, the flame, 

travelling joyously onward in its strength . . . 

the pine-wood torch, its golden-beamed light, as 

another sun,i passing the message on to the watchtowers 

of Macistus. He, delaying not nor heedlessly 

overcome by sleep, neglected not his part as 

messenger. Far over Euripus' stream came the 

beacon-light and gave the signal to the sentinels 

on Messapion. They, kindling a heap of ^vithered 

heather, lit up their answering blaze and sped the 

message on. The flame, now gathering strength 

and in no wise dimmed, like unto a radiant moon 

o'erleaped the plain of Asopus to Cithaeron's scaur, 

and roused another relay of missive fire. Nor did 

the warders there disdain the far-flung light, but 

made a blaze higher than had been bidden them. 

Across Gorgopus' water shot the light, reached the 

mount of Aegiplanctus, and urged the ordinance of 

fire to make no dallying. Kindhng high with unstinted 

force a mighty beard of flame, they sped it 

forward that, as it blazed, it o'erpassed even the 

headland that looks upon the Saronic gulf; until 

^ 

The Greek text is here corrupt. 

* âj'6j' : Casaubon from Athenaeus xv. 700 e, Photius. 

* Lacuna indicated by Casaubon. " (XKoiras : Turn. 

« ^piKris Ml, ipeiKTjs M^VFN. 

waiSiov wvov MY 

* X


Xe'yovaav' ear^ eoKrîpev eur'^ aiK€To 

*Apa)(valov OiTTOS, aarvyeirovas OKOTvas' 

310 KaneiT 'ArpeiBiov is roSe aKr]7TT€i areyos 

AGAMEMNON 

it swooped down when it reached the look-out, 

nigh unto our city, upon the peak of Arachnaeus ; 

and next upon this roof of the Atreidae it leapt, yon 

fire not undescended from the Idaean flame. Such 

are the torch-bearers I have arranged—in succession 

one to the other completing the course ; and victor 

is he who ran both first and last.^ This is the warrant 

and the token I give thee, the message of my lord 

from Troy to me. 

Chorus 

Lady, my prayers of thanksgiving to Heaven I 

will offer anon. But I would fain hear at large and 

satisfy my wonder at thy tale, so thou wouldst tell 

it yet again. 

Clytaemestra 

Troy is this day in the hands of the Achaeans. 

Within the town there sounds loud, methinks, a 

clamour of voices that will not blend. Pour vinegar 

and oil into the same cruse and thou wilt say that, 

as foes, they keep asunder; so the cries of vanquished 

and victors greet the ear, distinct as their fortunes 

are diverse. Those, flung upon the corpses of their 

husbands and their brothers, children upon the bodies 

of their aged sires who gave them life, bewail from 

lips no longer free the death of their dearest ones, 

while these—a night of restless toil after battle sets 

them down famished to break their fast on such 

fare as the town affords ; not billeted in order due, 

^ The light kindled on Mt. Ida is conceived as starting 

first and finishing last ; the light from Mt. Arachnaeus, as 

starting last and finishing first. 

* X^yoLs FN, X^yets V. ^ AtiiKTOp : Kirchhoff. 

* iKxâs: Canter. ' ^/Xws: Stanley. 

' vrjcxTis F, vrj(TTiaL V, VTjCTTeis N. 

31

. 


a(f)vAaKrov evSTâovcri rrdaav eixftpovriv 

. 

aAA (x)s cKaoTos eairaaev Tvx'f]S ttoXov. 

ev KepSeacv viKcopêvovs 

Set yap rrpos olkovs voarlfiov aojrrjpLas 

Kdixifiac SiavXov Odrepov kcoXov ttoXiv' 

34S deols 8' dva[jt,7TXdK7]Tos el jjloXol arparos, 

eyprjyopos^ to Trij/xa tcov oXujXotojv 

yevoLT dv, el TTpoanata jxr] rvxoi /ca/ca. 

Toiavrd tol yvvacKos e^ ifiov AcAyets"' 

TO 8 eS KpaTOlT) fXT) BixoppoTTCos ISetv. 

360 TToXXcov yap eadXiov ttî'S'^" ovrjaiv elXofjirjv. 

X0P02 

yvvai, /car dvSpa acoibpov* eixbpovuts Xeyeis. 

eyco o aKovaas TTiOTa aov TeKpbrjpLa 

Oeovs TTpoaenrelv ev 7TapaaKevdt,ofxaL. 

xdpt-s yap ovK aTi/Ao? etpyaoTai ttovojv. 

^^ (L Zeu âaiXev /cat vv^ (f)iXia 

fieydXojv Koafxoiv KTedTetpa, 

32 

TIT €7tI Tpoia? TTvpyots eâXes 

areyavov Slktvov, w£ /x-^re p,iyav 

^

AGAMEMNON 

— 

but as each man hath drawn his lot of chance. 

And even now they are quartered in the captured 

Trojan homes, dehvered from the frosts and dew of 

the naked sky, and hke happy men will sleep all the 

night unsentinelled. 

Now if they keep them clear of guilt towards the 

gods of the town—those of the conquered land 

and towards their shrines, the captors shall not be 

made captives in their turn. Only may no mad 

impulse first assail the soldiery, overmastered by 

greed, to ravish what they should not ! For to win 

safe passage home they needs must travel back the 

other length of their double course. But even if, 

void of such offence towards the gods, our host 

should reach home, the gi-ievous suffering of the 

dead might still prove wakeful—so be it fresh mischance 

do not befall. These are my woman's words ; 

but may the good prevail and that right clearly ! 

For, choosing thus, I have chosen the enjoyment of 

many a blessing. 

Chorus 

Lady, like a prudent man thou speakest wisely. 

And, for my part, now that I have listened to thy 

certain proofs, I prepare me to address due prayers 

of thanksgiving to Heaven ; for a success hath been 

achieved that well requites the toil. 

Hail, sovereign Zeus, and thou kindly Night, that 

hast given us great glory for our possession, thou 

who didst cast thy meshed snare upon the towered 

walls of Troy, so that nor old nor young could 

' ifiiriiTTr) F^, i/xiriiTTeL V, ifxiriTrroi F^N. 

* iypriyopov : Porson. * kMois FN, /cXueis V. 

^^ tV 

' Herm. 

VQL. n D 33


fjLiJT ovv veapcov riv* vnepreXdaai 

360 fxeya SovXelas 

ydyyajJLOV, drrjs 7TavaXa)rov. 

Ata TOL êvLov fxeyav alSov/xaL 

Tov raSe Trpdâvr' €7r' 'AXe^dvSpo) 

Teivovra ndXai toôv, ottojs dv 

365 {jL7]re Tipo Kaipov jJiijd' vnep dcrrpcvv 

êXos rjXidLOV aK-qipeiev. 

Aios TrXaydv exovatv^ elTretv, [o"^P- « 

TTapeuTLv^ TOVTO y'^ i^L)(V€vaai. 

[d)s] €7Tpa^€V d)S^ €KpaV€V. OVK €

AGAMEMNON 

o'erleap the huge enthralling net, all-conquering 

doom. Great Zeus it is, lord of host and guest, 

whom I revere—he who hath wrought this, and 

hath long been bending his bow against Alexander 

so that his bolt should neither fall short of the 

mark nor, flying beyond the stars, be launched in 

vain. 

" The stroke of Zeus " they may call it ; 'tis his 

hand that can be traced therein. As he determines, 

so he acts. It hath been said by some one 

that the gods deign not to be mindful of mortals 

who trample, underfoot the grace of inviolable 

sanctities. But that man knew not the fear of 

God! 

Now standeth revealed how ruin is the penalty 

for reckless crime when men breathe a spirit of pride 

above just measure for that their mansions teem 

with abundance o'erpassing their best good. But 

let there be such portion of wealth as bringeth no 

distress, so that he who hath a goodly share of 

sound sense may have a sufficiency therewith. For 

riches are no bulwark to the man who in wantonness 

hath spurned from his sight the mighty altar 

of Righteousness. 

No, he is driven on by perverse Temptation, the 

overmastering child of designing Destruction ; and 

remedy is utterly in vain. His evil is not hidden ; 

it shineth forth, a baleful gleam. Like base metal 

^ ^Xoucrai' F^, ^xouo-' F^ Rom., ^x'^^'^'-^ N. 

wdpecTTL : Hartung. ^ tovt6 y N, tovt' 

* tbs Hirpaâv Rom., ws ewpaêv FN : Herm. 

^ F. 

* iyyovovs Hartung. « dpr) Headlam. 

: : 

' dirapKelv F, KairapKelv N. * fieydXa : Canter. 

^ TrpoôvXoTrais : Hartung. 

35


rplô) re kol^ irpoaôXals^ 

IxeXafjLTTayrjs 

hiKaioideis, 

TreXei 

CTTel 

Sl(ok€l TTaXs TToravov^ opviv, 

395 TToAet TTpoarpLfjLfji' aêprov ivdeCs* 

XltoLv S' oiKoveL fxkv ovris Occov 

rov 8' eTTiarpo(j)ov rcbv^ 

dSiKov KaOaipel. 

AGAMEMNON 

beneath the touchstone's rub, when tested he showeth 

the blackness of his grain (for he is like a child that 

chaseth a winged bird) and upon his people he 

bringeth a taint not to be removed. To his prayers 

all gods are deaf, and the man who is conversant with 

such deeds, him they destroy in his unrighteousness. 

Such was even Paris, who came to the house of 

the sons of Atreus and did dishonour to his hosts' 

hospitable board by stealing away a wedded wife. 

But she, bequeathing to her people the clang of 

shield and spear and armament of fleets, and bringing 

to Ihum destruction in place of dower, with hght step 

she passed through the gates—daring a deed undareable. 

Then loud wailed the seers of the house crying, 

" Alas, alas, for the home, the home, and for the 

princes thereof! Alas for the husband's bed and 

the impress of her form so dear ! Lo, he sits apart 

in the anguish of his grief, silent, smitten in his 

honour but upbraiding not. In his yearning for her 

who sped beyond the sea, a phantom will seem 

to be lord of the house. The grace of fair-formed 

statues is hateful to him ; and in the hunger of his 

eyes all lovehness is departed. 

In dreams there come to him mournful semblances 

^ T€ Kal N, re F. * irpoôXah : Pearson. 

' irravov F, irTavov tlv' N : Schiitz. 

* ivdeh N, dels F. * rQvSe : Klausen. 

* tCov F, tov N. ^ KKotrah F. 

* kKovovs XoyxlfJ-ovs re /cat : H. L. Ahrens.*

aai X

— 

AGAMEMNON 

bringing joy in vain ; for vainly, whensoever in 

fancy a man seeth delights, straightway the vision, 

slipping through his arms, is gone, winging its 

flight along the paths of sleep." Such are the sorrows 

at hearth and home, aye and sorrows surpassing 

these ; and at large, in every house of all who sped 

forth in company from the land of Hellas, is seen 

grief that passeth bearing. Yea, many are the 

things that pierce the heart ; for whom each sent 

forth, them he knows ; but to the home of each 

come urns and ashes, not living men. 

For Ares bartereth the bodies of men for gold ; 

he holdeth his balance in the contest of the spear ; 

and back from Ilium to their loved ones he sendeth 

a heavy dust passed through his burning, a dust 

bewept with plenteous tears, in place of men freighting 

urns well bestowed with ashes.^ So they make 

lament, lauding now this one " 

: How skilled in 

battle ! " now that one " : Fallen nobly in the 

carnage," for another's wife," men mutter in 

^^ 

secret, and grief charged with resentment spreads 

stealthily against the sons of Atreus, champions in 

the strife. But there far from home, around the 

1 This passage, in which war is compared to a goldmerchant, 

is charged with double meanings : ToKavTovxos, 

" balance " and " scales of battle," irvpwdiv of " purified " 

gold-dust and of the " burnt " bodies of the slain, âpv, 

" heavy " and " grievous," avrrivopos, " the price of a man," 

and " instead of men," Xe^-qras, "jars " and " funeral urns." 

^ bpav : Scholefield. ^ xî-P^" ^ 

3 oTTttSots : Dobree. * eWddos : Bamberger. 

® irivdeia rXtjaiKapdios : Headlara. 

Porson. ' evderov : Auratus. 

*


evfxopôL KarexovcTLv iy- 

455 6pa 8' exovras eKpvipev, 

papeia 8' darwv ^dris ^vv kotoj- [dvj . 

y 

SrjiMOKpdvTov^ S' dpds rivet xPô\\ 

fxeuei S' dKovaai tL fjuov 

460 fieptfjiva vvKTTjpeês. 

ru)v TToXvKrovcov yap ovk 

doKOTTOL deoi. KeXat- 

I'at o Êpcvves XP^^^ 

TVXTjpOV OVT dv€V St/ca? 

465 TTaXivrvxel^ '^pi-^d îov 

TideXa dfjLavpov, eV S' di- 

(TTois reXeOovTos ovris dX- 

/Ca- TO S' VTTepKOTTCOS^ kXv€iv 

ev papv- ^dXXerai yap oa- 

470 aois hioQev Kdpava.* 

KpLvo) S' d(f>dovov oXôv 

firJT e'i-qv TrroXnTopd-qs 

fi-qr oyv avTos dXovs vn dX- 

Xoiv ^Lov KarihoLpbL. 

475 

7rvp6s S'^ iJtt' edayy^Xov U^^S. 

ttoAlv birjKCL doa 

âfty et S' errirvpios ,^ 

ris olhev, 7\ Tt« delov eari 777^' ifjvOos.— 

480 

Ti? tSSe TTaihv6s -7 cfipevdjv K€Kop,p,e'vos, 

(pXoyos napayyeXpLamv 

veoLs nvpcodevTa Kaphiav eneir 

dXXaya Xoyov Ka/xeiv; — 

40 

[«/]* ywaiKog alxpia Trpenei 

rrpo Tov av4vTos x^pLv ^vvaiviaai.—

AGAMEMNON 

city's walls, those in their beauty's bloom are entombed 

in Ilian land—the foeman's soil hath covered 

its conquerors. 

Dangerous is a people's voice charged with wrath 

—it hath the office of a curse of public doom. In 

anxious fear I bide to hear some tidings shrouded 

still in gloom ; for Heaven is not unmindful of men of 

blood. In the. end the black Spirits of Vengeance 

bring to obscurity him who hath prospered in 

unrighteousness and wear down his fortunes by 

reverse ; and once he hath passed among them that 

are brought to naught, there is no more help for him. 

Glory in excess is fraught with peril ; 'tis the lofty 

peak that is smitten by heaven's thunderbolt. Prosperity 

unassailed by envy is my choice. Let me not 

be a destroyer of cities ; no, nor let me be despoiled 

and live to see my own life in another's power ! 

(One Elder) 

Heralded by a beacon of good tidings a swift 

report has spread throughout the town. Yet whether 

it be true, or some deception of the gods, who knows ? 

Who is 

(A Second Elder) 

so childish or so bereft of sense, once he 

has let his heart be fired by sudden tidings of a beacon 

fire, to despond if the story change ? 

(A Third Elder) 

'Tis like a woman's eager nature to yield assent to 

pleasing news ere yet the truth be clear. 

^ ST)ixoKpdTov : Porson. 

^ TraKivTiixv N, waXivrvxv F : Scaliger. 

^ vTcepKOTivs : Grotius. * Kepavpos : Tucker. 

iTTiTvfXbis : Auratus. F^N, etVot F* : Herm. 

^ ^ iJToi 

' //Tj : H. L. Ahrens. * [ey] Scaliger. 

41


486 TTiOavos ayav 6 OrjXv? opos eTTivefieraL 

raxvTTopos' dXXa raxvfJiopov 

yvvaiKoyripvrov oAAurat kXcos.— 

^rdx claofXGcrOa XafXTrdScov (fia€(T(fi6pcov 

490 (f>pVKTOjpicdv re /cat rrvpos TrapaXXaydg, 

etV ovv dXrjdels etV oveipdrajv hiKrjv 

repTTVov roh^ iXdov

AGAMEMNON 

(A Fourth Elder) 

Over credulous, a woman's mind has boundaries 

open to quick encroachment ; but quick to perish is 

rumour by a woman voiced. 

(Leader of the Chorus) 

We shall know anon about this passing on of 

flaming lights and beacon signals and fires, whether 

they perchance be true or whether, dream-like, 

this light's glad coming hath beguiled our senses. 

Lo ! Yonder, approaching from the shore, I see 

a herald with boughs of olive overshaded. The 

thirsty dust, consorting sister of the mire,^ assures 

me that neither by dumb show nor by kindling 

a flame of mountain wood will he give sign with 

smoke of fire, but in plain words will bid us 

either to rejoice the more, or else—but God avert 

the omen of the contrary ! To the good that hath 

appeared may there be addition of good ! 

(Another Elder) 

If there be one who maketh this prayer with other 

intent toward the State, let him reap himself the 

fruit of his misguided purpose ! 

Herald 

[Enter 

a Herald 

All hail, soil of Argos, land of my fathers ! On 

am come to thee. 

this happy day in the tenth year I 

Many a hope hath made shipwreck, one only have 

I seen fulfilled ; for never dared I to think that 

here in this land of Argos I should die and have due 

portion of burial most dear to me. Now blessings 

43


vvv x^^P^ H'^^ X^^^> ^' X^^P^ V^''^^ (f>ao9, 

VTtaros re x^P^^S 'Z.evs, 6 UvOcos r' ava^, 

510 robots la-nrajv fJLrjKer' els 'qfJiS.? êXrj' 

^1^ 

620 

dXis TTapa TiKOLixavSpov rjod^^ avdpaios' 

vvv 8' avre crcorrjp ladi /cat Traioyvios ,^ 

ai/a^ "AttoAAov. rovs t' ayoiviovs deovs 

TTavras TrpoaavBio, tov t ifiov rifidopov 

'^pfjirjv, (f)iXov KTipvKa, K'qpvKOiV creâs, 

rjpojs re rovs Trepufjavras , evîevels ttolXlv 

arparov Sex^crdai rov AeAet/x/xevov Sopog. 

lo) fieXadpa âaiXecov, (f)iXat areyai, 

aefxvot, re daKoi, Baijjioves t avr'qXtoL, 

e'i TTov^ TTctAai, (j>aihpolai TOiaiB* o/x/xacri 

SeâaOe* Koapbcp âaiXea ttoXXco xP'^^V' 

'qKeL yap vfxXv^ (f)6js ev ev

AGAMEMNON 

— 

on the land, blessings on the light of the sun, and 

blessed be Zeus, the land's Most High, and Pytho's 

lord ; and may he launch no more his shafts against 

us. Enough of thine hostility didst thou display by 

Scamander's banks ; but now, in other mood, be 

thou our preserver and our healer, O lord Apollo. 

And the gods gathered here, I greet them all ; him, 

too, mine own patron, Hermes, beloved herald, of 

heralds all revered ; and the heroes ^ who sped us 

forth—I pray that they may receive back in kindliness 

the remnant of the host that hath escaped the spear. 

Hail, halls of our Kings, beloved roofs, and ye august 

seats, and ye divinities that face the sun,^ if ever in 

days gone by, give fitting welcome now with gladness 

in these your eyes unto your King after long lapse 

of years. For bearing hght in darkness to you and 

to all assembled here ahke, he hath returned 

Agamemnon, our King. Oh give him goodly greeting, 

as is meet and right, since he hath uprooted 

Troy with the mattock of Zeus, the Avenger, wherewith 

her soil has been uptorn. Demohshed are the 

altars and the shrines of her gods ; and the seed of 

her whole land hath been wasted utterly. Upon 

the neck of Troy hath he cast a yoke so grievous, 

and now he hath come home, our King, Atreus' 

elder son, a man of happy fate, worthy of honour 

beyond all hving men. For neither Paris nor his 

partner city can vaunt the deed was greater than 

the suffering. Cast in a suit for rapine and for theft 

as well, he hath lost the plunder and hath razed in 

^ The heroes are the deified spirits of the ancient kings 

and other illustrious men. In Suppl. 25 they are included 

under the nether powers (xOovioi). 

* Statues of the gods, in front of the palace, placed to 

front the east. 

45

; 


avToxOouov TTarpipov eOpiaev Bofjiov. 

StTrAa 8' ereicrav^ UptafJilSac dajxdprLa. 

X0P02 

Krjpv^ *A)(aLcov X^^P^ 

'^^^ ^""^ orparov. 

KHPYE 

Xaipcx) '^ reOvdvai S' ovKer'^ dvrepu) deoXs. 

X0P02 

540 epcos Ttarpcpas rrjaSe yrjs a' eyvfxvaaev 

KHPYE 

cSctt' evSa/cpuetv* y' 6p,p.aaLV ;âpas" yVo. 

X0P02 

repiTvrjs dp '^re^ rrjaS^ CTn^ôAot i/octou. 

KHPYH 

TTCt)? 8iJ; SiSaxOels rovSe SeanoGOj Xoyov. 

X0P02 

Ta>v dvT€p(x)vru}v Ipbepcp TreTrXrjyfjbevoL.^ 

KHPTH 

546 TTodelv irodovvra rrjvhe yrjv arparov Xeyets; 

46 

1 fTKrav : KirchhofF. * Enger. 

• oiiKir N, o\)K F. * ivbaKpveiv V, iKSaKpveiv N. 

• ^Tt N, TcTTe F. * Tr€ir\r)yfiivos '. Tyrwhitt.

! 

AGAMEMNON 

utter destruction his father's house and the very 

place thereof. Twofold the penalty the sons of 

Priam have paid for their sins. 

Chorus 

Joy to thee, Herald from the Achaean host 

Herald 

I do rejoice. I will no longer refuse to die, so it 

please the gods. 

Chorus 

It was yearning for this thy fatherland that 

troubled thee ? 

Herald 

Aye, so that my eyes are filled with tears for joy. 

Chorus 

It was then a pleasing malady wherewith ye were 

taken. 

Herald 

How so ? Resolve me and I shall master what 

thou sayest. 

Chorus 

Ye were smitten with desire for those that returned 

jôur love. 

Herald 

Meanest thou that our land longed for the longing 

liost? 

47


X0P02 

CO? TToAA* dfiavpds e'/c (f)p€v6s

AGAMEMNON 

— 

Chorus 

So longed that often from a darkly brooding spirit 

I have sighed. 

Herald 

Whence came this gloom of melancholy upon thy 

spirit ? 

Chorus 

Long since have I found silence an antidote to 

harm. 

Herald 

How so ? Wert thou in fear of any in the absence 

of our princes ? 

Chorus 

In such fear that now, in thy own words, even 

death were great joy. 

Herald 

Aye, all's well, well ended. 

Yet, of what occurred 

in the long years, one might well say that part fell 

out happily, and part in turn amiss. But who, save 

he be a god, is free from suffering all his days ? For 

were I to recount our hardships and our wretched 

quarters, the scanted space and the sorry berths 

what did we not have to complain of . . .^ Then 

again, ashore, there was still worse to loathe ; for we 

had to lay us down close to the foeman's walls, and 

the drizzling from the sky and the dews from the 

meadows distilled upon us, working constant destruction 

to our clothes and filling our hair with vermin. 

^ For \axivT€s in 1. 557 numerous emendations have been 

proposed, e.g. KXalovres, XdaKovres, X'^-^^^res. i}fj.aTOS fiipos 

probably means "as our day's portion." 

VOL. II E 49


Xî'liojva S el Xeyoi} tls olojvoktovov, 

OLov TTapelx a.(j>eprov 'ISata x^^^> 

565 "^ OoXttos, edre ttovtos iv ixearjix^pLvais 

Koirais aKVfjLOJV vrjvefxois evSoi Treacov— 

TL ravra Trevdelv Set; 7rapoL)(erai, ttovos' 

7Tapof)(erai Se, rolat pcev redvrjKoaiv 

ro /^t^ttot' avdcs fJirjS^ dvaarrjvai fxeXeiv. 

570 Tt Tovs avaXoidevras iv t/j't](p Xeyeiv, 

Tov ^cbvra S' dXyeXv XPI t^XV^ TraXiykotov ; 

/cat TToAAa x^^P^'-^ ^vfx(f)Opds^ Karaîo). 

rjpuv he Tols XoLTroiOLV Âpyelojv arparov 

vlkS. to KepSos, TTTJixa 8' ovK dvrippeTTei' 

575 COS" KOfiTTaaaL roiS' eiKos rjXlov (fxiet 

virep daXdaarjs /cat x^^^^S TTorcofxevoLS' 

" Tpoiav eXovres hrj ttot' Âpyeicuv aroXos 

Oeoig Xd(f)vpa ravra rols /ca^' 'EAAaSa 

Sd/Ltots" eTTacradXevaav dpxalov ydvog." 

680 roiavra XPV f

AGAMEMNON 

And if one were to tell of the wintry cold, past 

all enduring, when Ida's snow slew the birds ; or 

of the heat, what time upon his waveless noon-day 

couch, windless the sea sank to sleep^but what 

need to bewail all this ? Our labour's past ; 

past 

for the dead so that they will never care even to 

wake to life again. What need for the living to 

count the number of the slain, what need to repine 

at fortune's frowns ? I hold it fitting that our misfortunes 

bid us a long farewell. For us, the remnant 

of the Argive host, the gain hath the advantage and 

the loss does not bear down the scale ; so that, as 

we speed athwart land and sea, it is meet that we 

make this boast unto yon light of heaven " : The 

Argive armament, having taken Troy at last, unto 

the gods throughout Hellas hath nailed up these 

spoils to be a glory in their shrines from days of old." 

Whoso hears the story of these deeds must needs 

extol the city and the leaders of her host ; and the 

grace of Zeus that brought them to accomplishment 

shall receive its due meed of gratitude. My tale is 

told. 

Chorus 

Thy words have proved me wrong. I deny it 

not ;^-fer the aged have ever youth to learn aright. 

But these tidings should most have interest for the 

household and Clytaemestra, and at the same time 

enrich me. 

[Enter Clytaemestra 

Clytaemestra 

I raised a shout of triumph in my joy erewhile, 

when the first flaming messenger arrived by night, 

51

, 

. 

590 


(f)pdt,ojv dXcocriv 'lAtou r' avdcrTaaiv. 

/cat rls /a' ivLTTTOJV elTre, " (f)pvKra)pa)V 8ta 

TTeiadelaa Tpoiav vvv TreTTopdijcrdaL So/cets"; 

^ Kapra rrpos yvvaiKos alpeaOai Keap." 

AoyoLS roiovroLS nXayKTos ova* e

AGAMEMNON 

telling that Ilium was captured and overthrown. 

Then there were some who chided me and said : 

" Art thou so convinced by beacon-fires as to think 

that Troy has now been sacked ? In good sooth 

'tis like a woman to be elated in heart." By such 

taunts I was made to seem as if my wits were wandering. 

Nevertheless I still held on with my sacrifice, 

and throughout all the quarters of the city, in 

woman's wont, they raised a shout of gladsome 

praise the while as in the fanes of the gods they 

lulled to rest the fragrant spice-fed flame. 

So now what need for thee to rehearse to me the 

account at large ? From the King himself I shall hear 

all the tale ; but that I may hasten best to welcome 

my honoured lord on his return—for what joy is 

sweeter in a woman's eyes than to unbar the gates 

for her husband when God hath spared him to return 

from war ?—this be my message to my lord : let him 

come with all speed, his country's fond desire, come 

to find at home his wife faithful, even as he left her, 

a watch-dog of his house, loyal to him, a foe to those 

who wish him ill ; 

yea, for the rest, unchanged in 

every part ; in all this length of time never having 

broken seal. Of pleasure from other man or voice of 

scandal I know no more than of dyeing bronze. 

[Exit 

Herald 

Boast like to this, laden to the full with truth, 

misbeseems not the speech of a noble wife. 

Chorus 

Thus hath she spoken for thy schooling, but 

^ a-' ifjioi : Wieseler. 

53


ropolaiv epfxrjvevcnv evTrpeTTCOs Xoyov. 

av 8' eiTre, Krjpv^, ^leveXeojv Se Trevdofxat, 

el vocTTifMos T€ Ktti^ aeacjcFfjievog TrdXiv 

rjKCL^ avv VfXLV, rrjaSe yyjs (f)i\ov Kpdrog. 

KHPTH 

620 ovK kad ottojs' Ae'ât/xt rd ipevhrj /caAo. 

€s rov TToXvv (f)iXoL(ji KapTTOvadai )(p6vov. 

X0P02 

^TTcos SrJT dv €L7rd>v KcSvd rdXrjOrj tvxols*; 

axiaOevra 8' ovk evKpvTrra yiyveraL raSe. 

625 

KHPTH 

dvrjp^ d(f>avTos i^ ÂâuKOv arparov, 

avTos re /cat to ttXolov. ov ifjevSij Xeyoj. 

X0P02 

TTorepov dvaxOels eyuâvios i$ 'lAiov, 

rj 

x^''/^"> KOLvov dx9o9, -qp-TTacrc arparov; 

KHPTH 

€Kvpaas coare roôrrjs aKpos aKorrov' 

fiaKpov 8e TT^fia crvvro/jicos i^7]fMLaco. 

X0P02 

630 TTorepa yap avrov l^covros t] redvrjKoros 

54 

drLS TTpds dXXcDV vavriXoiV eKXrjt,ero; 

^ ye Kal : Herm. « 

^|« : Karsten. 

» II. 622-635 assigned to Clyt. and Herald : Stanley. 

Ti;xT?s: Person. s d„^p. Herm.

AGAMEMNON 

speciously for them that can interpret aright. 

But, 

Herald, say — 'tis of Menelaiis I would learn—hath 

he, our land's dear lord, voyaged safe home and hath 

he returned with you ? 

Herald 

It were impossible to report false news as fair so 

that those I love should joy therein for long. 

Chorus 

Oh that thou couldst tell tidings true yet good ! 

'Tis not easy to conceal when true and good are 

sundered. 

Herald 

The prince was swept from the sight of the Achaean 

host—himself, and his ship likewise. 'Tis no untruth 

I tell. 

Chorus 

Did he put forth in sight of all from Ilium, or did 

a storm, distressing all in common, snatch him from 

the fleet ? 

Herald 

Like master bowman thou hast hit the mark ; 

long tale of distress hast thou summed up in brief. 

a 

Chorus 

Does the general voice of other voyagers make 

report of him as alive or dead ? 

55


KHPYH 

ovK olBev ouSei? a)aT^ oLTTayyeXlai ropojs, 

TrXrjV rov Tpe(f)ovros 'HAtoy )(dovos (pvaiv. 

XOP05 

7TCOS yap Xeyei? ^êifxcjva vavriKco crrparu) 

635 iXOelv reXevrrjaai re 8aLp,6vojv kotco; 

KHPTH 

ev

AGAMEMNON 

Herald 

None knoweth to give clear report of this—save 

only the Sun that fostereth life upon the earth. 

Chorus 

How then sayest thou did the storm by Heaven's 

wrath rise upon the naval host and pass away ? 

Herald 

A day of happy omen it befits not to mar by tale 

of ill—the honour due to the gods keeps them apart.^ 

When a messenger with gloomy countenance reports 

to a people dire disaster of its army's rout—one 

common wound inflicted on the State, while from 

many a home many a victim is devoted to death by 

the two-handled scourge beloved of Ares, destruction 

double-armed, a gory pair—when, I say, he is packed 

with woes of such sort as this, it is meet that he sing 

the triumph-song of the Avenging Spirits. But when 

one Cometh with glad tidings of deliverance to a 

city rejoicing in its happiness—how shall I mix fair 

with foul in telling of the storm that broke upon 

the Achaeans not unprovoked by Heaven's wrath ? 

For fire and sea, erstwhile bitterest of foes, swore 

alliance and for proof thereof destroyed the hapless 

Argive armament. In the night-time arose the 

mischief from the cruel surge. Beneath blasts from 

Thrace ship dashed against ship ; 

and they, rammed 

To the Olympian gods belong tales of good, to the 

Erinyes (1. 645) belong tales of ill. Some interpret the 

Eassage to mean that the honour due the gods should be 

ept apart from pollution through the recital of ills. 

57

. 


655 -qpeiKov^ at Se KeporvTrovfievai,^ îa 

)(€ifj,6jvc rv(f)a> crvv ^dXrj t' ofiPpoKTVTTCo 

(vôvr^ d(f>avroL TTOifjuevos KaKov arpopo). 

CTTel 8' dvrjXOe XafXTrpov rjXlov (f)dos, 

opojfjiev dvdovv TreXayos Alyalov veKpols 

660 dvhpcov Âxo-idjv vavriKols t' ipenriois? 

rjixas ye fxev 817 vavv t' aK'qparov aKacf)og 

'qroL ris iêKXeifjev rj ^^rjTTjaaro 

6e6s Tis", ovK dvOpojTTOs, otaKos diycov. 

Tvxf] 8e acorr^p vavv BeXova e(j)et,ero, 

665 (hs fi'qr^ iv opfjbu) KVfxaros l^dXrjv epêiv 

fiT^T^ iôKctXaL TTpos KpaTaiXewv x^^va. 

eireira 8' "KS-qv ttovtlov 7T€(f>€vy6res, 

XevKov Kar* rjixap, ov TreTTOidores tvxJ], 

iôvKoXovfjL€v (f>povTL(nv veov Trddos, 

670 arparov Kajxovros /cat KaKcos arToSovpievov. 

Kal vvv EKeivixiv e'i rig lariv i/XTTvecov, 

Xeyovaiv rjpids d)S oXcoXoras, tl p^r]; 

ripLels t' €K€lvovs TauV* ^xîv So^dlôpiev 

yevoLTO 8' COS" dpiara. MeveXecov yap ovv 

675 TTpdjTov re /cat /LtaAtcrra TTpoaSoKa pioXetv. 

el yovv^ TLS a/cris' rjXiov vlv laropel 

Kal ^cStTa /cat ^XeTTovra, pbr^xo-vals Ato?, 

ovTTOi deXovTos iâvaXcocraL yevos, 

eXTTLS TLS avrov Trpos Sopuovs rjieiv TrdXiv. 

680 ToaavT* aKovaas ladc rdXrÔrj kXvcov.^ 

X0P02 

Tt? ttot' CL)v6p,at,€V c58' [^'''P' ^' 

is TO irdv eTr)TVpi(jos— 

58 

^ fjptiirov N, ^ Kepwrvn-ovfievai : Wasse.

— 

AGAMEMNON 

violently by the furious hurricane and rush of pelting 

rain, were swept out of sight by the whirling gust 

of an evil shepherd,^ 

But when the radiant light of 

the sun uprose we beheld the Aegean flowering with 

corpses of Achaean men and WTCckage of ships. 

Ourselves, however, and our ship, its hull unshattered, 

some power, divine not human, preserved by stealth 

or intercession, laying hand upon its helm ; and 

Saviour Fortune willed to sit aboard our barque so 

that it should neither take in the swelling surf at 

anchorage nor drive upon a rock-bound coast. Then, 

having escaped death upon the deep, in the clear 

bright day, scarce crediting our fortune, we brooded 

in anxious thought over our late mischance, our 

fleet distressed and sorely buffeted. So now, if 

any there be of them that still draw the breath of 

life, they speak of us as lost—and why should they 

not ?—while we imagine like case for them. But 

may all turn out for the best ! For Menelaiis, 

indeed—first and foremost expect him to return. 

At least if some beam of the sun discover him alive 

and well, by the design of Zeus, who is not yet 

minded utterly to destroy the race, there is some hope 

that he will come home again. Hearing so much, be 

assured that 'tis the truth thou hearest. 

[Exit 

Chorus 

Who can have given a name so altogether true 

^ The " evil shepherd " is the storm that drives the ships, 

like sheep, from their course. 

pavTLKwv T ipnriwv : Auratus. * ravr' : Casaubon. 

* 5' odv : Auratus, Voss. * k\v€lv F^N. 

59

. 


« ^ 

/jLTj ris ovriv ovx opojfiev 

Trpovoiaiai^ rov TreTrpcofxevov 

685 yXoJcraav ev rvxq. vefxcov;— 

rav hopiyap-^pov a/x^tvet- 

KT] 6^ 'EAeVav; eVei TrpeTTOVTCog 

iXevas, eXavSpos, iXeTTToXis, 

690 €K ToJv dppoTi.p,cov 

TTpoKaXvp-jjbdrojv eTrXevae 

lê(f)vpov yiyavTos avpa, 

TToXvavhpoi re (f)€pdcr7noes 

695 Kvvayol /car' 'ixvos TrXardv^ a.(f>avrov 

KeXadvTiov Si/xdevTo? 

aKTas irr*^ de^L Se Krj'Bos dpB- [dm. a. 

700 covvp,ov reXecroi(j)puiV 

fxrjvLS -qXaaev,^ rpaire- 

âs dripLwaiv^ varepu) XP^^V 

/cat ^vveariov Aio? 

7Tpaaaop,eva to i/y/xôTt- 

706 yôv pieXos eK^drcog riovras, 

Vp,€VaLOV, OS TOT €7T€ppe7T€V 

yap,^poiaiv 

aetSetv'. 

p,eTap,avddvovaa 8' vp,vov 

710 ripia/Aoy ttoAis' yepaid 

TToXvOp-qvov p,eya ttov arevcL 

KiKXrjGKOvaa Udpiv rov alvoXcKTpov, 

TTap.TTopdi)' 

TToXvdprjvov 

alu)va 8iat® TroAtrav* 

715 p,€.Xeov af/Lt' dvarXdaa, 

60 

1 B-povoiais : Pauw. ^ TrXdraf : Heath.

AGAMEMNON 

was it some power invisible guiding his tongue 

aright by forecasting of destiny ?—who named that 

bride of the spear and source of strife with the name 

of Helen ? For, true to her name, a Hell she proved 

to ships, Hell to men. Hell to city, when stepping 

forth from her delicate and costly-curtained bower, 

she sailed the sea before the breath of earth-born 

Zephyrus. And after her a goodly host of warrior 

huntsmen followed in pursuit on the oars' vanished 

track of a quarry that had beached its barque on 

Simois' leafy banks—in a strife to end in blood. 

To Ilium, its purpose fulfilling, Wrath brought a 

marriage rightly named a mourning,^ exacting in 

after-time requital for the dishonour done to 

hospitality and to Zeus, the partaker of the hearth, 

upon those who with loud voice celebrated the song 

in honour of the bride, even the bridegroom's 

kin to whom it fell that day to raise the marriagehymn. 

But Priam's city hath learnt, in her old age, 

an altered strain, and now, I trow, waileth a loud 

song, even one of plenteous lamentation, calling 

Paris " evil-wed " ; for that she hath borne the 

burthen of a hfe fraught with desolation, a hfe of 

plenteous lamentation by reason of the wretched 

slaughter of her sons. 

^ KTjdos has a double sense : 

" marriage-alliance " and 

" sorrow." 

» 

* eis N. * d^KpvWovs F, dîrf>u\Xu)v Rom. 

® ijXaae: Porson. ^ dTifiws IV F, drifxws N: Canter. 

' irafj.Trp6ffdr] : Seidler. ^ alQv' dficpl : Emperius. 

^ iroKirav : Auratus. 

61


eOpeiffev 8e Xeovros t- [^'^P- P- 

VLv^ SofxoLS dydXaKTOv ov- 

Tios^ dvrjp (îXofiaarov, 

720 ev ^Lorov TrporeXeioLS 

dfxepov, ej)0tAo7ratSa 

Kol yepapols eTri)(aprov. 

ea o eax ^v ayKaAais 

veorp6^^ dyaXfxa TrXovrov, 

fiaXdaKov oixfjidrojv jSeAoj, 

hr^îdvpiov €pa>ros dvdos. 

irapaKXivaa^^ CTreKpavev 

745 8e ydfiov TTtKpds reXevrds, 

62 

bvcreSpos Kal SvaofiiXos 

crvfieva 

YlpiapLtSaicnv,

AGAMEMNON 

Even so a man reared in his house a lion's whelp, 

robbed of its mother's milk yet still desiring the 

breast. Gentle it was in the prelude of its life, 

kindly to children, and a delight to the old. 

Much 

did it get, held in arms like a nursling child, with its 

bright eye turned toward his hand, and fawning 

under compulsion of its belly's need. 

But brought to full growth by time it showed 

forth the nature it had from its parents. Unbidden, 

in requital for its fostering, it prepared a feast with 

ruinous slaughter of the flocks ; so that the house 

was defiled with blood, and they that dwelt therein 

could not control their anguish, and great was the 

carnage far and wide. A priest of ruin, by ordinance 

of God, was it reared in the house. 

At first, 

methinks, there came to Ilium the spirit 

of unruffled calm, a delicate ornament of wealth, 

a darter of soft glances from the eye, love's flower 

that stingeth the heart. Then, swerving from her 

course, she made her marriage end in ruth, sped on 

to the children of Priam under escort of Zeus, the 

warder of host and guest, blasting with ruin by her 

^ Xôvra (TLviv : Conington. ^ ovtos F^ Rom.* 

^ ido% : Conington. * tok'ûv F. 

Tpov N. 

^*


TTOJXTTa AtO? êVLOV, 

vvfi(f)6KXavTos 'Epiry?. 

750 TTaXai(j)aros 8' ^v ^porols^ yepoiv \6yos [avT. y, 

rirvKrai, fxeyav reAeadevra 

(fxjoros oXôv 

T€KVova9aL /LtrjS' aTratSa OvrjaKciv, 

756 CK 8' dyadds rvxa? yivei 

pXaardveiv aKopearov olt,vv. 

Slxcl 8' dXXojv [jLOVot^pcov eifit.. 

TO ovacrepes yo.p epyov 

fxerd fX€V TrXeiova TLKrei, 

760 cr(f)€T€pa 8' et/cdra yevva. 

OLKCOV O ap €Vt>VOLKU)V 

KaXXiTTaLS TTOTfJios alcL. 

(fnXet Be TLKTCiv "YPpts W'^P- ^• 

fji€V TTaXaid vea- 

765 t,ovaav iv KaKolg ^porajv 

v^pLV TOT* "^ t66^ , ore* to Kvpiov fJioXri 

AGAMEMNON 

sojourn and her companionship, a fiend whose 

bridal was fraught with tears. 

A venerable utterance proclaimed of old hath 

been fashioned among mankind : the prosperity of 

man, when it hath come to full growth, engendereth 

offspring and dieth not childless, and from his good 

fortune there springeth up insatiate misery unto 

his seed. 

But I hold my own mind and think apart from 

other men. It is the deed of iniquity that thereafter 

begetteth more iniquity and like unto its own breed ; 

but when a house is righteous, the lot of its children 

is blessed always. 

But old Arrogance is like to bring forth in evil 

men, or soon or late, at the fated hour of birth, 

a young Arrogance and that spirit irresistible, 

unconquerable, unholy, even Recklessness,—black 

Curses unto the household, and like are they to 

their parents. 

But Righteousness shineth in smoke-begrimed 

dwellings and holdeth in esteem him that is virtuous. 

From gold-bespangled mansions, where men's hands 

are defiled, she departeth with averted eyes and 

taketh her way to pure homes ; she worships not the 

^ iv TOis ppoTols N. ^ yap dvaae^^^ : Pauw. 

' yap : Auratus. * Urav : Klausen. 

^ veapa (pdovs kotov : H. L. Ahrens. * rbv : Herm. 

cLjjLaxov ova. N, but superscr. * fieXadpoLS F, fieXaBpoicnv N. 

' * eihofxevav : Casaubon. 

^^ [/S'of] H. L. Ahrens. 

^^ iaOXa : Auratus. 

^'" 

TrpoffiâXe rod : Herm. 

VOL. II F 65

. 

, 

, 


h'uvafxiv ov aeôvaa ttAou- 

78Q Tov TTapdarjjjLOV alvco' 

TTav 8' cTTt Tepjjia vcxyjxa. 

aye hrj, âaiXev, Tpoias TrroXiTTOpd ,' 

Ârpews yevedXov, 

785 TTitis oe TTpoacLTTO); ttcos oe aeît,cxi 

fM't]6' vTTepdpas pLTjO^ inTOKOLfn/jas 

Kaipov ;;âptTos"; 

TToAAot Se ^poTwv TO SoKclv ctvai 

TTporiovai Blktjv Trapaâvreg 

790 Tc^ hvaTTpayovvTL 8 e7nar€va)(eiv 

irds TV'S eroipLOS- Srjyfia^ Be Xvtttjs 

ovSev e^' rjTTap irpoaiKvelrat' 

/cat ûyxcLpovcriv onoiOTrpeTrels 

dyeXacrra TrpocrcoTra ^laôyiievot. 

796 ocrns 8' dyados Trpoâroyvatp^cov 

800 

806 

OVK eart, Aaêtv ofi/juara (faoros, 

TO, SoKowr' ev

AGAMEMNON 

power of wealth stamped counterfeit by the praise of 

men, and she guideth all things to their proper end. 

[Enter Agamemnon and Cassandra, in 

a chariot, with a numerous retinue 

All hail, my King, stormer of Troy, offspring of 

Atreus ! How shall I greet thee ? How do thee 

homage, not overshooting or running short of the 

due measure of courtesy ? Many there be of mortal 

men who put appearance before truth and thereby 

transgress the right. Every one is prompt to heave 

a sigh over the unfortunate, albeit no sting of 

true sorrow reaches to the heart ; and in seeming 

sympathy they join in others' joy, forcing their 

faces into smiles. But whoso is a discerning 

shepherd of his flock cannot be deceived by men's 

eyes which, while they feign loyalty of heart, only 

fawn upon him with watery^ affection. 

Now in the past, when thou didst marshal the 

armament in Helen's cause, thou wert depicted in 

aay eyes (for I will not hide it from thee) in most 

ungracious lineaments, and as not guiding aright the 

tielm of thy mind in seeking through thy sacrifices 

to bring courage to dying men. 

But now, from the depth of my heart and with no 

lack of love . . . their toil is joy to them that have 

won success. In course of time thou shalt learn 

3y enquiry who of thy people have been honest, 

who unfitting, guardians of the State. 

^ 

The figure is of wine much diluted. 

^ TToXiiropd' : Blomfield. 

2 drjyfJâ N, Stobaeus, Flor. 112. 12, detyfia F. 

*


ArAMEMNnN 

810 TTpioTov fi€v "Apyos Kal deovs iyx^pôvs 

btKr) TTpoaenrelv, rovs ifxol fxeratTLOVs 

voarov hiKaicov 9^ (Lv eTTpa^djxrjV ttoXiv 

Yipiafxov SiKas yap ovk (xtto yXayaarjs Oeol 

KXvovres avBpodvrjras 'lAtou (f)dopas 

815 is alpiariqpov revôs ov ScxoppoTTCos 

ipriv yap 16s Kaphiav Trpoa-^jJLevos 

836 dxdos StTrAotêt ro) TreTTa/jbevcp* voaov, 

roLs r avros avrov TTrjp,aaLV âpvverai 

/cat rov dvpalov oXôv elaopwv arevei. 

68 

^ eirpa^dfifada : Franckeri. 

^ d

" The wooden horse. 

69 

AGAMEMNON 

Agamemnon 

Argos first, as is right and due, I greet, and the 

gods that dwell therein who have helped me to my 

safe return and to the justice I exacted from Priam's 

town. For hearkening to no pleadings by word of 

mouth,^ without dissentient voice, they cast into the 

urn of blood their ballots for the murderous destroying 

of Ilium ; but to the urn of acquittal that no 

hand filled, Hope alone drew nigh. The smoke 

still even now declares the city's fall. Destruction's 

blasts still live, and the embers, as they die, breathe 

forth rich reek of wealth. For this success it behoves 

us to render to the gods a return in ever-mindful 

gratitude, seeing that we have thrown round the city 

the toils of vengeance, and in a woman's cause it 

hath been laid low by the fierce Argive beast, brood 

of the horse,2 a shield-armed folk, that launched its 

leap what time the Pleiads waned. Vaulting over 

its towered walls, the ravening lion lapped his fill 

of princely blood. 

This lengthened prelude to the gods. But, 

touching thy sentiments—the which I heard and still 

bear in memory—I both agree and thou hast in 

me an advocate therein. For few there be among 

men in whom it is inborn to admire without envy a 

friend's good fortune . For the venom of malevolence 

settles upon the heart and doubles the burthen of 

him afflicted of that plague : he is himself weighed 

down by his own calamity, and repines at sight of 

^ " Not hearing pleadings from the tongue " —as if the 

Greeks and Trojans were waging war in words before a 

human court—but with divine insight of the true merits of 

the case.

, 


elScbs Aeyot/A* dv, ev yap eêTriora/xai 

ofxiXias KaroTTrpov, el'ScoAov aKtds 

840 SoKOVvras elvaL Kapra Trpevpieveis iixoL 

fjiovos 8' ÔSvaaevs, oairep ovx CKOiV eTrAet, 

t,evxOels eroLfxos rjv ifJLol aei.pa

AGAMEMNON 

another's prosperity. From knowledge—for well am I 

acquainted with the mirror of companionship— I may 

call a shadow of a shade those who feigned exceeding 

loyalty to me.^ Only Odysseus, even he who sailed 

against his will, once harnessed, proved my zealous 

yoke-fellow. This I affirm of him be he alive or 

dead. 

But, for the rest, in what concerns the State and 

public worship, we shall appoint general assemblies 

and deliberate in full conclave. Where all goes well, 

we must take counsel that so it may long endure ; 

but whensoever there is need of healing remedy, we 

will endeavour to avert the mischief of the malady 

by kind appliance of cautery or the knife. 

And now I will pass to my palace halls and to my 

household hearth, and first of all pay greeting to 

the gods. They sped me forth and they havebrought 

me home again. May victory, as it hath 

attended me, bide ever with me constant to the end ! 

[He descends from his chariot; enter 

Clytaemestra, attended hy maidservants 

carrying purple tapestries 

Clytaemestra 

Burghers of Argos, ye Elders present here, I shall 

not be ashamed to confess in your presence my 

fondness for my husband—with time timidity dies 

away in man. 

Untaught by others, I can tell of my own weary 

life all the long while this my lord lay beneath 

^ This version takes o/niXiai Karowrpov to mean that companionship 

shows the true character of a man's associates. 

An alternative rendering takes Kdroirrpov in a disparaging 

sense—the semblance as opposed to reality—and makes 

KarowTpov, eiBuXov and So/coOvras in apposition. 

(3


TO fiev yvvaiKa Trpcbrov dpaevos Bixo. 

^jcrOaL So/jiOLS eprjfjiov e/CTrayAov KaKov, 

TToXXas KXvovaav KXrjSovas^ iraXiyKOTOvs' 

Kal rov fxkv rjKeiv, rov 8 e7TeaiXeKTa Trrjpiara 

efxol TTpocfxjtjvcov , rov 6^ utt' 'lAt'o) aedev 

KivSvvov, et T€ ^riixodpovs dvapx^CL 

ôvXrjv KarappLi/j€i€v, cSore avyyovov 

886 PporoLGL Tov rreaovra XaKxiaai ttXIov. 

ToiaSe fievTot. aKrji/jis ov SdAoj^ (f>ep€i. 

kp,OLy€ p,€V Srj KXavpidraiv eTriaavroi 

TTTiyal KaTea^r/KaaLV, 01)8' eVt araycov. 

iv oipiKOLTOLs 8' ofjbpâaLV pXdâs exo) 

72 

^ -qSovai : Auratus. 

* rirpuTai : H. L. Ahrens. ^ ttX^w : Dindorf. 

* iv\-i)dvvov : Porson. ^ 

[ ] 

Schiitz.

— 

AGAMEMNON 

Ilium's walls. First and foremost, an evil full of 

terror is it for a wife to sit forlorn at home, 

severed from her husband, forever hearing malignant 

rumours manifold, and for one messenger after 

another to come bearing tidings of disaster, each 

worse than the last, and cry them to the household. 

And as for wounds, had this my lord received so 

many as rumour kept pouring into the house, no 

net had been pierced so full of holes as he. Or had 

he died as oft as reports were rife, then in sooth he 

might have had three bodies—a second Geryon ^ 

and have boasted of having taken on him a triple 

coverture of earth [ample that above—of that below 

I speak not]—one death for each several shape. By 

reason of such malignant tales as these, many a time 

have others had to loose the high-hung halter from 

my neck, held in its strong grip. 'Tis for this cause, 

in truth, that our boy, Orestes, stands not here beside 

me, as he should—he in whom rest the pledges of 

my love and thine. Nay, think this not strange. 

For he is in the protecting care of our well-affected 

ally, Strophius of Phocis, who gave me warning of 

trouble on two scores—thine own peril beneath 

Ilium's walls, and then the chance that the people 

in clamorous revolt might overturn the Council, as 

it is inborn in men to trample the more upon the 

fallen. Truly this excuse is not fraught with guile. 

As for myself, the welUng fountains of my tears 

are utterly dried up—not a drop remains therein. 

In night-long vigils mine eyes are sore with weeping 

^ Geryon, a monster (here called " three-bodied," but 

ordinarily " three-headed ") whose oxen were driven away 

from Spain by Heracles. 

^ Xa/3wf : Paley. ' iriffTevixaTusv : Spanheira. 

73

. 

; 


890 ras a/z^t aoL KXaiovaa XafXTTTTjpovxicLS 

drrjfteX'qTovs ateV. iv S' oveipaaiv 

AeTTTat? VTToi kcovojttos €^rjy€Lp6nr]v 

piTTalai dcovcTcrovTos, aix(j>i aoc TrdOrj 

opcoaa irXeico rov ^vvevSovros ;\;povou. 

896 vvv ravra Trdvra rXda dTTevdrjTU) (ftpevl 

XeyoLju, dv dv8pa rovSe rdjv araOfjucov Kvva, 

a(x)Trjpa vaos irporovov, vijjrjXrjs areyr]? 

arvXov^ TToSijpr], jxovoyeves reicvov Trarpi, 

/cat yriv âveiaav vavrlXots Trap' iXTrlSa, 

900 AcaAAtarov fjixap elcrtSelv e/c xîpbaros, 

oSoiTTOpCp SuflcbvTL TTTjyaLOV peos' 

repTTvov Se rdvayKoiov iK(f)vy€tv dnav. 

TOLolahe roL viv^ dîoj TTpoa^deypiaaiv 

(j)d6vos S' diriarcx)' ttoAAo, yap Ta Trplv /ca/ca 

905 rjV€LxdfJi€ada. 

vvv 8e /xot, (f)iXov Kdpa, 

eKTjSatv' d7rrivr]9 rrjaSe, pirj 

x^'-t^^'- 

TcOels 

rov GOV TToS , cova^, 'lAtou TTopd-qTopa. 

S/xojat/ ri /ue'AAe^', ai? eTriaraXTai reXos* 

TTehov KeXevdov arrpcovvvvai, TTerdcrpbaaiv 

910 evdvs yeveado) TTop(j>vpoorpairog rropos 

es Scop, deXirrov d)s dv rjyrjrai SiK-q. 

rd 8' aAAa (f}povrLS ovx vttvoj VLKOjp,€vr} 

dyjacL SiKaiios crvv deois et/xap/xeVa. 

ArAMEMNflN 

Arjoas yei'eOXov, Sajp,dra}v ifxiov

— 

AGAMEMNON 

for the beacon-lights set for thee but neglected 

ever. The faint whirring of the buzzing gnat 

waked me oft from dreams wherein I beheld more 

disasters to thee than the time of sleep could have 

compassed. 

But now, having borne all this, my heart freed 

from its anxiety, I would hail my lord here as the 

watch-dog of the fold, the saviour forestay of the 

ship, firm-based pillar of the lofty roof, only-begotten 

son unto a father, yea land descried by men at sea 

beyond their hope, dawn most fair to look upon 

after storm, the gushing rill to wayfarer athirst 

sweet is it to escape all stress of need. Such truly 

are the greetings whereof I deem him worthy. But 

let envy ^ be far removed, since many were the ills 

we endured before. 

And now, I pray thee, dear my lord, dismount 

from this thy car, but set not on common earth 

this foot of thine, my liege, that hath trampled upon 

Ilium. [To her attendants] Why this loitering, 

women, as whose task I have assigned to strew with 

tapestries his pathway's floor ? Quick ! With purple 

let his path be strewn, that Justice may usher him 

to a home he ne'er hoped to see. The rest my 

unslumbering vigilance shall order duly—an it 

please God—even as is ordained. 

Agamemnon 

Offspring of Leda, guardian of my house, thy 

speech comports well with my absence ; for thou 

^ By her fulsome address Clytaemestra invites, while seeming 

to deprecate, the envy of the gods. 

75


[xaKpav yap iêreivas' aX\ evaicrt-ficos 

alvelv, Trap* d)

AGAMEMNON 

hast drawn it out to ample length. But becoming 

praise—this meed should of right proceed from other 

lips. For the rest, pamper me not after woman's wise, 

nor, like some barbarian,^ grovel to me with widemouthed 

acclaim ; and draw not down envy upon 

my path by strewing it with tapestries. "Tis the 

gods we must honour thus ; but for a mortal to 

tread upon broidered fineries is, to my judgment, 

-not without ground for dread. I bid thee revere me 

not as a god, but as a man. Fame needs no carpetings 

and broideries to make her loud proclaim ; to 

think no folly is Heaven's best gift. Only when 

man's life comes to its end in prosperity dare we 

pronounce him happy ; and if in all things so I might 

prosper, I have good courage. 

Clytaemestra 

Nay now, speak not thus to flout my purpose. 

Agamemnon 

Purpose ! 

Be assured I shall not weaken mine. 

Clytaemestra 

Thou must in fear have vowed to Heaven thus 

to act. 

Agamemnon 

With full knowledge I pronounced this my final 

word, if ever man did. 

^ Some take this to mean : 

" Nor, as if I were a barbaric 

chieftain, grovel to me." 

77


KATTAIMH2TPA 

936 Ti S av 8oK€L^ aoL UplafMOS, et raS' rjvvaev; 

ArAMEMNflN 

iv ttoiklXols av Kapra fxoL ^rjvai hoKel} 

KATTAIMH2TPA 

fXTj vvv rov dvdpa)7retov alBeadfjs^ t/zoyov. 

ArAMEMNHN 

i'VI^V y^ fJievTot 8r)fji69povs fieya adevei,. 

KATTAIMH2TPA 

o 8' d(f)d6vrjT6s y ovK eTTL^rjXos Tre'Aet. 

AFAMEMNflN 

940 ovTOi yvvaiKos iariv IpLeipeiv /xdxfjs. 

KATTAIMH5TPA 

Tots' 8 oX^LOLs ye /cat to viKaadai TrpeVet. 

AFAMEMNHN 

7) Kal av VLKrjv TtjvSe S-qptos rUiSi 

KATTA1MH2TPA 

78 

mOov- Kpdros fievroL ndpcs y eKcliv e'/xot. 

^ SoKi : Stanley. 

'^ 

5okv F\ 8oK€t (?) F^ 

' aldeffOeis F.

AGAMEMNON 

Clytaemestra 

What, think'st thou, had Priam done, had he 

achieved thy triumph ? 

Agamemnon 

He would have set foot upon the broideries, I 

verily believe. 

do 

Clytaemestra 

Then be not thou svsâyed by fear of men's cavillings. 

Agamemnon 

And yet a people's voice is a mighty power, 

Clytaemestra 

True, yet he who is unenvied is unenviable. 

Agamemnon 

Surely 'tis not woman's part to be fond of contest. 

Clytaemestra 

Aye, but it beseems the happy victor even to 

yield the victory. 

Agamemnon 

What ? Dost thou prize this sort of victory in 

strife ? 

Clytaemestra 

Oh, yield ! Yet of thy free accord consent to 

leave the victory with me. 

79


AFAMEMNflN 

aAA' et So/cet aot ravd^ , v-nai tls dp^vXas 

945 XvoL TO-xos, TTpohovXov efxâcriw TroSd?. 

/cat TOtcrSe yu,' ifxâivovO^ dXovpyeaiv decov 

firj TLS TTpoacodev 6pi[j,aros ^dXoi cf)d6vos- 

TToXXrj yap alScos hoiip,aro(j>dopelv^ iroalv 

p 

AGAMEMNON 

Agamemnon 

Well, if thou wilt have thy way, quick, let some 

one loose my sandals, which, slave-like, serve the 

treading of my foot ! As I tread upon these purple 

vestments may I not be smitten from afar by any 

glance of Heaven's jealous eye. Sore shame it is 

for my foot to mar the substance of the house by 

making waste of wealth and costly woven work. 

Thus much for this. Yon stranger damsel do thou 

receive into the house with kindness. God from 

afar looks graciously upon a gentle master ; for of 

free choice no one takes upon him the yoke of 

slavery. But she, the choicest flower of rich treasure, 

has followed in my train, my army's gift. 

Since I have been overborne to hearken to thee 

in this, I will tread upon a purple pathway as I 

pass to my palace halls. 

Clytaemestra 

There is the sea (and who shall drain it dry ?) 

producing stain of plenteous purple, costly as silver 

and ever fresh, wherewith to dye our vestments ; 

and of these our house, thanks be to Heaven, hath 

ample store ; it knows no penury. Vestments enow 

I would have devoted to be trampled underfoot 

had it been so enjoined me in the seat of oracles 

when I was devising the ransom of thy life. For 

if the root still lives, leafage comes again to the 

house and spreads its over-reaching shade against 

the scorching dog-star ; so, now that thou hast come 

to hearth and home, thou showest that warmth hath 

* Seifidrioi' : Canter. * ev^dfiriv : Weil. 

' 

/jLrjxaviofi^PTis : Abresch. * /jloXusv : H. Voss. 

VOL. IT G 81

980 


970 orav be revxi] Zeu? citt'^ 6^j)aKos Tri/cpa? 

olvov, tot' TJbrj i/jvôs iv Soyu.ots' Tre'Aet, 

dvSpos TeXeiov Scbfj,' iTTiaTpax/jcofievov.^ 

Zeu, ZefJ re'Aeie, ra? ifxas evxas re'Aei- 

/xe'Aot^ 8e roi ctoi Tcovnep av fxeXXrjs reActv. 

X0P02 

975 TL7TT€ fJbOL ToB i/JLTTcScOS W'''P- ^' 

Set/xa* TTpOCTTaT-qpLOV 

KapSias TepacFKOTTOV Trorarat, 

fjLavTLTToXel 8' aKeAefcrros' dfnados dotSa, 

oi5S aTTOTTTUcrat^ St/cav 

hvaKpiToyv oveipaTCOv 

ddpaos einreides^ têt' 

(f)p€v6s (f>LXov dpovov; ;)(povos" 8' em^ 

TTpvpLvrjaicov 

^vvefiôXdls^ 

985 ipa/xpiL aKToig TraprjfiTjcreVf^^ 

€vd' v-n "YXiov 

a>pTO vavôLTas OTpaTos. 

TTevdojxai 8' OLTT* op^jxaTcov \avT. a. 

VOGTOV, aVTOfJbapTVS (i>v 

990 Tov 8' dvev Xvpas opLcus^^ vpLVcpSel 

dprjvov 'EipLvvos^^ avToSiBaKTos ecrcodev 

dvjJLOS, OV TO irdu €)(COV 

eXntSos (jyiXov dpdaos. 

995 OTrXdyxvo. 8' ovtol fiaTaêi 

82 

TTpos cvSlkois

AGAMEMNON 

come in winter-time ; aye, and when Zeus maketh 

wine from the bitter grape,^ then forthwith there is 

coolness in the house when its rightful lord ranges 

through his halls. [As Agamemnon enters the palace] 

O Zeus, Zeus, thou who fulfillest, fulfil my prayers ! 

Thine be the care of that thou meanest to fulfil ! 

Chorus 

[Exit 

Why ever thus persistently doth this terror hover 

at the portals of my prophetic soul ? Why doth my 

song, unbidden and unfed, chant strains of augury ? 

Why doth assuring confidence not sit on my bosom's 

throne and spurn away the terror like an uninterpretable 

dream ? But Time hath collected the sands of 

the shore upon the cables cast thereon when the shipborne 

armament had sped forth for Ilium.^ 

Of their coming home I am assured by mine own 

eyes and need no other witness. Yet still my soul 

within me, self-inspired, intoneth the lyreless dirge 

of the Avenging Spirit, and cannot wholly win 

its wonted confidence of hope. Not for naught is 

my bosom disquieted as my heart throbs against my 

justly boding breast in eddying tides that presage 

^ That is, when the summer heat is ripening the grapes. 

The sense of the Greek passage (of which no entirely 

^ 

satisfactory emendation has been oflfered) is that so much 

time has passed since the fleet, imder Agamemnon's command, 

was detained at Aulis by the wrath of Artemis, that 

Calchas' prophecy of evil, if true, would have been fulfilled 

long ago. 

^ eiiiriOis : Jacob. ' l'|et N, i'f et F : Scaliger. 

8 5' ^Tret F, 5' iiri N : E. A. J. Ahrens. 

' ^vvefiôXoii i J. G. Schneider. 

\pafx/ji.ias d/cdras N {aKara F) iraprj^Tja-ev F ( 

- (St/ct' N) : Verrall. 

^^ Sttws : Auratus. 

^^ ipivviis : Person. 

^^ KVKXovfievov : Headlam. 

83

. 

; 


evxpfJiai o eg e/xa? 

iXmSos ipvBrf Trecrelv 

1000 €$ TO ixTj reXea(j>6pov 

fxdXa ye tol* tg fxeydXas^ vyteias 

[(^"^P- ^^ 

aKopearov ripfxa- voaos yap ® 

yeLTOJV ofxoroixos epeihei. 

1005 /cat TTor/jbos evOvnopcov 

dvhpos eTTaicrev 

AGAMEMNON 

fulfilment. But I pray that my expectation may 

fall out false and come not to fulfilment. 

Of a truth lusty health resteth not content 

within its due bounds ; for disease ever presseth 

close against it, its neighbour with a common wall.^ 

So human fortune, when holding onward in straight 

course, of a sudden striketh upon a hidden reef 

of calamity. And yet, if with well-measured cast, 

caution heave overboard a portion of the gathered 

wealth, the whole house, with woe overladen, doth 

not founder nor doth it engulf the hull.^ Verily a 

rich and bounteous gift from Zeus, even from the 

furrows that furnish forth yearly, stayeth the plague 

of famine. 

But man's blood, once it hath first fallen by 

murder to earth in darkling tide—who by magic 

spell shall call it back ? Even him ^ who possessed 

the skill to raise from the dead — did not Zeus 

put a stop to him for a warning ? And were it 

not that one fate ordained of the gods doth restrain 

^ Abounding health, ignoring its limitations, is separated 

from disease only by a slight dividing line. The suppressed 

thought is that remedies, if applied betimes, may save the 

body. 

^ The house of Agamemnon, full of calamity, is likened 

to an overloaded ship, which will founder if some part of 

its freight is not jettisoned. By confusion of the symbol 

and the thing signified, 56/xos is boldly said to " sink its 

hulh" 

^ Aesculapius, who was blasted by the thunderbolt of 

Zeus for this offence. 

« ^^ 

Blomfield. < > H. L. Ahrens. 

* TO fiev irpb : Enger. » Tnj/xovas : Vict. 

^^ (K om. N. " weabvO' : Auratus. ^^ j^p/^-^^p F. 

^* aSr' iwava' : Hartung. 

^'^ 

avKaêia. F, d/3Xa/3eta ye N, 

85


etpye fir] ttXcov (f)ep€LV, 

'iTpo(f)ddaaaa Kaphia 

yXGioaav av raS' eêx^t. 

1030 vvv 8' V7t6 aKoru) ^pep,€L 

dvfiaXyijs T€ /cat ovSev ineX- 

TTOfieva^ TTore Kaiptov eKroXvTrevcreLV 

t,(xiTTvpovp,ivas 

(f)pev6s. 

KATTAIMH2TPA 

1035 etffw KopLit,ov kol av, KaadvSpav Xeyco, 

67761 a ed-QKe Zeus' dfxrivirois Sofiois 

KOLVcovov elvai x^P^^^^v, ttoXXwv fxera 

SovXcov aradelaav Krrjaiov ficojxov 

TreXas' 

€KâtV^ a.TT'^VTJS TTJaSe, /JLTjB^ V7T€p(f)p6v€l. 

1040 '

; 

AGAMEMNON 

another fate from winning the advantage, my heart 

would outstrip my tongue and pour forth its bodings ^ 

but, as it is, it muttereth only in the dark, distressed 

and hopeless ever to unravel aught to timely purpose 

from a soul on fire. 

[Enter Clytaemestra 

Clytaemestra 

Get thee within, thou too, Cassandra ^ ; since in 

no unkindness hath Zeus appointed thee a partaker 

in the holy water of a house where thou mayest take 

thy stand, with many another slave, at the altar of 

the god who guards its wealth. Dismount thee 

from the car and be not over-proud ; for even 

Alcmene's son,^ men say, in days of old endured to 

be sold and eat the bread of slavery. But if such 

fortune should perforce fall to the lot of any, there 

is good cause for thankfulness in having masters of 

ancient wealth ; for they who, beyond their hope, 

have reaped a rich harvest of possessions, are cruel 

to their slaves in every way, even exceeding due 

measure. Thou hast from us such usage as custom 

warranteth. 

Chorus 

It is to thee she hath been speaking and clearly. 

Since thou art in the toils of destiny, belike thou 

wilt obey, if thou art so inclined ; but belike thou 

wilt not. 

his deliverance from the consequences of his shedding the 

blood of Iphigenia. 

^ I have retained the ordinary form of the name in Greek 

and English. 

' Heracles, because of his murder of Iphitus, was sold as 

a slave to Omphale, queen of Lydia. 

87


KATTAIMH2TPA 

1050 dAA' eiTrep earl fxrj pêAtSovo? Slktjv 

dyvwra ^covrjv ^dpâpov K€Krr]fx,ev7], 

eacD v7Js (l>pd^€ Kap^dvo) X'^P'" 

X0P02 

epfirjvecos eoiKev rj $€vr) ropov 

heladaf rporrros 8e drjpos cLs veatperov. 

KATTAIMH2TPA 

tJ fiatverai, ye Kal KaKwv KXvei (f)pevd>v, 

1065 tJtls XiTTovaa p,ev ttoXlv veaiperov 

88 

TJKet, pôAtvov 8' ovK erriararai (fyepeiv,^ 

TTplv alfjbarrjpov eâtjjpitêadai p,evos. 

oi) nrjv' TrXeoi piipaa' drtfjiaad-qaofjiai. 

* veiOov : Blomfield. ' Ovpaiau : Casaiibon. 

• riivd': Musgrave. * irxipd^: Musgrave, 

» M is extant for 11. 1068-1158. « /^t? M', /aijc M^

— 

AGAMEMNON 

Clytaemestra 

Well, if her speech be not strange and outlandish, 

even as a swallow's, I must speak within the compass 

of her wits and move her to comply. 

Chorus 

Go with her. Of what is thine to choose she giveth 

thee the best choice. Do as she bids thee and quit 

thy seat in the car. 

Clytaemestra 

I have no leisure—mark me that—to dally with 

this woman here outside ; for already the victims 

stand by the central hearth awaiting the sacrifice 

a joy we never expected to be ours. As for thee, if 

thou wilt take any part therein, make no delay. 

But if, failing to understand, thou dost not catch my 

meaning, then, instead of speech, make sign with 

thy barbarian hand. 

Chorus 

'Tis an interpreter and a plain one that the stranger 

seems to need. She bears herself like a wild creature 

newly captured. 

Clytaemestra 

Nay, mad she is and hearkens to her wild mood, 

since she hath come hither from a city newly captured, 

and knoweth not how to brook the curb until she 

hath foamed away her fretfulness in blood. No ! I 

Twill waste no more words upon her to be insulted 

Ithus. 

[Exit 

89

. 


X0P02 

iyo) 8', eTTOiKTipco^ y^P> ^^ Ovficoaofiat. 

1070 Ld\ w rdXaLva, tovS' ipr^/xayaaa oxov, 

eLKOva^ avdyKr] rfjSe Kaiviaov l,vyov. 

KA2ANAPA 

OTOTOTOt TTOTTOt Stt.* [P'^'P- ^^ 

(LttoXXov 

cottoAAov.* 

X0P02 

Tt Tttur' dvcDTOTffas" djLt^t Ao^lov; 

1075 oi) yd/3 TotouToj cocrre dp'f]V7]Tov Tu;(€tr. 


oToroToi TTOTTOt 8a. [avT. a. 

cSttoAAop" 

1^ 

cottoAAov. 

X0P02 

8' a^TC hva(j)r]jxovaa rov Oeov KaXel 

ovSev TTpocrr^KOvr' iv yoot? TrapaaTarelv 


1080 "AttoAAov "AttoAAov [o"''P' i^dyutdr', 

dTToAAcoi' ep.o'S- 

ro Sevrepov. 

dvcLXecras yap ov judAis" 

X0P02 

y^prâeiv eoiKev dp.^1 raJv avrrjs^ KaKwv. 

fxlvei to delov SovXia Trep iv^ (f)pevL. 

* eiroiKTeipu : Kirchhoff. * e/coiV : Rob. (Sophianus). 

3 11. lOTiJ, 1077 (5TOTOToror M, 

* U. 1073, 1077 (biroWoi' ^noWov M, dwoWov FN (u> over 

voc. N). 

avTTJi M. ' Trap' ?v M, traptf F, Trapd;/ N : Schiitz. 

90

— 

AGAMEMNON 

Chorus 

But I will not be angry, since I pity her. Prithee, 

yield to necessity and 

Cassandra 

Woe, woe, woe ! O Apollo, O Apollo ! 

Chorus 

Cassandra 

Woe, woe, woe ! O Apollo, O Apollo ! 

Chorus 

Once more with ill-omened words she crieth upon 

beseems not to attend at times of 

Cassandra 

Apollo, Apollo ! God of the Ways,^ my destroyer! 

She is about to prophesy, methinks, touching her 

^ 'AttoXXwj' is here derived from dirdWvfxi, " destroy " 

unhappy one, leave the car ; 

take upon thee this novel yoke. 

Wherefore thy cry of " woe " in Loxias' name ? 

No god is he that hath to do with those who wail. 

the god when it 

lamentation. 

For thou hast destroyed me—and utterly—this 

second time.^ 

Chorus 

own miseries. The gift divine still abides even in 

the soul of one enslaved. 

^ Cassandra sees an image of Apollo, the protector on 

journeys, close to the door leading to the street {dyvid). 

nomen omen. The god had " destroyed " her the first time 

in making vain his gift of prophecy (1209 if.) ; whereby she 

became the object of derision in Troy. 

91



1085 "AttoAAov "AttoXXov [dvr. ^. 

ayvidr , airoXXcov e/xos. 

a TTol TTOT rjyayes /xe; Trpos noiav ariyriv; 

X0P05 

TTpos rrjv 'ArpeiScDv et av [jltj toS ivuoeZg, 

iyoj Xeyco aoi' /cat raS' ovk epels tfjvdr]. 


1090 ^[xiaodeov fxev ovv, ttoAAo. avviaropa^ W'^P- J- 

avT6(f)ova KaKOL /capard/xa,^ 

dvSpoacfiayeXov^ /cat rreSoppavr'^pLOV .^ 

X0P02 

eoLKev evpis r) $€vrj kvvos Blktjv 

elvai, jxarevei^ 8' cSv dvevp-qaet' (f)6vov. 


1095 fiaprvploLai^ yap roXcrS* iTrnrcidofjLaL'^ [dvr. y. 

KXaiofieva rdSe Pp€(l)r] cr

:! 

AGAMEMNON 

Cassandra 

Apollo, Apollo ! 

God 

of the Ways, my destroyer ! 

Ah, what way is this that thou hast brought me ! 

To what a house ! 

Chorus 

To that of Atreus' sons. If thou dost not perceive 

this, I'll tell it thee. And thou shalt not say 

'tis untrue. 

Cassandra 

Nay, nay, rather to a house of Heaven loathed, a 

house that knoweth many a horrible butchery of kin, 

a human shambles and a floor swimming with blood. 

Chorus 

Methinks the stranger is keen-scented as a hound ; 

she is on the trail where she will discover blood. 

Cassandra 

Aye, here is the evidence wherein I put my trust 

Behold yon babes bewailing their own butchery and 

their roasted flesh eaten by their sire ! 

Chorus 

Thy fame to read the future had reached our ears ; 

but of prophets we are not in quest. 

&f evp-qarj M : Porson. 

* fj.avTev€i M, fjiarfvei FN. ' * fxapTvpioLS : Pauw. * rolade TreireiOo^jiai. : Abresch. 

^^ 'rnj.y)v M {rinev superscr.), fjixev ijyow ea/j-iv FN V3 

Headlam. 

^^ ijfih M, fjixev FNV3. 

^^ fiaffrevouev : Schiitz. 

93



1100 let) TTOTTOty ri TTore fi-qSerat; W'^'R- §• 

rt ToSe veov dxo9 /xe'ya 

/aey' iv BofjLOLGL rolaSe jxr]herai KaKov 

d(f>€pTov

AGAMEMNON 

Cassandra 

O God, what can it be she purposeth ^ ? What is 

this strange woe she purposeth here within, what 

monstrous, monstrous horror, beyond love's enduring, 

beyond all remedy ? And help ^ stands far away ! 

Chorus 

These prophesyings pass my comprehension ; but 

those I understood—the whole city rings with them. 

Cassandra 

Ah, fell woman, so thou wilt do this deed ? Thy 

husband, the partner of thy bed, when thou hast 

cheered him with the bath, wilt thou—how shall 

tell the end ? Aye, soon it will be done. Now this 

hand, now that, she stretches forth ! 

Chorus 

Not yet do I comprehend ; for now, after riddles, 

am bewildered by dark oracles. 

Ha ! Ha 

! 

Cassandra 

What apparition's this ? Surely 'tis 

ome net of death ? But she is the snare, she who 

ihares his bed, she who shares the guilt. Let the 

iatal pack, insatiable against the race, raise a shout 

)f jubilance over a victim accursed^ ! 

I 

^ 

A play on the name KXnTai/jLTiaTpa (/uiySo/xat). 

* Menelaiis (cp. 1. 674) or Orestes. 

* Literally " fit for stoning." 

95


X0P02 

TTolav 'Eptvw T'qvSe hcofxacrLV kcXt) 

1120 eTTO/s^taêiv; ov /xe âtSpwet Xoyog. 

eTTL 8e KapSiav eS/oa/xe KpoKoâ(f)7]g 

arayiiiv, are Kaipia} TTTcoaifjios 

^vvavvreL îov hvvros avyals' 

Ta)(€ia 8' dra TreAet. 


1125 a a, Ihoi) ISov- a'7re;ê rrjs ôos [avT. e. 

rov ravpov ev 

ireTrXoiai, 

fjbcXayKepip^ Xaôvcra ix-qxavrnxan 

TVTTTei- TTLTveL 8' ^ ivvSpo) revx^t. 

hoXo(f)6vov Xe^TjTos TVXO.V 

X0P02 

aoL Xiyoi. 

1130 ov KOixTraaaifi av Oeacfxxrcov yvoifxoiv a/c/DO? 

etvai, KaKU) 8e to) TrpoaeiKatô) raSe. 

ttTTO Se dea

! 

AGAMEMNON 

Chorus 

What Spirit of Vengeance is this thou dost bid 

raise high its voice o'er this house ? Thy utterance 

cheers me not. Back to my heart surge the drops of 

my palhd blood, even as when they drip from a 

mortal wound, ebbing away as life's beams sink low; 

and death cometh speedily. 

Cassandra 

Ha, ha, see there, see there ! Keep the bull from 

his mate ! She hath caught him in the robe and 

gores him with the crafty device of her black horn 

He falls in a vessel of water ! 'Tis of doom wrought 

by guile in a murderous bath that I am telling thee. 

Chorus 

I cannot vaunt myself a keen judge of prophecies ; 

but these, methinks, spell some calamity. But from 

prophecies what message of good ever comes to 

mortals ? 'Tis through evils that their wordy lore 

brings terror in strains oracular for men to learn. 

Cassandra 

Alas, alas, the sorrow of my ill-starred doom ! 

For 

'tis mine own affliction, crowning the cup, that I 

bewail. Ah, to what end didst thou bring me hither, 

unhappy that I am ? For naught save to die—and 

not alone. What else ? 

* TLs M, TIS FV3. ^ cTT^Werai : Emperius. 

dia. M, St] ai FNV3: Herm. ' epov

; 


X0P02 

1140 ^pevofiavrj^ ns el deo6pov Befxas 

deol yXvKVv t* ala)va'' KXavpudrayv drep' 

ifjiol Se ixtixvet crxLOfios dp,(f>'qK€i Sopi. 

X0P02 

1150 TToOcv €7nacrrjTovs deoôpovs [r']* '^X^^^ 

jxaraiovs Svas, 

rd S' i7TL(f)oâ^ bva(f>dra) KXayya 

pLeXoTVTTcZs 6p,ov r opdiois iv vofxois; 

TTodev opovs' ^x^Ls deaneaiag 68ov 

1156 KaKoppTJfxovas 


lO) ydfiot ydfjiOL HdpcSos dXedpioi,

AGAMEMNON 

Chorus 

Frenzied in soul thou art, by some god possessed, 

and dost wail in wild strains thine own fate, like 

some brown nightingale that never ceases making 

lament (ah me !), and in the misery of her heart 

moans Itys, Itys, throughout all her days abounding 

in sorrow. 

Cassandra 

Ah, fate of the tuneful nightingale ! The gods 

clothed her in winged form and gave to her a sweet 

life without tears, ^ But for me waiteth destruction 

by the two-edged sword. 

Chorus 

Whence come these vain pangs of prophecy that 

assail thee ? And wherefore dost thou mould to 

melody these terrors with dismal cries blent with 

piercing strains ? Whence knowest thou the bounds 

of the path of thine ill-boding prophecy ? 

Cassandra 

Ah, bridal, bridal of Paris, fraught with ruin to his 

kin ! Ah me, Scamander, my native stream ! Upon 

thy banks in byegone days, unhappy maid, was I 

nurtured with fostering care ; now by Cocytus and 

the banks of Acheron, methinks, I soon must chant 

my prophecies. 

^ The wailing (1. 1144) of the bird is unconscious. 

^ arjSovos iJ.6pov : Herm. 

* ir€p€J3d\ovTo M, irepiâKovres FNV3 : Herm. 

dYiDya MFNV3, aiCjva M yp. 

* fr'] Herm. 

^ 

" M ends, 11. 1160-1673 in FNV3. " 6x^°^^' Casaubon. 

99

. 

. 


X0P02 

Tt ToSe Topov dyav enos i(f>'r]fj,tao); 

veoyovos av dicov^ fxadoi. 

TreTrAiyy/xai 8' UTrat^ 8a/cet' (fyoLvio) 

1165 ^vcraXyel* rvxq- ynvvpd [/caKO,]® Opeoiievas, 

dpavpiar^ iixol kAvclu. 


lu) TTOvoi TTOvot, TToXeos 6XofJb€VaS^ TO TToiv . [avT. r] 

loj TTpoTTvpyoi dvaiai Trarpos 

TToXvKavels ôrwv TroLovoficov a/co? 8 

1170 ovSev eTTrjpKeaav 

ro [XTj ttoXlv jxkv wairep ovv €;\;ei* TraOelv. 

iydi 

8e depfMovovs rd^ iv TreSo)* jSoAcD. 

X0P02 

iTTOfjLcva TrpoTepoLcrt}" Ta8' i(f>'qni,aa). 

/cat Tt's ere KaKOpovd)v^^ ridrj- 

1175 cri halfjLcov inrepâprjs einrirvwv 

lX€Xit,eiv irddrj yoepd 9avaro(f>6pa. 

repp.a 8' dfirjXOLVOj. 


Koi fjLTjv 6 XP'Î^H'OS ovKer* e/c KaXufipbdrajv 

earai SeSopKws veoydpbov vvficfi-qs^'^ Slktjv 

1180 Xafinpos 8' €olk€v rjXiov rrpo's dvroXdg 

TTvecov iad^€tv,^^ ware Kvpuaro? hiK-qv 

kAu^civ^* irpos avyds rovê Tnqpiaros ttoXv 

fj.€Lôv (f>p€va}aai 8' ovK^r* i^ alviyfxdTiov 

100 

* veSyovoi dvOpuviov : Karsten. 

* i/wal N, iiirb FV3. ' dr/yfuiTi : Herm.

I 

AGAMEMNON 

Chorus 

What words are these thou utterest, words all too 

plain ? A new-born child hearing them could understand. 

I am smitten with a deadly pain, the while, 

by reason of thy cruel fortune, thou criest aloud thy 

piteous plaint that breaks my heart to hear. 

Cassandra 

O travail, travail of my city utterly destroyed ! 

Alas, the sacrifices my father offered, the many 

pasturing kine slain to save its towers ! Yet they 

availed naught to save the city from suffering even as 

it hath ; and I, my soul on fire, must soon fall to the 

ground. 

Chorus 

Thy present speech chimes with thy former strain. 

Surely some spirit malign, falling upon thee with 

heavy swoop, moveth thee to chant thy piteous woes 

fraught with death. But the end I am helpless to 

discover. 

Cassandra 

Lo now, no more shall my prophecy peer forth 

from behind a veil like a new-wedded bride ; but 

'tis like to rush upon me clear as a fresh wind blowing 

against the sun's uprising so as to dash against its 

rays, like a wave, a woe mightier far than mine. No 

more by riddles will I instruct you. And do ye bear 

* Si^traYYei: Canter. ^ [(ca/ca] Schiitz. 

101

; 

' 


Kol jxapTvpelre avvhpofjiws lxôs KaKcov 

1185 pLvrjXaTovar] rcov TrdXai ireTrpaypievcov. 

rrjv yap areyqv rrjvS^ oi/'ttot' iKXenrei x^P^^ 

^vfxÔoyyos^ ovk evôjvog- ov yap ev Aeyei. 

/cat pLrjv 7T€TTOjKO)s y', CO? dpacrvveorOai TrXeov, 

^poreiov aljxa Kcofios iv BofMois fievei, 

1190 8va7T€fi7TTOs c^co, (Tvyyovcov 'Eptvucav.^ 

Vfxvovcn 8' vfjivov hcopâoLV TTpoar]p,evai 

TTpcorapxov^ arrjV iv /Aepet 8' OLTTeTTTvaav 

evvas d8eAô{» to) Trarovvri Svafievels. 

rjfxaprov, rj drjpo)*' tl toôttjs tls ms; 

1195 ^ ifjevboixavTis elpn dvpoKOTTOs (jyXeScov; 

iKfjuaprvprjaov Tvpovpôaas to pj* elSevai 

Xoyo) TraAatas tcop'S' 

X0P02 

apâprias B6p,0JV. 

Kal 7700? av opKOS, 7rrjyp.a^ yevvaiois irayev, 

Tranx)Viov yevocro; 6avp,dôj 8e aov, 

1200 iTOVTOv TTcpav rpa(f>€iaav dXXodpovv ttoXlv 

Kvpeiv Xiyovaav, coCTTrep et Trapârdreis 


fxdvTis /x' 'AttoAAwv Ta)S* iTTecrrrjaev riXei. 

X0P02 

1204 p,a)v KOL deos nep lp,epcp 7T€7rXrjyp,€Vos 


1203 TTpoTov p,ev ttiSco? rjv ip,ol Xiy€LV raSe." 

102 

' 

^viKpdoyyos N,

AGAMEMNON 

me witness, as, coursing close behind, I scent the 

track of crimes wrought in days of yore. For from 

this roof doth never depart a choir chanting in unison, 

but unmelodious ; for it telleth not of good. And 

lo, having quaffed human blood, to be the more emboldened, 

a revel-rout of sister Furies haunteth the 

house, hard to be driven forth. Lodged within its 

halls they chant their chant, the primal sin ; and, 

each in turn, they spurn with loathing a brother's 

bed, for that they are bitter with wroth against him 

that defiled it.^ Have I missed the mark, or, like 

true archer, do I strike my quarry ? Or am I prophet 

of lies, a babbler from door to door ? Bear witness 

upon thine oath that I do know the deeds of sin, 

ancient in story, of this house. 

Chorus 

How could an oath, a pledge albeit plighted in 

honour, work aught of cure ? Yet I marvel at thee 

that, though bred beyond the sea, thou dost speak 

sooth of a foreign city, even as if thou hadst been 

present there. 

Cassandra 

It was the seer Apollo who appointed me to this 

office. 

Chorus 

Can it be that he, a god, was smitten with desire ? 

Cassandra 

Ere now I was ashamed to speak of this. 

^ Thyestes' corruption of Aerope, wife of his brother 

Atreus. 

^ 11. 1203, ISOt transposed by Herm. 

103

; 


X0P02 

1205 a^pvverai yap irds res €v Trpdaacov rrXiov. 


aAA '^v TTaXatarrjs Kapr* ifjLol TTvicov ')(apiv. 

X0P02 

rj /cat TCKVcov els epyov -qXderrjv^ vofio); 


^vvaiviaacra Aoîav ii/jevadjjirjv. 

X0P02 

•^817 

rixâiaiv ivdeois rjpyjfjLevr) 


1210 17S7? TToXirais ttovt €6iaint,ov Trddrj. 

X0P02 

7TCOS hrJT* dvaros^ rjaOa Ao^lov kotu); 


eTTCidov 

ouSeV ovSev,^ ws raS' rj/xirXaKov. 

104 

X0P02 

17/xti^ ye fiev 8r] iricrrd dea'JTit,eiv SoKeig. 

^ ijXOeroi' : Elmsley. 

' AvaKTos : Canter. » ovdh oiiSiv : Canter,

AGAMEMNON 

Chorus 

Aye, in prosperity we all grow over nice. 

Cassandra 

Oh, but he struggled to win me, breathing ardent 

love for me. 

Chorus 

Came ye in due course to wedlock's rite ? 

Cassandra 

I promised consent to Loxias but broke my word. 

Chorus 

Wert thou already possessed by the art inspired 

of the god ? 

Xâssandra 

Already I prophesied to my countrymen all their 

disasters. 

Chorus 

How came it then that thou wert unscathed by 

Loxias' wrath ? 

Cassandra 

Ever since that fault I could persuade no one 

of aught. 

Chorus 

And yet to us at least the prophecies thou utterest 

seem true enough. 

105

Lov Lov, CO CO fca/ca. 



1215 utt' av fx€ Seivos opdofxavretas ttovos 

arpoêl rapdcracov (f)poLixiois .^ 

Spare rovaSe rovs So/xot? i(f)rip.evovs 

veovSy oveipcov TTpoap,aaiv; 

TToihes davovreg dxTTrepel Ttpos ToJv (f)iXojv, 

1220 x^lpag Kpecov TrXrjdovTes ot/ceta? ôpdg, 

avv evrepoLS re aTrXdyxv* , iirolKTiarov yejxos, 

TTpeTTova exovres, cov TTarrjp iyevaaro. 

€K TcovSe TToivd? cf)rjfjil ôvXeveiv rivd 

XeovT* dvaXKLV iv Ae;j(et arpuxôjixevov 

1225 OLKOvpov, o'ipioi, rep fxoXovTL heoTTorrj 

ifJid)' (f>ipeiv yap XR'^ 'ô SovXiov l,vy6v' 

vewv T dirapxps 'lAioy r dvaardr'r\s 

ovK otSev oXa yXwaaa piiarjTrjs kvvos 

Xeiâaa KaKreivaaa

AGAMEMNON 

Cassandra 

Ha, ha ! Oh, oh, the agony ! Once 

more the 

dreadful throes of true prophecy whirl and distract 

me with their ill-boding onset. Mark ye 

those yonder—sitting before the house — young 

creatures like unto phantoms of dreams ? 

Children, 

they seem, slaughtered by their own kindred, their 

hands full of the meat of their own flesh ; clear to 

my sight are they, holding their vitals and their 

inward parts (piteous burthen !), whereof their father 

tasted. 'Tis for this cause I tell you that vengeance 

is plotted by a dastard lion wallowing in his couch, 

keeping ward of the house (ah me !) against my 

master's coming home—aye, my master, for I needs 

The commander of 

must bear the yoke of slavery. 

the fleet and the overthrower of Ilium, he knows not 

what deeds shall be brought to evil accomphshment 

by the lewd hound, whose tongue did lick his hand 

and who stretched forth her ears in gladness, like 

treacherous Ate. Such boldness hath she—a woman 

is the slayer of a man. What odious monster shall I 

fitly call her ? An amphisbaena ^ ? Or a Scylla, 

tenanting the rocks, a pest of mariners, a raging 

dam of Death, breathing relentless war against her 

lord ? 

And how the all-daring woman raised a shout 

of triumph, like as when the battle turns, the while 

she feigned to joy at his safe return ! And yet, 'tis 

all one, whether or not I win belief. What matters 

^ Amphisbaena, a fabulous snake " moving both ways," 

backwards and forwards. Tennyson's " an amphisbaena, 

each end a sting," reproduces Pliny's description. 

107


1240 TO iiiXKov rjêi. /cat av jju' iv raxet* TrapoiV 

ayav y oiXrjdofMavrLV OLKripas^ ipeis. 

X0P02 

rrjv fj,€v QvecTTOV Satra 7raiSeia»v' Kpecov 

^vvrJKa /cat Tre^pt/ca, /cat (j)6ôs /a e;)(et 

/cAuovt' dXr]9cos ovSev i^rjKaafjLeva. 

1246 ra 8' ctAA' d/couCTa? e/c hpojxov ireaoiv rpdxio. 


'Ayan€p,vov6s ere

AGAMEMNON 

it ? What is to come, will come. Soon thou, 

present here thyself, shalt of thy pity pronounce 

me all too true a prophetess. 

Chorus 

Thyestes' banquet on his children's flesh I understood 

and shudder thereat. Terror seizes me as I 

hear the truth, naught fashioned out of falsehood 

to resemble truth. But at the rest I heard I am 

thrown off the track. 

Cassandra 

I say thou shalt look upon Agamemnon dead. 

Chorus 

To words propitious, hapless maiden, lull thy 

speech. 

Cassandra 

Nay, over what I tell no healing god presides. 

Chorus 

No, if it is to be ; but God forbid ! 

Thou dost but pray ; 

Cassandra 

their business is to slay. 

Chorus 

What man is he that contrived this wickedness ? 

Cassandra 

Surely thou must have missed the meaning of 

my prophecies. 

" Kapr dp' av TrapeaKoirei'i F^, irapeffKowrjs F^N : Kapra r&pa 

(Kdpra rdp' kv Sidgwick) irapfKo-n-qs Hartung. 

109


X0P02 

Tov yap reXovvTos ov ^vvrJKa /jutjxc'-vi^v . 


Kol IjLtjv dyav y' "EAAtî'' eTTlarafxai (j>driv. 

X0P02 

1255 Kttt ydp rd irvdoKpavra' Svafiadrj^ 8' oficos- 


TraTrat, olov to nvp- eirep-xerat. Be jxol. 

oroTOL, Av/cet ATroAAor, ot eyco eyco. 

auTiy 

Slttovs^ Xeatva avyKOLfxcofxevr] 

XvKip, Xeovros cvyevovs dTTOvcria, 

1260 KreveZ pie ttjv rdXaLvav d)s 8e (f>dppLaKov 

revxovaa Kdp,ov pnadov evO-qaeLV^ kotco 

eirevx^raL, O-qyovaa c/xjotl (/)d(7yavov 

€p,fjs dycoyi^s dpTLTeiaraaddi* (f)6vov. 

Ti St^t' e/jbavTrjs /carayeAcor' e;)â) rdSe, 

1265 Kal crKrJTTTpa /cat pbavreXa Trepl Sepr) aTe

— 

AGAMEMNON 

Chorus 

Aye, since I do not understand the scheme of him 

who is to do the deed. 

Cassandra 

And yet all too well I know the speech of Hellas, 

Chorus 

So too do the Pythian oracles ; 

yet they are hard 

to understand. 

Cassandra 

Oh, oh ! What fire ! It comes over me ! Woe, 

woe ! Lycean Apollo ! Ah me, ah me ! This 

two-footed lioness, who couches with a wolf in the 

absence of the noble lion, will slay me, wretched that 

I am. Brewing as it were a drug, she vows that 

with her wrath she will mix requital for me too, 

while she whets her sword against her lord, she vows 

to take murderous vengeance for my bringing hither. 

Why then do I bear these mockeries of myself, this 

wand, these prophetic chaplets on my neck ? [Throwing 

upon the ground first her wand and then the other 

insignia of her prophetic office, she tramples them under 

foot?\ Thee at least I will destroy before I meet my 

doom. To destruction with you ! And as ye fall, 

thus do I avenge myself on you. Enrich with doom 

some other in my stead. 

Lo, Apollo's self is stripping 

me of my prophetic garb—he that looked on me 

mocked to bitter scorn, even in this bravery, by 

friends turned foes, with one accord, without cause 

' S.Ty)v : Stanley. * eB-ciTrrewas N. 

" fxira. : Herm. 

Ill

• . 


KaXovfiivr) Se cf>OLTas o)S ayvprpia 

7TTC0XOS rdXatva XtfJiodvrjs rjveaxofirjv— 

1275 Kal vvv 6 fjuavris fJidvTLV eKvpaâs ijxe 

aTrryyay' e? rotacrSe davacrifjiovs tvxo.S. 

pojfxov TTarpcpov 8' arr' em^-qvov^ p,evei, 

dcpfiw KOTTeCcrqs ôivitp 7Tpoa(f)dypLaTL. 

ov fJirjV drLjJioi y Ik Qedv redv-qôfxcv 

1280 rjêt yap r]p.6jv dXkos av TLfidopos, 

firjTpoKTOvov ^LTVfia, TTOivarcjp Trarpos' 

(f)vyds 8' dX-qr-qs rfjcrBe yrjs dnoêvos 

KdreicLv, dras racrSe OptyKcoacnv

AGAMEMNON 

but, like some vagrant mountebank, called " beggar," 

" wretch," " starveling," I bore it all— . And now 

the prophet, having undone me, his prophetess, hath 

brought me to this deadly pass. In place of my 

father's altar a block awaits me, butchered by 

the hot stroke of bloody sacrifice. Yet we shall 

not perish unavenged of 'Heaven; for there shall 

pome in turn another, our avenger, a scion of the 

race, to slay his mother and exact requital for his 

sire ; an exile, a wanderer, strangered from this 

land, he shall return to put the coping-stone upon 

these infatuate iniquities of his house. For a mighty 

oath hath been sworn of the gods that his slain 

father's outstretched corpse shall bring him home. 

Why then thus raise my voice in piteous lament ? 

Since at the first I saw the city of Ilium meet the 

fate it hath, while her captors, by Heaven's sentence 

are come to such an end, I will go in and meet my 

fate. I will dare to die. This portal I greet as the 

gates of Death. And I pray that, dealt a mortal 

stroke, without a struggle, my life-blood ebbing 

away in easy death, I may close these eyes. 

Chorus 

O woman, pitiable exceedingly and exceeding wise, 

long hath been thy speech. But if, in very truth, 

thou hast knowledge of thine own death, how canst 

thou with easy courage step to the altar like an ox 

urged on by the power of God ? 

« rds \^7w : Auratus. ' 5' au N, 5^ FV3. 

VOL. II I 113


. 


ovK ear aXvîs, ov, êvoi, xp^vov^ TrXeco.^ 

X0P02 

1300 o S' varaTos ye rod p^/oovou itpeaêv€rat. 


1^/cei roh^ Tjiiap' cr/xtAcpa KcpBavw (l>vyfj. 

XOP02 

dAA' taOi rXrinoiv ova (xtt' evToXfJiov 

'^''^ *^* arroarpiêi (ôôs; 


X0P02 

Ti tout' e€vâs; e'l Tt /xi) (f>p€vcbv arvyos. 

114 

1 Xpii-y : Herm. ^ ttX^w FV3, 7r\^(^ N. 

* Twi' : Auratus.

AGAMEMNON 

Cassandra 

There is no escape ; no, my friends, there is 

none any more.^ 

Chorus 

Yet he that is last has the advantage in respect 

of time. 

Cassandra 

The day is come ; 

flight would profit me but little. 

Chorus 

Well, be assured, thou art patient and of a courageous 

spirit. 

Cassandra 

None who is happy is commended thus. 

Chorus 

Yet surely to die nobly is a boon for mortals. 

Cassandra 

Alas for thee, my father and for thy noble children ! 

Chorus 

[She starts back in horror 

What aileth thee ? What terror turns thee back } 

Cassandra 

Faugh, faugh ! 

Chorus 

Why criest thou " faugh " ? Unless perchance 

there be some horror in thy soul. 

^ Auratus read xpoô^ irXiwv : " more than that of time," 

save for time." 

115

. 



AGAMEMNON 

Cassandra 

The house reeks with blood-dripping slaughter. 

Chorus 

What wouldst thou ? 

at the hearth. 

'Tis but the savour of victims 

Cassandra 

'Tis like a breath from a charnel-house. 

Chorus 

Not of proud Syrian incense for the house dost 

thou speak. 

Cassandra 

Nay, I will go to bewail also within the palace 

mine own and Agamemnon's fate. Enough of life ! 

Alas, my friends, not with vain terror do I shrink, 

as bird that misdoubteth bush. After I am dead, 

do ye bear witness for me of this—when for me. a 

woman, another woman shall be slain, and for an 

ill-wedded man another man shall fall. I claim this 

boon from you now that my hour is come. 

Chorus 

Poor woman, I pity thee for thy death foretold. 

Cassandra 

Yet once more I am fain to speak, but not mine 

own dirge. I pray unto the sun, in presence of his 

117

. 


rrpos vararov (/)cos "frots ifioXs rifiaopois 

1325 exdpois (/)ov€vai, rols i/jbols riveiv o/xoi;,f 

SouAt^? davovcrrjg, evfiapovg xîpoipiaros 

LO) ^poreia Trpdypbar evTvôvvra ' p^kv 

OKid Tis dv rpeifjeiev^ el Be SvaTVxfj, 

poAals vypcoaaojv airoyyos CoKeaev ypacfyi^v. 

1330 /cat raur' eKeivojv puaXXov olKripoi^ ttoXv. 

X0P02 

TO piev ev TTpdaaeiv^ aKopearov ev. 

1336 /cat ToiSe ttoXlv puev eXeiv eSoaav 

pidKapes Upidpbov 

deoTLpL-qros S' oiAcaS' iKdveL. 

vvv 8 €t irporepoiv alp,* dnoTeiarf 

/cat Totcrt davovoL davojv ctAAcov 

1340 TTOLvds davdriov eTTLKpavr],'' 

TLS dv ev$aLTo^ ^porcov dmvet 

Sat)u,ovt vvaL rctS' aKovcov; 

AFAMEMNriN 

/ i^VVlw^ Ju \Ju^ 

a>/xot, TTeTrXrjypiai Kaipiav TrXrjyrjV ecro). 

1 dvTpifeuv: Porson. 2 oiKreipui Kirchhoff. 

* vp&TTfiv: Porson, * (3poTo2s : Pauw. 

* firjKdri 5' eiffiXdjjs: Herm. 

• awoTlati : -Tlarj Sidgwick, -reiaei Kirchhoff. 

^ iviKpavel: Sidgwick. » ei5|aiTo : Schneidewin. 

118

AGAMEMNON 

latest light, that mine enemies ^ may at the same 

time pay to my avengers a bloody penalty for 

slaughtering a slave, an easy prey. Alas for human 

fortune ! When prosperous, a mere shadow can 

overturn it ^ ; if calamitous, the dash of a wet sponge 

blots out the drawing. And this last I deem far 

more pitiable than that. 

[Enters the palace 

Chorus 

'Tis the nature of all human kind to be unsatisfied 

with prosperity. From stately halls none barreth 

it with warning voice that uttereth the words 

" Enter no more." So unto our prince the Blessed 

Ones have granted to capture Priam's town ; and, 

honoured of Heaven, he returns to his home. Yet 

if he now must pay the penalty for the blood shed 

by others before him, and by dying for the dead he 

is to bring to pass retribution of other deaths,^ what 

mortal man, on hearing this, can boast that he was 

born with scatheless destiny ? 

[A shriek is heard from within 

Ay me ! 

Agamemnon 

I am smitten deep with a mortal blow ! 

^ Of this corrupt passage no emendation yet made commends 

itself irresistibly. The translation is based on the 

reading ixdpo^s (povevcnv .tou^ i/xoijs, where (povevaiv is due to 

Bothe, the rest to J. Pearson. 

^ Some editors, emending the passage to aKiq. t« hv 

jrpe\peiev, " one may liken it to a shadow," understand 

" shadow " either literally or as a " sketch." 

* If Agamemnon is now to pay the price for his father's 

killing of Thyestes' children, and by his own death is to 

atone for his slaying of Iphigenia, and is thus to bring 

about requital consisting in yet other deaths (Clytaemestra 

and Aegisthus). 

119

. 

; ; 

. 


X0P02 

atya' tls TTXrjyrjv avreX Kaipicos ovTaaficvos 

AFAMEMNriN 

1345 oj/zot /xaA' avdis, Sevrdpav TTeirXT^yixivos. 

X0P02 

rovpyov elpydadai Bokcl fioi âaiXecos olfxioyfjiaaLV 

aAAd Koivojacofxed^ rjv ttojs^ a.a

AGAMEMNON 

Chorus 

Silence ! Who is this that crieth out, wounded 

by a mortal blow ? 

Agamemnon 

And once again, ay me ! I am smitten by a 

second blow. | 

Chorus 

The deed is done, metHinks—to judge by the 

groans of the King. But come, let us take counsel 

together if there be haply some safe plan of action. 

[The members of the Chorus deliver their 

opinions on the course to he taken 

1. I tell you my advice : summon the townsfolk 

to bring rescue hither to the palace. 

2. To my thinking we must burst in amain and 

charge them with the deed while the sword is still 

dripping in their hands. 

3. And I am for taking part in some such plan, 

and vote for action of some sort. 'Tis no time to 

keep on dallying. 

4. 'Tis manifest. Their opening act marks a plan 

to set up a tyranny in the State. 

5. Aye, because we are wasting time, while they, 

spurning to earth that lauded name, Delay, allow 

"their hands no slumber. 

6. I know not what plan I could hit on to propose. 

'Tis the doer's part likewise to do the planning. 

7. I too am of this mind, for I know no way how 

by mere words to bring the dead back to life. 

8. What ! To prolong our lives shall we thus 

submit to the rule of those defilers of the house ? 

9. No, it is not to be endured. No, death were 

better, for that were a milder lot than tyranny. 

121

; 

. 

- 


10. 7^ yap T€KfJir]pLOi,ai,v e^ olficoyiJidTcov 

fiavrevaofMeaOa rdvdpos d)s 6X(i)X6ros;— 

11. ad(f)' elSoras XPV t^^^^ dvjxovadai^ Trepf 

TO yap ro7Tdt,eLV rod ad(f>^ etSevat, hi-)(a.— 

1370 12. ravrrjv irTaLvelv Trdvrodev TtXrjdvvopiaiy 

rpavcos 'ArpelSrjv clSevac Kvpovvd^ ottcos. 

KATTAIMH2TPA 

TToXXwv irdpoidev Kaipicos clprjfxdvcov 

rdvavr" eliretv ovk CTraLaxwd-ijaofMai,. 

TTCos ydp Tts" ix^P^^^ ^X^P^ iropavvwv, (j>iXois 

1375 hoKovaiv elvai, Trrjfjiovrjs^ apKyarar' dv^ 

(f>pd^€i€v, vi/jos KpeZaaov iKTrr^hrjp.aros 

ifjLol 8' dycbv o8' ovk devyeLv fJi'qT^ dfMvveadai^ fxopov, 

'd7T€Lpov diJi,cf)L^Xr]aTpov , wavep Ix^vcov, 

TrepiaTLXi^co,^ ttXovtov elp,aros KaKov. , 

TTaioj 8e VLV St's" Kav Svolv olpLCoyjxdroiv^ 

1386 ixedrJKev avrov^ KwXa' Kal TTenrcoKorL 

TpLTTjv i7T€v8iBcofJit, Tov Kara xôvos 

Ax 10 « « > ' / 

LOS veKpcov acoTTjpos evKraiav ^â/atr. 

ovrco TOV avrov^^ dvp,6v opixaivei ireadiv 

KaKcfjvaLdJv oêlav alfxaros a(j>ayrjv 

1390 jSaAAei /a' ipeixvfj ipaKdSc ôivias hpoaov, 

^ /jLvdovadai : E. A. J. Ahrens. 

* ir7)ixovT]v : Auratiis. ^ apKuaraTov : Elmsley. 

* vlKr}% : Heath. * iwecr' F. * afj.}jvaadai : Vict. 

' Trepia-Tixi^w N, irepi(TTixi-^

. 

AGAMEMNON 

10. And shall we, upon the evidence of mere 

groans, divine that our lord is dead ? 

1 1 We should be sure of the facts ere we indulge 

our wrath. 

For surmise differs from assurance. 

12. I am supported on all sides to approve this 

course—that we have clear assurance how it 

with Atreus' son. 

stands 

[The bodies of Agamemnon and Cassandra are 

disclosed ; the Queen stands by their side 

Clytaemestra 

Much have I said before to serve my need and I 

shall feel no shame to contradict it now. For how 

else could one, devising hate against a hated foe 

who bears the semblance of a friend, fence the 

snares of ruin too high to be o'erleaped ? This is 

the crisis of an ancient feud, pondered by me of 

old, and it has come—howbeit long delayed. I 

stand where I dealt the blow ; my purpose is achieved. 

Thus have I wrought the deed—deny it I will not 

Round him, Uke as to catch a haul of fish, I cast a 

net impassable—a fatal wealth of robe—so that he 

should neither escape nor ward off doom. Twice I 

smote him, and with two groans his limbs relaxed. 

Once he had fallen, I dealt him yet a third stroke 

to grace my prayer to the infernal Zeus, the saviour 

of the dead. Fallen thus, he gasped away his life, 

and as he breathed forth quick spurts of blood, he 

smote me with dark drops of ensanguined dew; 

123


Xai'povcrav ovSev âaov -^ StoaSoro) 

ydvei} aTTopTjTos kolXvkos iv Xox^v/jLaatv. 

d)S c58' ixovTcov, TTpeaôs Âpyeicov roSe, 

Xaipoir av, el ;)(atpotT', iyd) S' iirevxofMai,. 

1395 ei S' rjv TrpeTTovrcov war eTTiaTrevSetv veKpco, 

ToiS'^ av hiKaiois rjv, VTtephiKCxis pt-^v ovv. 

roaibvhe KpaTrjp* iv So/xoiS" KaKcov oSe 

TrX'qaas dpaicov avros eKTrivei fioXcov. 

X0P02 

davixa.ôp,dv aov yX(x)aaav, cos Opaavarofios, 

1400 "qris roiovS* eV dvSpl Kop.TTdt,ei,s Xoyov. 

KATTAIMHSTPA 

TTCipdade p,ov yvvaiKos cos d(f)pdap.ovos' 

eyd) 8' drpearq) KapSia Trpos elSoras 

Xeyw av 8' alvelv etre /xe ijsiyeLV deXeis 

opLoiov. ovTos iariv 'AyafiefjLVOJV , ip,6s 

1405 TToatS", V€Kp6s 8e, rrjcrBe Seîds X^po? 

epyov, SiKalas tcktovos. rdh^ c58' epêi. 

X0P02 

Tt KaKov, CO ywat, j^^ôiÔT/aeê? eSavov 

^ TTOTOV TTaaafieva pvrds^ e^ ctAo? opfxevov* 

ToS irredov dvos, Srjpbodpoovs r dpds; 

1410 d7re8iKes' dnerapies'^ dnoTToXLS^ 8' ecny 

124 

pblaos o^pipLov'' darols. 

^ Sibs vdrip 7ai/ f/ : Porson. * rdS' : TjTwhitt. 

' {jvcrdi and î)cras : Stanley. 

* opcbfievov FV3, 6p(l)fifvov N : Abresch. 

» awirants F^N*. dir(^TeMes N^F*. 

Seidler. ' bfi^pi/xov : Blomfield. 

• diroXts:

AGAMEMNON 

while I rejoiced no less than the sown earth is 

gladdened in heaven's refreshing rain at the birthtime 

of the flower buds. 

Since then the case stands thus, ye Argive ancients, 

rejoice ye, if ye would rejoice ; as for me, I glory in 

the deed. And had it been a fitting act to pour 

libations on the corpse, over him this had been done 

justly, aye more than justly. With so many accursed 

ills hath he filled the mixing-bowl in his own house, 

and now he hath come home and himself drained 

it to the dregs. 

Chorus 

We marvel at thy tongue, how bold-mouthed 

thou art, that over thy husband thou canst utter 

such a vaunting speech. 

Clytaemestra 

Ye are proving me as if I were a witless woman. 

But my heart quails not, and I say to you who know 

it well—and whether ye are minded to praise or 

to blame me, 'tis all one—here is Agamemnon, my 

husband, done to death, the work of this right hand, 

a workman true. So stands the case. 

Chorus 

Woman, what poisonous herb nourished by the 

earth hast thou tasted, what potion drawn from the 

flowing sea, that thou hast taken upon thyself this 

maddened rage and execration of the public voice ? 

Thou hast cast him off ; thou hast cut him off ; and 

out from the land shalt thou be cast, a burthen of 

hatred unto thy people. 

125

, 

. 


KATTAIMH2TPA 

vvv jxkv SiKOLêts CK TToXecos (f>vyr]V e/xot 

/cat fiTcros darcov Sr]^69povs r eyêiv dpds, 

ovSev ror dvhpX tojS'^ ivavriov îpcuv 

1415 OS" ov TvpoTC/jbcov, (hcrirepel ôtov fxopov, 

p,r)Xa>v (f)Xe6vT(X)V eviroKois vop,€vpbacnv 

kdvaev avrov^ TratSa,

AGAMEMNON 

Clytaemestra 

'Tis now that thou wouldst doom me to exile from 

the land, to the hatred of my people and the execration 

of the public voice ; though then thou hadst 

naught to urge against him that lieth here. And 

yet he, recking no more than if it had been a beast 

that perished—though sheep were plenty in his 

fleecy folds—he sacrificed his own child, even her 

I bore with dearest travail, to charm the blasts of 

Thrace. Is it not he whom thou shouldst have 

banished from this land in requital for his polluting 

deed ? No ! When thou arraignest what / have 

done, thou art a stern judge. Well, I warn thee : 

menace me thus on the understanding that I am 

prepared, conditions equal, to let thee lord it over 

me if thou shalt vanquish me by force. But if God 

shall bring the contrary to pass, thou shalt learn 

discretion though taught the lesson late. 

Chorus 

Haughty of spirit art thou and overweening is 

thy speech. Even as thy mind is maddened by thy 

deed of blood, upon thy visage a stain of blood 

showeth full plain to behold. Reft of all honour, 

ibrsaken of thy friends, thou shalt hereafter atone 

ibr stroke with stroke. 

Clytaemestra 

This too thou hearest, this the righteous sanction 

)f my oath : By Justice, exacted for my child, by 

Vte, by the Avenging Spirit, unto whom I sacrificed 

127

, 


ov fxOL (f)6ôv fjieXaOpov iXnlg ejXTrdrei, 

1436 ^^? ^^ aWj] TTvp i(f>' icrrias ifJ>rjs^ 

Atyiados, (x)s TO TTpoaOev eS (f>povwv ifjiol. 

oSros yap rjfjblv danls ov apuKpa} dpdaovs. 

KeZrai yvvaiKog rrjahe XvjxavTrjpLos 

yi^pvarjihoiv p.eiXLyjxa rcov v'n 'lAtoj* 

1440 ^ '"' o.lxP'dXojTos yjSe /cat repaaKorros 

/cat KOLVoXcKTpos TovSe, Qea(f)arr]X6yos 

TnoTT] ^vvevvos, vavriXcov he creXfidTcov 

laoTpi^rjS? artjLta 8' ovk €7rpa^dr7]v. 

6 fxev yap ovTa)s, rj Se rot kvkvov hiK-qv 

1445 rov vararov fxeXifjaaa Oavdaipiov yoov 

Kctrai, (f)iX'qTcop* touS' • e/xot 8' eiriqyayev 

evvrjs 7Tapoi/ja)vr)fjia^ rijs ifMrjs ;)(At8i7?. 

X0P02 

€V, Tt? dv iv rdxec, fir) Trepicohvvos, [crrp. a. 

firjhe 

hefxvtoTTJprjs, 

1460 fjLoXoi TOP atet îpova* iv rjfMV 

Mot/3 dreXevTov vttvov, Sap,€vro9 

(f)vXaKos evfieveordrov /cat 

TToXXd rXdvTos yvvaiKos Stat* 

TTpos yvvacKos 8' dTri^diacv îov. 

1466 ui) ' TTapdvovs' 'EAeVa [i

AGAMEMNON 

yon man, hope doth not tread for me the halls of 

fear, so long as the fire upon my hearth is kindled 

by Aegisthus, loyal in heart to me as in days gone 

by. For he is no slight shield of confidence to me. 

Here hes the man that did me wrong, minion of 

each Chrysei's at Ilium ; and here she lies, his 

captive, and auguress, and concubine, his oracular 

faithful bedfellow, yet equally familiar with the 

seamen's benches. The pair has met no undeserved 

fate. For he lies thus ; while she, who, like a swan, 

hath sung her last lament in death, lies here, his 

beloved ; but to me she has brought for my bed an 

added relish to my luxury. 

Alas ! Ah 

Chorus 

that some fate, free from excess of 

suffering, nor yet with lingering bed of pain, might 

come full soon and bring to us everlasting and endless 

sleep, now that our most gracious guardian hath 

been laid low, who in a woman's cause had much 

endured and by a woman's hand hath lost his life. 

O infatuate Helen, who didst of thyself alone work 

the destruction of these many lives, these lives 

exceeding many, beneath the walls of Troy. Now 

thou hast bedecked thyself with thy final crown, 

that shall long last in memory, by reason of blood 

not to be washed away. 

Verily in those days there 

dwelt in the house a spirit of strife, an affliction that 

hath subdued its lord. 

* (piXriTws F. * Kapo\j/6v7)fia : Casaubon, 

Blomfield. ' irdpavd/xovs : Herra. 

^ 

^ [de] Wilara. * reXeiav : Wilam. 

ô tjtis : Schutz. 

VOL II K 129


KATTAIMHSTPA 

firjSev davarov fxolpav inevxov [anap. 

TotffSe 

âpvvdeis' 

fxrjh^ els 'EAeViyy Korov eVrpei/rr^S",^ 

1465 ws avhpoXereip' y dis /xta ttoAAoji' 

avhpaiv ipvxas Aavacov oXeaacr ^ 

a^vararov aXyos enpaêv. 

XOP02 

hal/xoVy og ep-Trirveis^ Scofjuaat Kal hi

. 

AGAMEMNON 

Clytaemestra 

Burthen not thyself with thoughts such as these, 

nor invoke upon thyself the fate of death. Nor yet 

turn thy wrath upon Helen, and deem her a slayer 

of men, as if she alone had destroyed many a Danaan 

life and had wrought anguish past all cure. 

Chorus 

O thou Fiend that fallest upon this house and 

Tantalus' twain descendants,^ thou that by the hands 

of women dost wield a sway matching their temper, 

a sway bitter to my soul ! Perched o'er his body 

like a hateful raven, in hoarse notes she chanteth 

her song of triumph. 

O infatuate Helen who didst of thyself alone work 

the destruction of these many lives, these lives 

exceeding many, beneath the walls of Troy. Now 

thou hast bedecked thyself with thy final crown, 

that shall long last in memory by reason of blood 

not to be washed away. Verily in those days there 

dwelt in the house a spirit of strife, an affliction that 

hath subdued its lord. 

lips 

Clytaemestra 

Now thou hast set aright the judgment of thy 

in that thou namest the thrice-gorged Fiend of 

^ 

Agamemnon and Menelaiis. 

' a-raffeis : Stanley. * ixvofius N, ivvo/j-cos FV3. 

* 861J.01S suppl. Butler, veKp(3 Enger. After 1. 1474, 11. 1455- 

repeated as refrain by Burney. 

14f)l 

ô TpLira-xviov : Bamberger. 

131

; 


e/c Tov yap epcos alfj-aToXoixos 

veipa} T/3e0€Tat, Trplv KaraXrjât 

1480 TO TTaXaiov d)(os, vdos ^-X^P- 

X0P02 

^ pueyav olKovofxov^ [o^T'p. ^. 

haipiova koL âpvfirjVLV alveXs, 

€V (f>€V, KaKOV alvOV OTT]- 

pds rvxas OLKOpecrrov 

1485 Irj Irj, Siat Atos" 

TTavairiov 

Travepyera-^ 

Tt yap ^poTols dvev Aioj reAetrac; 

TL TcovS ov deoKpavTov icrriv; 

Id) Id) âatXev âaiXev, [e^vp,v. ^. 

1490 rrdjs ae SaKpvaoj; 

(f>pev6s €K ^lAta? TL TTOT e'lTTO) 

KetaaL S' dpa^v-qs iv uâaâTt roiS' 

ao-eêt davdrcp îov eKnvewv. 

d>fxoL p,oi KOirav rai^S' dveXevdepov 

1495 hoXiu) pLopcp 8ap,€ls * 

CK X^P°^ dpb^Lr6p,cp êXe/jLvu). 

KAYTAIMH2TPA 

avxels etmi roSe rovpyov epbov; [anap. 

/xr^S' eTTiXexdfjs 

Âya/jLcpvovlav etvai /x' dXoxov. 

1600 (f)avTa^6pbevos Se yu^ât/ct veKpov 

Tovh^ 6 TraXaios Spifxvs dXdcrrwp 

Arpews X'^^'^ôv doivar-qpos 

TOvS' d7T€T€ia€V,^ 

reXiov vcapols iTTtdvcras. 

132

AGAMEMNON 

this race. For from him it cometh that the lust for 

lapping blood is fostered in the maw ; ere ever the 

ancient wound is healed, fresh blood is spilled. 

Chorus 

Verily of a mighty Fiend thou tellest, haunting 

the house, and heavy in his wrath (alas, alas !)—an 

evil tale of baneful fate insatiate ; woe, woe, by will 

of Zeus, author of all, worker of all ! For what is 

brought to pass for mortal men save by will of Zeus ? 

What herein is not wrought of Heaven ? 

Alas, alas, my King, my King, how shall I bewail 

thee ? How voice my heartfelt love for thee ? 

To lie in this spider's web, breathing forth thy life 

in impious death ! Ah me, to lie on this ignoble 

bed, struck down in treacherous death wrought by 

a weapon of double edge wielded by the hand of 

thine own wife ! 

Clytaemestra 

Dost thou affirm this deed is mine ? Nay, imagine 

not that I am Agamemnon's spouse. Taking the 

semblance of the wife of yon corpse, the ancient 

bitter evil genius of Atreus, that grim banqueter, 

hath offered him in payment, saci'ificing a full-grown 

victim in vengeance for those slain babes. 

^ veipei : Wellauer {veipri Casaiibon). 

* oLKois -ro7

; 

; 


X0P02 

1505 to? fiev dvalrios el [dvr. fS. 

TOvSe (f)6vov TLS o jjiaprvprjaajv 

TTWS TTCos^; TTarpodev Se cruAAr^- 

TTTcop yevoir* dv dXdaTcop. 

jStaêrai 8' opLoaiTopoig 

1510 eTTippoalaiv alpbdrcov 

/xe'Aa? "Ap-qs, ottol SiKav^ Trpoâivcov^ 

Tidxya Kovpoôpo) irapeêi. 

Id) Id) jSacrtAeu âatXev, [e

AGAMEMNON 

— 

Chorus 

That thou art guiltless of this murder—who will 

bear thee witness ? Nay, nay ! And yet the evil 

genius of his sire might well be thine abettor. By 

force 'mid streams of kindred blood black Havoc 

presseth on to where he shall 

the gore of children served for meat. 

grant vengeance for 

Alas, alas, my King, my King, how shall I bewail 

thee ? How voice my heartfelt love for thee ? To 

lie in this spider's web, breathing forth thy life in 

impious death ! Ah me, to lie on this ignoble bed, 

struck down in treacherous death wrought by a 

weapon of double edge wielded by the hand of 

thine own wife ! 

Clytaemestra 

[Neither do I think he met an ignoble death.] 

And did he not then himself by treachery bring 

ruin on his house ? Yet, as he hath suffered 

worthy meed of worthy deed—for what he did unto 

my sweet flower, shoot sprung from him, the sorewept 

Iphigenia, let him make no high vaunt in the 

halls of Hades, since with death dealt him by the 

sword he hath paid for what he first began. 

^ 6'7rot 8^ Kal : Scholefield {diKrji' Butler). 

' irpoffâivujv : Canter. 

« n. 1521-22 bracketed by Seidler. 

^ irokvKXavTov t' : Person. 

* avdîa dpdaas : Herm. ^ riaas : Kirchhoff. 

135

. 

; 


X0P02 

1530 ayiy]Xo.vix) ^povrihog areprjOels [

AGAMEMNON 

Chorus 

Bereft of any ready expedient of thought, I am 

bewildered whither to turn now that the house is 

tottering. I fear the beating storm of bloody rain 

that shakes the house ; no longer doth it descend 

in drops. Yet on other whetstones Destiny is 

whetting justice for another deed of bale. 

O Earth, Earth, would thou hadst taken me to 

thyself ere ever I had lived to see this my liege the 

tenant of the lowly bed of a silver-sided laver ! 

Who shall bury him ? Who shall lament him ? 

Wilt thou harden thy heart to do this—thou who 

hast slain thine own husband—to make lament for 

him and crown thy unholy work with a graceless 

grace to his spirit in atonement for thy monstrous 

deeds ? And who, as with tears he utters his praise 

over the hero's grave, shall sorrow in sincerity of 

heart ? 

Clytaemestra 

'Tis no concern of thine to care for this office. 

By our hands he fell, and met his death ; and at 

our hands he shall have burial—not with wailings 

from his household. No ! Iphigenia, his daughter, 

as is due, shall meet her father lovingly at the 

swift-flowing ford of sorrows, and flinging round 

him her arms shall kiss him. 

^** 

^ euwdXafivov : Person. ^ êKas : Blomfield. 

3 diKT, FV32N2, 5iKa YS\ dlKOi Ni : Aiiratus. 

O-nyei : Herm. ^ O-qydvais : Paiiw. 

* 

Spoiras : Kirchhoff. XU/Lcei/cav : Solmsen. 

* ' 

^ xj'vxv" ^X'^-P'-" • l^- A. J. Ahrens. 

** 

iinTvixfii.0% aTvos : I. Voss. 

/ueXri/xa \eyeiv : Karsten. 

^^ 'IcpL-yeveiav 'iv' : Auratus. 

^^ 

X"pa : Porson. ^^ (piXriarj {-y) : Abresch. 

137

. 


XOP02 

1560 oveiSos rjKei roh^ avr' oveihovs. \avr. y. 

Bva/Jiaxo- 8' ecTTi Kplvai. 

(f)ep€(, (fidpovr' , eKrivei, 8' o Kaivoiv. 

fjii/jiveL Se fjiifivovros iv Opovco^ Aio? 

TTaOetv rov epâvra- deajxiov yd-p. 

1565 TLS dv yovav dpalov^ ekôXoi Soficop; 

KeKoXX-qrat yevos Trpos ara? 

1537

; 

AGAMEMNON 

Chorus 

Reproach thus meeteth reproach in turn—vain 

is all effort to decide. The spoiler is spoiled, the 

slayer maketh atonement. Yet, while Zeus abideth 

on his throne, it abideth that to him who doeth it 

shall be done—for it is an ordinance. Who can cast 

from out the house the seed of the curse ? The 

race is fast-bound in calamity. 

O Earth, Earth, would thou hadst taken me to 

thyself ere ever I had lived to see this my liege the 

tenant of the lowly bed of a silver-sided laver ! 

Who shall bury him ? Who shall lament him ? 

Wilt thou harden thy heart to do this—thou who 

hast slain thine own husband—to make lament for 

him and crown thy unholy work with a graceless 

grace to his spirit in atonement for thy monstrous 

deeds ? And who, as with tears he utters his praise 

over the hero's grave, shall sorrow in sincerity of 

heart ? 

Clytaemestra 

Upon this divine deliverance hast thou rightly 

touched. As for me, however, I am willing to make 

a sworn compact with the Fiend of the house of 

Pleisthenes ^ that I will be content with what is done, 

hard to endure though it be ; and that henceforth 

he shall leave this habitation and bring tribulation 

upon some other race by murder of kin. A small 

^ The Pleisthenidae, here apparently a synonym of 

Atreidae, take their name from Pleisthenes, of whom 

Porphyry in his Questions says that he was the son of 

Atreus and the real father of Agamemnon and Menelaus 

and that, as he died young, without having achieved any 

distinction, his sons were brought up by their grandfather 

and hence called Atreidae. 

139

. 


KTcdvcov 

re fJiepos 

jSatov ixovcrr) irdv aTTOXP'^) fJi-OL 

1575 fxavias fjLeXdOpcov 

dXXr]Xo(l>6vovs dêXovarj} 

Airi20O5 

(5 (f)€yyos €V(f)pov rjfxepas hiKr](f)6pov 

(f)aLrjV dv TJSr] vvv ^porwv rifxaopovs 

deovs dvcodev yrjs eTTOTTTeveiv d-)(rj, 

1580 tScov vcfjavTols iv TTenXoLs ^pivvcxiv 

Tov dvSpa TovSe Keip-evov îXcos e//,ot, 

X^pos TTarpipas eKrivovra p,r}xcivds. 

Ârpevs ydp dpxojv rrjaSe yrjs, rovrov rrarrip, 

Trarepa Qvdarrjv tov ip,6v, d)S ropcos (ftpdcrai, 

1585 avTov 8'^ dBeXs p,dXXoy rj (f)lXo)s, Trarpl 

T(i)p,a>, Kpeovpyov rjp.ap evdvp^cos dyeiv 

hoKUiV, TTapeax^ Satra TraiSeLcov KpedJv. 

ra fiev TToSrjprj /cat x^pd>^ aKpovs Krevas 

1595 edpvTTT* , dvcodev 

dvSpaKas Kadrîxevos .^ 

danrjfia 8' aurcDv aurt'/c' ayvot'a Xa^wv 

eadei fiopdv dacorov, cu? opas, yevei. 

* 11. l.)71-7() /xoi S' a\\T)\o

* Lacuna indicated by Herm., Wilam. 

141 

AGAMEMNON 

part of the wealth fully suffices me, if I may but rid 

these halls of the frenzy of mutual murder. 

[Enter Aegisthus with armed retainers 

Aegisthus 

Hail gracious light of the day of retribution ! At 

last the hour is come when I can say that the 

gods who avenge mortal men look down from on 

high upon the crimes of earth—now that, to my joy, 

I behold this man lying here in a robe spun by the 

Avenging Spirits and making full payment for the 

deeds contrived in craft by his father's hand. 

For Atreus, lord of this land, this man's father, 

challenged in his sovereignty, drove forth, from city 

and from home, Thyestes, who (to speak it clearly) 

was my father and his own brother. And when 

that he had come back as a suppliant to his hearth, 

unhappy Thyestes secured such safety for his lot as 

not himself to suffer death and stain with his blood 

his native soil. But Atreus, the godless father of 

this slain man, with welcome more hearty than kind, 

on the pretence that he was celebrating with good 

cheer a festive day with offering of meat, served up 

to my father as entertainment a banquet of his own 

children's flesh. The toes and fingers he broke off 

. . . sitting apart .^ And when all unwittingly my 

father had forthwith taken portions thereof that 

he could not distinguish, he ate a meal which, as 

thou seest, hath proved fatal to his race. Anon, 

^ Tfie sense of the lacuna may liave been " 

: and over 

them he placed the other parts. This dish my father, sitting 

apart, received as his share." 

^ evper : Dindorf. * avTov : Blomfield,

; 

, 


KCLTTeLT^ emyvovs epyov ov KaracaLov 

Mficoêv, djjL7TL7Tr€L^ 8' OLTTO a(f)ayrjv^ epwv, 

1600 fxopov 8' d(f)epTOV rieAo7ri8ats' eVeupêrat, 

XoLKXtafxa SetTTVOu ^vvSiKiog ridel's o.pa, 

ovrojs oXiadai^ irdv to UXeiadevovs yevos. 

e/c TcbvSe aoi ireaovra rovh tSeiv trapa. 

Kaycb SiKaios rovSe rov cf)6vov pa(f)€vs. 

1605 rpirov yap ovra /x' eTTi SvcradXio)* Trarpi 

avv€êXavv€i rvrdov ovr^ iv aTrapydvois' 

rpa(f}€VTa 8' avdis rj St/cry KaxT^yayev. 

/cat TovSe rdvSpos 'qifjdfjir)v Ovpaios (^v, 

Trdarav avvdi/jas pirjxo-vrjv SvaôvXias. 

1610 ovTco KaXov 87) /cat to KarOaveiv ifioi, 

ISovra^ rovrov rrjs Siktjs iv epKeaiv. 

X0P02 

Atytcr^', v^piêiv iv /ca/cotcrtv ov cre^co. 

av 8' dvSpa rovSe cfyrjs^ cKcbv KaraKraveiv 

piovos 8' €7TOiKTOv TovSe ôvXevaai (fyovov 

1615 ov (/irjn^ dXvêiv iv Siktj to aov Kapa 

8rjfjioppi(f)€is, crdcf)^ 'ladi, Xevaipiovs dpds. 

Airi20O2 

(TV TavTa (ficoveis vepTepa Trpoa-qfjievos 

KWTTT}, KpaTovvTOJV Tcov CTTt ^vyo) Sopog 

yvajarj yipcov cov cos 8t8acr/ceaât âpv 

1620 to) TrjXiKovTip, aoipov€iv eiprjp.ivov. 

142 

ScCT/xo?' Sk /cat TO yrjpag at re vqariSes 

Syat SiSd(TK€iv iô)â)TaTai (f>p€Viov 

^ AviriiTTfi. : Canter. " (r

AGAMEMNON 

discovering his unhallowed deed, he uttered a great 

cry, reeled back, vomiting forth the slaughtered 

flesh, and invoked a doom intolerable upon the line 

of Pelops, — spurning the banquet board to aid his 

" 

curse " thus perish all the race of Pleisthenes ! 

For this cause it is that thou beholdest this man 

prostrate here. I it is who planned this murder 

and with justice. For together with my hapless 

father he drove me out, me his third child, as yet 

a babe in swaddling-clothes. But grown to manhood, 

justice has brought me back again. Exile though 

I was, I laid my hand upon my enemy, compassing 

every device of cunning to his ruin. So even death 

were sweet to me now that I behold him in the toils 

of justice. 

Chorus 

Aegisthus, insult amid distress I hold dishonourable. 

Thou sayest that of thine own intent thou 

slewest this man and didst alone plot this piteous 

murder. I tell thee in the hour of justice thou 

thyself—be sure of that—shalt not escape the 

people's curses and death by stoning at their hand. 

Aegisthus 

Dost thou so speak, that sittest at the lower oar 

when those upon the higher thwart control the 

ship ? ^ Old as thou art, thou shalt learn how bitter 

it is at thy years to be schooled when prudence is 

the lesson bidden thee. Bonds and the pangs of 

hunger are far the best mediciners of wisdom for the 

In a bireme, the rowers on the lower tier were called 

JaXa/utrai ; those on the upper tier, êvy'irai. 

^ iSovTi N. ^ TovS' ^(p-qs ; Pauw, 

^ Secruos N, dea/xbv FV3. 

143


larpoixavTets. ovx opdg opojv rdSe; 

TTpos Kevrpa pur) Aa/crtê, p,r} naiaas^ p,oyfjs. 

X0P02 

1625 ywat, av tovs yJKovras ck piax^]? piivajv^ 

OLKOvpos €VV7]v dvSpos alax^vcov^ a/ita 

. 

duSpl arpar-qyw rdvS' eôvXevaas pLopov; 

Airi20O2 

/cat ravra rdTrrj KXavpi,drcov dpx'rjyivrj. 

'Op(f)el 8e yXdJuaav rrjv evavriav exîs. 

1630 o pi,ev yap ^ye Trdur (xtto (f)doyyrjs X^P§-' 

av S' iôpivas vrjiriois* vXdyp,aacv 

d^Tj- Kparrjdels S' rjpLepiorepos (f>avfj. 

X0P02 

(x)S 8?) (TV /xot rvpavvos Âpyeicov ecrr^, 

o? ou/c, eTreiSi^ roiS' iôvXevaas^ piopov, 

1635 ^pdaai toS' epyov ovk erXr^s avroKrovcxis. 

Airi20O2 

TO ya/) SoAcScrai Trpo? yuiât/co? î' cra(f)cos' 

iyoj 8' V7T07TTOS ix^pos i^* TraAatyevTys". 

e/c Tcot' 8€ Tou8e' ;!^/37y/>taTa)V 7reipacro/xat 

dpx€iv ttoXltiov top Se /atj Tretddvopa 

1640 êufco âpeiais ovri pboi^ aeLpaj>6pov 

KptddJura TTcoXov aAA' o Sva(f)iXr]s gkotco^ 

Xip,6s ^vvoLKOs p-aXQaKov cr^' eTTOiperaL. 

* Traftras Herm, from schol. Pind. /^///«. ii. 173, TPTjiras mss. 

* M

AGAMEMNON 

instruction even of old age. Hast eyes and lackest 

understanding ? Kick not against the pricks lest 

thou strike to thy hurt. 

Chorus 

Woman that thou art ! Skulking at home and 

biding the return of the men from war, the while 

thou wast defiling a hero's bed, didst thou contrive 

this death against a warrior chief ? 

Aegisthus 

These words of thine likewise shall prove a source. 

of tears. The tongue of Orpheus is quite the opposite 

of thine. He haled all things by the rapture 

of his voice, whilst thou, who hast stirred our wrath 

by thy silly yelping, shalt be haled off. Thou 'It 

show thyself the tamer when put down by force. 

Chorus 

As if forsooth thou shouldst ever be my master 

here in Argos, thou who didst contrive our King's 

death, and then hadst not the courage to do the 

deed by slaying him with thine own hand ! 

Aegisthus 

Because to ensnare him was clearly the woman's 

part ; I was suspect as his enemy of old. However, 

with his gold I shall endeavour to control the 

people ; and whosoever is unruly, him I'll yoke 

with a heavy collar—and in sooth he shall be no 

high-fed trace-colt ^ ! No ! Loathsome hunger that 

houseth with darkness shall see him gentle. 

^ The trace-horse bore no collar, and was harnessed by 

the side of the pair under the yoke. 

VOL. II L 145


X0P02 

ri Srj rov avhpa rov^^ o-tto ^vx^S KaKrjs 

ovK avTos rjvdpLês, aAAa vlv yvvr]^ 

1645 x^P^S fJiiaafxa /cai Oecov iyxojplojv 

€KT€iv^ ; Ôpdarrjs dpd ttov ÂcTret (f)do9, 

oTTCos KareXdcbv hevpo Trpevfxevel tvxd 

dfiiffolv yevTjTai roXvSe TrayKparrjs (f>ovevs; 

Airi20O2 

oAA CTret So/eels' raS' epSecv Kal Xiyeiv, yvcoai 

rdxo.— 

1Q50 cla Bt], (jiiXoi Xoxjirai, rovpyov ovx e/ca? roSe.^ 

XOP02 

eta 8r^, î(j)os TrpoKCOTTOV Trds res evTpeTnêrcD. 

Airi20O2 

oAAct Kdyd) fjbrjv TrpoKcoTTOs ovk dvalvo/jbat Oavelv. 

X0P02 

ScxojJbevoLS Xlyeig daveXv ae* ttjv rvxT]v 8' alpovixeda.' 

KATTAIMH2TPA 

fxrjoajjidJs , c5 ÎXrar* dvSpcov, aAAa Spdacofjieu* /ca/ca. 

1666 oAAa /cat raS' eâfxrjcrai rroXXd, 8vaTr]vov dipos-^ 

TrqfjLovrjs 8 dAi? y' virdpxî'^ p,rjhev aipiaroiixeda? 

' 

146 

^ avv yvvTi] : Spanheim. 

Given to the Chorus in mss., to Aegisthus by Stanley. 

^ ipovfieda : Auratus.

AGAMEMNON 

Chorus 

Why then, in the baseness of thy soul, didst thou 

not kill him thyself, but leave his slaying to a woman, 

pest of her country and her country's gods ? Oh, 

doth Orestes haply still behold the light, that, with 

favouring fortune, he may come home and be the 

slayer of this pair with victory complete ? 

Aegisthus 

Oh well, since thou art minded thus to act and 

speak, thou shalt be taught a lesson soon. What 

ho ! My trusty men-at-arms, your work lies close 

to hand. 

Chorus 

What ho ! Let every one make ready his sword 

with hand on hilt. 

Aegisthus 

My hand too is laid on hilt and I shrink not from 

death. 

Chorus 

" Death for thyself," thou sayest. We hail the 

omen. We welcome fortune's test. 

Clytaemestra 

Nay, my beloved, let us work no further ills. 

Even these are many to reap, a wretched harvest. 

Of woe we have enough ; let us not spill more blood. 

* Spdro/Mev : Vict. ' 6 Ipws : Schiitz. 

* ijirapxe : Scaliger. ' Tj/iaribfieOa : Stanley, 

147


areix^r* alholoi yepovres^ npos Sofxovs, 7T€7Tpa>fi€VOLS^ 

[roucrSe]^ 

TTplv TTad^tv etâvre?* wpa- '^^^' XPl^^ ^^ eTrpaâ/xcv.* 

€t 8e TOt fjboxdcov yevoLTO rcbvS dXis, Sexotfied ' av, 

1660 SalfjLOVos XV^fi iSapeta SyCTTu;;^^/)? TrevrAr/y/xevot. 

c58' epêt Aoyo? yuvat/cd?, el' rt? a^tot fxaOeiv. 

Airi20O2 

aAAo, touctS' eôt® {xaraiav yXcocraav c58' airavdiaai 

KOiKâXelv €Trrj roiavra Saifxovos^ Tretpoj/xevous', 

aaxfypovos yva>p,rjs 6^^° d/Jbaprelv tov^^ Kparovvra 

! 

AGAMEMNON 

Venerable Elders, betake ye to your homes, and 

yield betimes to destiny before ye come to harm. 

What we did had to be done. But should this trouble 

prove enough, we will accept it, sore smitten as we 

are by the heavy hand of fate. Such is a woman's 

counsel, if any deign to give it heed. 

Aegisthus 

But to think that these men should let their wanton 

tongues thus blossom into speech against me and cast 

about such gibes, putting their fortune to the test 

To reject wise counsel and insult their master ! 

Chorus 

It would not be like men of Argos to cringe before 

a knave, 

Aegisthus 

Ha ! 

I'll visit thee with vengeance yet in days 

to come. 

Chorus 

Not if fate shall guide Orestes to return home. 

Aegisthus 

Of myself I know that exiles feed on hope. 

Chorus 

Keep on, grow thee fat, polluting justice, since 

thou canst. 

TOijffde fj.oi: I. Voss. ^ dalfiovas daifjLovas : Cas; Casaubon. 

^^ yvd}/j.7is S' : Stanley. 

^^ a./j.apT7JT0P FN (om. V3) : Casaubon. 

12


Airi20O2 

1670 laOi fjiOL Scoaojv aTTOiva T-qaSe ynjjpias xaptt'. 

X0P02 

KOfXTTaarov dapcribv,^ dXcKTCop Uiare^ drjAeias TreAa?. 

KATTAIMH2TPA 

fjLrj TTpoTifJi'^crrjs fxaraicov tcovS' vXayp.arcxiV >^ 

Koi ai) d-qcrofjiev Kparovvre rcovhe SajfiaTcov < KaXcos > .* 

^ 6appQ)v : Porson. 

- ibairep : Scaliger. 

^ Canter. * Auratus. 

150

AGAMEMNON 

Aegisthus 

Know that thou shalt pay me the penalty td 

requite thy folly. 

Chorus 

Brag in thy bravery like a cock besides his hen. 

Clytaemestra 

Care not for their idle yelpings. I and thou will 

be masters of this house and order it aright. 

[Êxeunt omnes 

151

THE LIBATION-BEARERS

TA TOY APAMAT02 HPOSlinA 

0PESTH2 

XOPOS 

HAEKTPA 

OIKETHS 

KATTAIMHSTPA 

IITAAAHS 

TPOOS 

Ainseos 


Orestes 

Chorus of Slave-women 

Electra 

A Servant 

Clytaemestra 

Pylades 

Nurse 

Aegisthus 

Scene.—Argos. 

Time.—^The heroic age. 

Date,— 458 B.C., at the City Dionysia. 

155

ARGUMENT 

Now when she had slain Agamemnon, Queen Clytaemestra 

with her lover Aegisthus ruled in the land of 

Argos. But the spirit of her murdered lord was wroth 

and sent a baleful vision to distress her soul in sleep. 

She dreamed that she gave birth to a serpent and that 

she suckled it, as if it had been a babe ; but together 

with the mother's milk the noxious thing drew clotted 

blood from out her breast. With a scream of horror 

she awoke, and when the seers of the house had interpreted 

the portent as a sign of the anger of the nether 

powers, she bade Electro, her daughter, and her servingwomen 

bear libations to the tomb of Agamemno?i, if 

haply she might placate his angry spirit. 

Now Princess Electra dwelt in the palace, but was 

treated no better than a slave ; but, before that Agamemnon 

was slain, her brother, Prince Orestes, had been 

sent to abide with his uncle Strophius in a far country, 

even in Phocis. There he had grown to youthful manhood, 

and on the selfsame day that his mother sought 

to avert the evil omen of her dream, accompanied by his 

cousin Py lades, he came to Argos seeking vengeance for 

his father's murder, 

Ofi the tomb of Agamemnon he places a lock of his 

hair, and when Electra discovers it, she is confident that 

it must be an offering to the dead made by none other than 

her brother. She has been recognized by him by reason of 

156

THE LIBATION-BEARERS 

her mourning garb; but not until she has had further 

proof, by signs and tokens, will she be convinced that 

it is he in very truth. 

Orestes makes known that he has been divinely commissioned 

to his purpose of vengeance. Lord Apollo 

himself has commanded him thereto with threats that, 

if he disobey, shall be visited with assaults of the 

Erinyes of his father— banned from the habitations of 

men and the altars of the gods, he shall perish blasted 

in mind and body. 

Grouped about the grave of their father, brother and 

sister, aided by the friendly Chorus, implore his ghostly 

assistance to their just cause. Orestes and Pylades, 

disguised as Phocian travellers, are given hospitable 

welcome by Clytaemestra, to whom it is reported that 

her son is dead. The Queen sends as messenger Orestes' 

old nurse to summon Aegisthus from outside accompanied 

by his bodyguard. The Chorus persuades her to alter 

the message and bid him come unattended. His death 

is quickly followed by that of Clytaemestra, whose appeals 

for mercy are rejected by her son. Orestes, displaying 

the bloody robe in which his father had been entangled 

when struck down, proclaims the justice of his deed. 

But his wits begin to wander ; the Erinyes of his mother, 

unseen by the others, appear before his disordered vision ; 

he rushes from the scene. 

157

XOHOPOI 

OPE2TH2 

^ V^ '

THE LIBATION-BEAKERS 

[Scene : The tomb of Agamemnon. Enter 

Orestes and Pt/lades] 

Orestes 

Hermes of the nether world, thou who dost guard 

the powers that are thy sire's/ prove thyself my 

saviour and ally, I beseech thee, now that I am come 

to this land and am returning home from exile. 

On this mounded grave I cry unto my father to 

hearken, to give ear. . . . 

[Lo, I bring] a lock to Inachus ^ in requital for my 

nurture ; and here, a second, in token of my grief. 

For I was not present, father, to bewail thy death, 

nor did I stretch forth my hand for thy corpse to be 

borne out to burial. 

What is it I behold ? What may be this throng 

of women that wends its way hither marked by their 

the celestial and infernal gods (1. 124), and can thus convey 

Orestes' appeal to the rulers of the dead and to the spirit 

of his father ; (2) as administrator of the powers committed 

to him by his father, Zeus the Saviour. Some prefer to 

take Trarpi^' not as irarpQa but as Trarpye, i.e. " god of my 

fathers." 

^ Orestes offers a lock of his hair to do honour to Inachus, 

the river-god of Argos, because rivers were worshipped as 

givers of life. 

159

I 

. 


jjiddo) yvvaiKcov tJtls '^ê TrpoarpoTnj 

TTpeTTOvaa; ttolo. ^vfxcjiopa TrpoaeiKaao) 

TTorepa oojxoiai TTrjp,a TrpoaKvpei veov; 

7] TTarpt Toyficp rctaS' iTTeiKacras rvxoi 

15 ;ôas' (f>epovaas veprepois p-eiXiypâra^ 

ovSev TTOT d'AAo- /cat yap 'HAe/crpai' So/ecu 

areL)(eLV aheX(f)rjV ttjv ifjurjv Trivdci Xvypcp 

TTpeTTOvaav. (L Zeu, 86s /xe reiaaadai^ jjiopov 

TTarpos, yevov 8e avjxp,axos OeXwv ifxoL 

20 HvXaS-q, araOcofxev eKTToScov,^ (Ls av cra^cDs' 

; 

; 

/'oy^ c/t^t/w I 

X0P02 

laXros e/c Soficuv efiav* [o'^P- «• 

XOOiS TTpOTTOpLTTOS O^VXîpt aVV KTVTTO) .^ 

7Tp€7TeL TTaprjLs cf)OLviois aixvyfjbols^ 

25 ovvxos dXoKL veoTopô)' 

Si alcovos S' lvyij,OL(Ti7 ôaKerai Kcap. 

XivocfydopoL S' vâap,drwv 

XaKiSes e


sable weeds ? To what that hath befallen am I 

to refer it ? Is it some new sorrow that cometh 

upon the house ? Or am I right in my surmise that 

it is in honour of my sire that they bear these libations 

to appease the powers below ? It can be only 

for this cause ; for, methinks, it is indeed mine own 

sister Electra who advances yonder, conspicuous 

among the rest by her bitter mourning. Oh grant 

me, Zeus, to avenge my father's death, and of thy 

grace lend me thine aid ! 

Pylades, let us stand apart, that I may learn of 

a surety what this band of suppliant women may 

import. 

[Exit Orestes and Pleiades 

[Enter Electra with women carrying libations 

Chorus 

Sent forth from the palace I 

am come to convey 

libations to the accompaniment of blows dealt swift 

and sharp by my hands. My cheek is marked with 

bloody gashes where my nails have cut fresh furrows 

—and yet throughout all my life my heart is fed 

with lamentation. To the tune of grievous blows 

the rendings sounded loud as 

they made havoc of 

my vesture of woven linen where my bosom is 

covered^ by a robe smitten by reason of fortunes 

stranger to all mirth. 

For with thrilling voice that set each hair on end, 

the inspiring power who divines for the house in 

^ 

aroKixQ goes closely with weirXuv, " enfolding robe." 

VOL. II M 161

. 

; 


TTvecov 

acopovvKTov dfjiôafxa 

35 fivxodev e'Aa/ce^ nepl (/yo^cp, 

yvvaLKeioLaLv^ iv ScofxacrLV âpvs Trlrvoiv.^ 

Kpirai * TcovS' ovecpdrcov 

deodev eXaKov^ vireyyvoi 

picpi(f>e(jdai\rovs yds 

40 vipdev\ TTeptdvyiajs 

rots Kravovai t' eyKorelv. 

ToiavSe xdpu>^ d)(dpirov diTorpoTTOv KaKuyv, 

id) yaia pbala, 

45 /icu/zeVa fx' t'aAAei' 

Svcrdeos yvvd. oôvfxaL 

8' eVo? ToS' eKâXeiv} 

ri yap Xvrpov^ Treaovros alpioros nihoi}^ 

id) TTavoL^vs ecrriay 

50 Id) KaTaaKacf>aL So/xcov. 

avt^XioL ^poToarvyels 

Sv6


dreams, with breath of wrath in sleep, at dead 

of night uttered a cry for terror from the inmost 

chamber, falUng heavily upon the women's bower.^ 

And the readers of dreams like these, interpreting 

Heaven's will under pledge, declared that those 

beneath the earth complain in bitter anger and are 

wroth against their slayers. 

Purposing such a graceless grace to ward off ill 

(O mother Earth !), she sendeth me forth, godless 

woman that she is. But I am afraid to utter the 

words she bade me speak. For what redemption is 

there for blood once fallen on the earth ? Ah, 

hearth of utter grief ! Ah, house laid low in ruin ! 

Darkness, unillumined of the sun and loathed of 

men, enshrouds the house now that its lord hath 

been done to death. 

The awe of majesty that of yore none might withstand, 

none resist, none quell, that pierced the 

public ear and heart, is now cast off. But fear men 

feel. For Success—^this, in men's eyes, is God and 

more than God. But the balanced scale of Justice 

keepeth watch : swift it descendeth on some who 

1 The language of the passage is accommodated to a 

double purpose : (1) to indicate an oracular deliverance on 

the part of the inspired prophetess at Delphi, and (2) to 

show the alarming nature of Clytaemestra's dream ; while 

"certain limiting expressions (as dwpdvvKTov, ij-m'ov) show the 

points of difference. " Phoebus " is used for a prophetic 

" possession," which assails Clytaemestra as a nightmare 

(cp. jSapi'j TriTvwv) ; SO that her vision is itself called an dveipb- 

* Xvypof : Canter. i" TreStp : Dindorf. 

^^ deffTToru/j. : Aldina. ^- dddfiavrov : Herm. 

^' (ppives : Vict. i* ifj.^poTolai : Vict. 

^* dinav : Turn, (poirrj rijs diKTjs Schol.). ^^ ^^^s : Turn. 

163

, 


TO. 8' iv IX€TaLXIjIii> OKOTOV 

fxev€L xpovil,ovras^ o-Xf] [^piêt]/ 

rovs 8' aKpavTos epêt vv^. 

70 

8t' aljxaT eKTTodevO^^ vtto xôvos Xfimôv [crrp. y. 

rlras (f)6vos irernqyev ov StappvSav.* 

SiaXyrjs aKos, TTopoi re TTOLvres e/c /xta? oSou 

f>*^; / paLVOVT€S TOV X^pOflVOfTj 

^ 

• 

II a 

(povov Katfaipovres ivvaav ixarav. 

I »'/) 11 ' 12 

75 e/xot 8'—Wyîî/cav yap olixÎtttoXlv [e7ra)8. 

êot TTpoa-qveyKav (e/c yap otKOiV 

^ 

TTarpipcov SovXlov >^^ a) 

xôvaa^^ rdahe KrjSeiovs X^^^> 

^ Xpoviôvr' : Dindorf. * [i^pi'et] Herm. 

' (Kirodev : Schiitz. * 8iappv8S.v : Lobeck, 

*


still stand in the light ; sometimes sorrows await 

them that tarry in the twilight of life's close ; and 

some are enshrouded by ineffectual night. 

Because of blood drunk to her fill by fostering 

earth, the vengeful gore lieth clotted and will not 

dissolve away. Calamity, racking his soul, distracts 

the guilty man so that he is steeped in misery utter 

and complete. 

But for him that violateth a bridal bower there is no 

cure ; so, albeit all streams flow in one current to 

cleanse the blood from a polluted hand, they speed 

their course to no avail. 

For me—since the gods laid constraining doom 

about my city (for from my father's house they led 

me to the fate of slavery)—it beseemeth, against my 

will, to conquer my bitter hate and submit to the 

behests—or just or unjust—of my masters. Yet 

'neath my veil, my heart chilled by secret grief, 

I 

bewail the foul undoing of my lord. 

Electra 

Ye handmaidens, who duly order the household's 

cares, since ye are present here to attend me in 

this rite of supplication, give me your advice touching 

this. While I pour these offerings of sorrow, what 

* otyovTi : Stephanus. " ^dlvovres : Bamberger. 

^^ Xa.ipo/j.v Conington. 

'* 11. 78-80 SiKaia. irpiirovr dpx^? {a-ir' dpxaj.Schol.) ^lov fiiq. 

(pepo/xifuv aivicrai triKpCov {iriKpov Schol.) : Îq. (j>pevCiv H. L. 

Ahreiis, irpewov (ilq. Wilam. 

^^ irax'''ovixivr)v ; Turn. 

^* Ti'/(/)w (ol/nai t{i).iî^ ni) 5e xôi'iTtt : ri

.. 


TroJs ev(f)pov^^ etTroj, ttcos /careuô/xai Trarpi; 

TTorepa Xeyovaa Trapa (j)iX7]s (fiiXco (pepeiv 

90 yvvaiKos dvSpc, t^? epirjs fjir]Tp6s irdpa; 

ToivS' ov TTapearc ddpaos, ot)8' exo^ tl 6j, 

Xôvaa TovSe rreXavov iv tvjxô) Trarpos. 

ri TovTo (f)daK(x) tovttos, d)s vopios ^porols, 

CCTÂ'^ avrihovvaL rolat Tre/JbTrovcriv^ rctSe 

96 aT€(f)7], 86at,v ye* rcov KaKOJv eTra^lav; 

•^ crty' dripLaJS, axnrep ovv dTTcLXero 

irariqp, rdh^ e/c;êacra/ yd-norov ;î;att', 

aT€LX^ Kaddpfiad' a)s rts eKnepaJjas TrdXiv 

SiKovaa revxos daTp6(f)otaLV 

opLfxaatv; 

100 TTJcrh^ iare ôvXrjs, cL cf}lXaL, pLerairiaL' 

Koivov yap exOos iv hofxoLs vop,tôfx,€V. 

pirj K€vder' evSov KapSiag (jio^cp tlvos. 

TO fji6p(np,ov yap rdv r iXevdepov /ieVet 

Kai Tov TTpos dXXrjs SecnroTovixevov x^pos. 

105 Xeyois dv, et rt tcovS' exois vneprepov 

X0P02 

alSovfX€vrj aot ^(npiov a>s rvpbôv Trarpos 

Xe^co, KeXevets ydp, rov ck (f>pev6s Xoyov. 

HAEKTPA 

XeyoLS dv, (LaTrep fjSeaco Td(f)ov Trarpos 

^ tOpuv M, tS^ppov' m. 2 ^(7t': Bamberger. 

• ir^fiwovai : Vict. * re : Stanley. 

^ iyxôvffa : Dindorf. 

166

; 


am I to say ? How shall I find gracious words, 

how voice the prayer unto my father ? Shall I 

say that I bring these offerings to a loved husband 

from a loving wife—from her that is mine own 

mother ? For that I have not the assurance ; nor 

know I what words to say as I pour this draught 

upon my father's tomb. Or shall I speak the speech 

that men are wont to use " 

: that to those who send 

these funeral honours may he make return with 

good '— ' a gift forsooth to match their evil ^ ? 

Or, in silence and dishonour, even as my father 

perished, shall I pour them out for the earth to drink, 

and then retrace my steps, like as one who carries 

forth refuse from a rite, hurling the vessel from me 

with averted eyes ? 

Herein, my friends, be ye my fellow-counsellors 

for common is the hate we cherish within the house. 

Hide not your counsel in your hearts thi-ough fear 

of any. For the fated hour awaits alike the free 

and him made bondsman by another's might. If 

thou hast a better course to urge, oh speak ! 

Chorus 

In reverence for thy father's tomb, like as it were 

an altar, I will voice my inmost thoughts, since thou 

commandest me. 

ElectRA 

Speak, even as thou hast reverence for my father's 

grave. 

^ " Their evil " is unexpectedly substituted for " their 

good." The question is ironical, since it was natural for 

a Greek to return evil for evil (cp. 123). 

167

. 


X0P02 

Ôeyyov xôvaa Kehva} rolaiv 

evcfypoaiv. 

HAEKTPA 

110 Tivas Se TOVTOvs tcov iXo}V TrpoaevveTTCo; 

X0P02 

TTpcoTOV fxev avTTjV ;)(ajcrTis" Atyiadov arvyel. 

HAEKTPA 

e/Liot re /cat aoi rap* eTTevô/jbai raSe; 

X0P05 

avrr) av ravra puavddvova' r)8r] (f)pdaai. 

HAEKTPA 

TiV ovv er' a'AAov rfjSe TrpoartOw ardaet; 

X0P02 

115 piiixvrja Ôpearov, kcI Ovpaiog eaB* op^cos- 

. HAEKTPA 

€v rovro, Kdpivcoaas ovx rJKLcrrd p,€. 

168 

X0P02 

rot? airLOIS vvv rod

— 


Chorus 

The while thou pourest, utter words fraught with 

good to loyal hearts. 

Electra 

And to whom of those near to me am I 

this name ? 

Chorus 

to give 

To thyself first—then to all who hate Aegisthus. 

Electra 

For myself then and for thee as well shall I make 

this prayer ? 

Chorus 

It is for thee, using thy judgment, forthwith to 

consider that thyself. 

Electra 

Who else then is there that I am to add to our 

company ? 

Chorus 

Forget not Orestes, though he be still from home. 

Well said ! 

le. 

Electra 

Most excellently hast thou admonished 

Chorus 

For the guilty murderers now, with mindful 

thought 

Electra 

What shall I pray ? Instruct my inexperience, 

prescribe the form. 

169

07 

• 

; 

Ûs O % 

^ 

/ ô AESCHYLUS 

! 

— 


Chorus 

That upon them there may come some one or 

god or mortal 

Electra 

As judge or as avenger, meanest thou ? 

Chorus 

Say in plain speech " one who shall take life for 

life." 

Electra 

And is this a righteous thing for me to ask of 

Heaven ? 

Chorus 

Righteous ? How not ? To requite an enemy 

evil for evil 

Electra 

Herald supreme between the world above and world 

below, O nether Hermes, come to my aid and summon 

me the spirits beneath the earth to attend my 

prayers, spirits that keep watch o'er my father's 

house, aye, and Earth herself, that bringeth all things 

to birth, and, having nurtured them, receiveth their 

increase in turn. And I the while, as I pour these 

lustral offerings to the dead, invoke my father and 

thus voice my prayer " 

: Have compassion both on 

me and on dear Orestes ! How shall we be lords 

in our estate ? For now we are vagrants, as it 

were, bartered away by her that bare us, by her who 

in exchange hath bought Aegisthus as her mate, 

even him who was her partner in thy murder. As 

171


135 Kayoj [xev airrlSovXos' e/c Se XPVH'^'^^^ 

(f)evyiov^ Ôpearrjs eariv, ol 8' VTrepKOTTCos 

iv TOLGL aoLs TTovoiat^ yXiovcrw fMeya.^ 

eXdelv S' Ôpeariqv Sevpo avv rvxj) Ttvl 

Karevxoâi croi, koI ov kXCOl jxov, irdrep' 

140 avrrj re /xot So? aax^povearepav'^ ttoXv OLrtlil 

A^ l.U \


for me, I am no better than a slave, Orestes 

is an outcast from his substance, while they in 

insolence of pride wanton bravely in the winnings 

of thy toil. Yet may Orestes come home—and with 

happy fortune ! This is my prayer to thee, and do 

thou hearken unto me, my father. For myself, oh 

grant that I may prove in heart more chaste, far 

more, than my mother and in hand more innocent. 

These invocations on our behalf ; but for our foes 

I implore that there appear one who will avenge 

thee, father, and that thy slayers may be slain in 

just retribution. ('Tis thus I interrupt my prayer for 

good, for them uttering this prayer for evil.) But 

to us be thou a bringer of blessings to the upper 

world by favour of the gods and Earth and Justice 

crowned with victory." [She pours out the libations 

Such are my prayers, and over them I pour out 

these libations. 'Tis your due service to crown them 

with flowers of lamentation, raising your voices in a 

chant for the dead. 

Chorus 

Pour forth your teai's, plashing as they fall for 

our fallen lord, to accompany this protection against 

evil—this means to avert from the good the loathed 

pollution of outpoured libations. ^ Hearken unto 

me, oh hearken, my august lord, with thy gloomenshrouded 

spirit.^ 

^ An alternative rendering is " 

: . . . fallen lord, on this 

barrier against ill and good {i.e. the tomb), to avert the 

cursed pollution, now that the libations have been poured 

out." 

^ Or d;aai;pas may mean "feeble," "helpless," to contrast 

the spirit of the dead with that of the living. But cp. 323. 

173


OTOTOTOrOTOTOTOL , 

LTCD TIS^ SopV- 

160 aOevrjs dvqp, dvaXvrrjp hojxcjv, 

HkvOiko. t^ iv êpoiv TraXivrov* 

iv cpycv êXr] ^TTnrdXXojv "Aprjs 

a)(ehia. t' avroKUiTra vcojJioJv il(f>r].^ 

HAEKTPA 

€X€L jxev tJSt] yarrorovs* Xâ? Trar-qp' 

166 veov 8e fivOov rovSe Koivcovqaare. 

7 X0P02 

"'''' 

J XeyoLs dv opxetTat^ Se KapSia (/}6â). 

HAEKTPA 

opoj 

TOfxalov TovSe ôarpvxov ra.(j)cp. 

X0P02 

TLVos TTOT avSpos, T] âdv^covov Kop-qs; 

HAEKTPA 

170 ev^v/jbôXou ToS' icrrl Travrl So^dcrai. 

X0P02 

TTcos ovv; naXacd Trapd vecorepas fxddco. 

174 

HAEKTPA 

ovK eoTLV ocrris ttX-^v Ifxov Keipacro vlv^ 

^ lu tIs : Bothe. » ffKvdiTaT with t;? over t : Rob. 

' /SAjj : Pauw from Schol.

— 

Woe, woe, woe ! 


Oh for a man mighty with the 

spear to dehver the house, a very god of war, brandishing 

in the fray the Scythian rebounding bow and 

wielding in close combat his hilted brand ! 

[As they conclude, Electra discovers 

the lock of Orestes' hair 

Electra 

My father hath by now received the libations, 

which the earth hath quaffed. But here is startling 

news ! Share it with me. 

Chorus 

Speak on—and yet my heart is dancing with fear. 

Electra 

I see here a lock, a shorn offering for the tomb. 

Chorus 

Whose can it be—some man's or some deepgirdled 

maid's ? 

Electra 

That is easy to conjecture—anyone may guess. 

Chorus 

How then ? Let my age be lessoned by thy 

youth. 

Electra 

There is no one who could have shorn it save 

myself. 

* a.ir6, Tov : yairhrovs Turn. After I. 164 M has I. 124. 

^ dj'opxeircti : Turn. 

* Keiperd v€lv (with viv over veiv m) : Turn. 

175


X0P02 

ixdpol yap ols TrpoarJKC Trevdrjaai TpLî- 

HAEKTPA 

Koi fj,7}v 6S iarl Kapr* IheZv opLoirrepos— 

X0P02 

175 TTolais idelpais; rovro yap diXoi pLadetv. 

HAEKTPA 

avroLGLV 'qfuv Koipra irpoaêpr^s Ihelv. 

X0P02 

p.cji)v ovv 'Ope'crrou Kpv^ha hcopov rju^ roSe; 

HAEKTPA 

jjiaXior 

eKeivov ôuTpvxois irpocreiheTai. 

X0P02 

Kat TTOJS eKclvos Sevp^ eroXpu-qaev jxoXeiv; 

HAEKTPA 

180 €7re/.n/re âiTrjv^ Kovplfirjv X^P''^ Trarpos. 

176 

X0P02 

ovx âaov cvhaKpvTa, fiOL Xeyeis raSe, 

ft rrjaSe x^P^^ fX-qnoTC «/raucret* ttoSi. 

* 

^ : Scholefield. 2 ^^-f^êy âj ^^^ . Vict. 

' âi)5ei with 17 over e m : Turn.

— 


Chorus 

Aye, for foes are they whom it had beseemed to 

make such mournful offering of their hair. 

Electra 

And further, to look upon, 'tis very like 

Chorus 

Whose locks ? This I fain would know. 

Electra 

Our own— 

yes, very like, to look upon. 

Chorus 

Can it then be that Orestes offered it in secret 

here ? 

Electra 

'Tis his curling locks that it most resembles. 

Chorus 

But how did he venture to come hither ? 

He hath but sent this 

his sire. 

Electra 

shorn lock to do honour to 

Chorus 

In thy words lies still greater cause for tears, if 

he shall never more set foot upon this land. 

VOL. n N 177

. 


HAEKTPA 

186 

190 

\ 

KOLôl TTpoaearrj KapStas kXvScovlov 

XoXrjs, eTTaiadrjv^ 8' (hs hiavTaicp ê'Aef 

€^ O/JLIXOLTOJV 8e ScipiOL TTlTTrOVai HOC 

arayoves a(f)paKTOi hv(y-)(Lpiov TrXrjfxfxvpiSos, 

TrXoKafiov ISovar) rovSe- ttcDs" yap eXTrlaw 

aarchv riv aXXov rijaSe SecTTrdêtv ôBrj^; 

aAA ot)8e fJLrjv viv rj Kravova' eKeiparo, 

ifirj 8e fjLTJTTjp, ovSafjiOJS emovvpiov 

p6vr)ixa Traial Svcrdeov 7re7ra/xev7^ 

eyd) 8\ OTTOJS fi€V avTLKpvs raS' alvdaco, 

€ivaL t68 dyXaLafid fxoi rod (jyiXrdrov 

^poTcbv Ôpearov— aaivojxai 8' vtt^ iXmSoS' 

196. 

pov'' dyyeXov SlKrjv, 

OTTOJS hi(f)povTLS ovaa fxr] ^ Kivvaaop.'qv ,^ 

aAA €v *aa

— 


Electra 

Over my heart, too, there sweeps a surge of 

bitterness, and I am smitten as if a sword had stabbed 

me through and through. From my eyes thirsty 

drops of a stormy flood fall imchecked at sight of 

this tress. For, how can I expect to find that someone 

else, some townsman, owns this lock ? Nor yet 

in truth did she shear it from her head—she the 

murderess, my own mother, who towards her 

children hath taken to herself a godless spirit illaccording 

with the name of mother. But, for my 

part, how am I to assent to this outright—that it 

adorned the head of him who is dearest to me in all 

the world, Orestes ? Ah no ! hope but flatters me. 

Ah me ! If only, like a messenger, it had a kindly 

voice so that I were not tossed by my distracted 

thoughts—but would plainly bid me spurn away this 

tress, had it been severed from a hated head ; or, 

if it claimed kin to me, would share my grief, an 

adornment to this tomb and a tribute to my sire. 

But Heaven, which I invoke, knoweth by what 

storms we are tossed like men upon the sea. Yet, 

if it is our fate to win safety, from a little seed may 

spring a mighty stock. 

And lo ! why here are tracks—a second proof 

tracks of feet, matching each other—and like unto 

Yes, for here are two sorts of footprints, 

my own ! 

his own and some companion's. The heels and 

markings of the tendons agree in their proportions 

with mine own tracks. I am in torment, my brain 

is in a whirl ! [Enter Orestes 

' 

iwaidriv : Canter. * ixijK^vvvacTbti-qv: Turn. 

2 aav 5' : Turn. 

179

; 

; 

VA v'"^ . AESCHYLUS 

y^.'-^ 

t\ OPE2TH2 

^ €Vxov ra Xonrd, rots deols reXeaôpovs 

V 

'" 

evxas eTrayyeXXovaa, rvyxdveiv KaXcos. 

HAEKTPA 

CTret TL vvv e'/cart SaLfxovwv Kvpco; 

OPE2TH2 

215 els oiffiv rJKets covTrep e^rjvxov^ TrdXat. 

HAEKTPA 

Kal TLva avvoiaOd [jlol KaXovixdvr] ^poTCOv; 

OPE2TH2 

owoiS' 'Ope'cTTT^v TToAAct ct' eKTTayXovfjLevTjv .^ 

HAEKTPA 

Kal Trpos ri Sijra rvyxdvio Karevyixdriov 

OPE2TH5 

08' ct/xi* fxr) ixdrev^ ifiov fidXXov (f)iXov. 

J:^.,va^ 

HAEKTPA 

•»* — 220 oAA* ij SdAor Ttr', c5 ^cV, djiiî /xoi irXeKeis 

OPE2TH2 

180 

auTO? Ktt^' 

awTou rdpa* fxr]xo.voppa(f)(JL>. 

' iî)VKOV : Rob. * iKTra.'y\6vtiivr)% Rob. 

' nd


Orestes 

Make acknowledgment to Heaven that thy prayers 

have been fulfilled, and pray that for the future 

success attend thee. 

Electra 

How so ? Wherein have I now obtained success 

by Heaven's grace ? 

Orestes 

Thou hast come to the sight of that for which thou 

hast prayed for long. 

Electra 

And whom of men dost thou know I was invoking ? 

Orestes 

I know that for Orestes thou art much empassioned. 

Electra 

And wherein then have I found answer to my 

prayers ? 

Orestes 

Here am I. 

Seek for no nearer friend than me. 

Electra 

Nay, surely, sir, 'tis some snare tha:t thou art 

weaving about me ? 

Orestes 

*Tis then against myself that I 

am devising plots. 

181


HAEKTPA 

oAA' €V KaKolai TOLS ifJbOLS yeXdv 0eAei?. 

OPE2TH2 

KOiv rots ifxols^ dp^ , eiTTcp ev ye rolai aols. 

HAEKTPA 

it)S ovT Upearrrjv raoe a eyoi TTpoaevveTTOj ; 

OPE2TH5 

226 avTov jxev ovv^ opojaa SvafxaOels ifxd' 

Kovpav 8' ISovaa TrjvSe K7]heiov TpL)(os 

228 l^voaKOTTOvad t' ev ariôiai, rots ejxoZs 

227 dveTTrep(x)drjs /caSoKet? opdv ep.e.* 

280 GKeipaL Top,ff TrpoadeZaa ôarpvôv rpix^g 

(2»)230 aavrrjs dSeX(f)OV crvfjbiJierpov^ riXTdrovs ydp olSa vcpv ovras iriKpovs. 

HAEKTPA 

235 tS îXrarov fxeXrjfia Scvfxaaiv irarpos, 

haKpVTOs eXiTLs anepfjuaTos acorrjpLOV, 

oAktj TTeTToiOws Scu/Lt' dvuKTrjar) Trarpos. 

u) repiTvov 6fjLp.a reacrapas pioipas eôv 

ep,of TTpoaavhdv 8' ear* dvayKaicos ^xov 

' inoiaiv : Turn, * iyw ce irpovvpiiru : Arnaldus. 

• fiiv vvp : Turn. * 1. 228, transf. Rob. 

' (nei\//aiTOfir):Turn. • (nifi/iirpou : Pauw. '' rcficri^: Dindorf. 

182


Electra 

Nay, thou art fain to mock at my distress. 

Orestes 

At mine own then also, if indeed at thine. 

Electra 

Am I then to address thee as in truth Orestes ? 

Orestes 

Nay, though thou seest in me his very self, thou 

art but slow to learn. Yet at sight of this shorn 

tress of mourning and when thou wast scanning 

the footprints of my tracks, thy thought took wings 

and thou didst deem it was I thou didst behold. 

Put to the spot whence it was shorn the lock of hair 

—thine own brother's—and mark how it agrees with 

that of my head. And see this piece of weaving, 

thy handiwork, the batten strokes and the 

beasts in the design. Control thyself! Be not 

distraught for joy ! For our nearest kin, I know, 

are bitter foes to us twain. 

Electra 

O best beloved darling of thy father's house, 

its hope of saving seed, longed for with tears, trust 

in thy prowess and thou shalt win again thy father's 

house. O thou fond presence that hath for me 

four parts of love ; for father I needs must call 

« 11. 230-229 transf. Bothe. » els 5k: Turn. 

'" 9r)pioi> : Bamberger. 

'^ ixTjKirXayiTJ : Turn. 

183

; 


240 rrarepa re, Kal to fxr^rpos is oi /xoi /aeTret 

arepyrjOpov rj Se TravScKivs exdacpeTai' 

Kal Trjs rvdeiarjs vrjXeojs ojjioaTTopov 

^ 

TTLaros 8' dBeXôs rjod\ i/xol aeâs (f>€po)v 

fjLOVos' K/actTos" Te /cat Alkt] aw ro) jrpLTCp 

246 * irdvrwv fxeyiara) ZiT]vl avyyevoiro aot} 

OPE2TH2 (_ \ , 

. s C\.ir, Tf>; Jtx 

J 

Zeu Zeu, decDpos ra)vhe Trpayixdrcov^ yevov- 

ISov Be yevvav^ evviv alerov narpos, 

davovros iv TrAe/cratcrt /cat cnreLpafiaaLV* 

Beivrjs ixiBvTjs- rovs S' d7Ta>p(f)aviaixevovs 1 

vrjaris Trteêt Ai/xds" ou yap eVreAetsr^ 1 

dripav TTarpipav^ 7Tpoa(j)€p€LV aKTjvrjixaaLV. 

OVTO) Be Kdpbe T7]vBe t , ^YiXeKrpav Xeyco^ 

IBeZv Trdpearl aoi, TTarpoareprj yovov, 

dfji(f)co (f)vyr]v eôvre rrjv avrrjv B6fia)V. 

265 /cat rod dvrrjpog /cat ere TifMOJVTOS fieya 

^ TTarpos veoaaovs rovaB^ dirotfideipa's nodev 

V>

— 


thee, and to thee falls the love I should bear my 

mother—she whom I most rightly hate—and the 

love I bore my sister, victim of a pitiless sacrifice ; 

and as brother thou hast been my trust, winning 

reverence even for me, thou only. May Might and 

Justice, with Zeus the third,^ supreme over all, lend 

thee their aid ! 

Orestes 

O Zeus, O Zeus, look upon our cause ! Behold 

the orphaned brood of an eagle sire that perished 

in the meshes—aye in the coils—of a fell viper. 

Utterly orphaned are they, gripped by hunger's 

famine ; 

for they are not grown to full strength to 

bring their father's quarry to the nest. So thou 

mayest behold even me and poor Electra here 

children bereft of their father, outcasts both alike 

from our home. If thou destroy est these nesthngs 

of a sire who made sacrifice and paid high worship 

unto thee, from what like hand wilt thou receive 

the homage of rich feasts ? Destroy the offspring 

of the eagle and thou canst not henceforth send 

tokens wherein mankind will trust ; nor, if this 

royal stock wither utterly away, will it serve thy 

altars on days of sacrifice of oxen. Oh foster it, and 

thou canst raise a house from low estate to great, 

though now it seemeth utterly o'erthrown. 

^ Zeus " the third," because three is the mystical eiFectual 

number. Zeus " the third " is Zeus " the Saviour " in Suppl. 

25, Eum. 759 ; cp, Agam. 1387. 

* evireie^ M (t over ei m). lo ivinxaaiv : Turn. 

^^ Savapias : Turn. ' 185

, 


X0P02 

(L TratSes", w aiorrjpes iariag rrarpos, 

265 aiyoB' , ottcos f^r) Trevcrerat tls, c5 reKva, 

yXcvaar^s X^P'-^ ^^ TTOvr aTrayyeiXrj raSe 

77/30? Tovs KpaTovuras' ovs iSoLfi iyco ttotc 

davovras iv ktjklSl TTiaarjpei ^ -^nap depfxov eâvhwjxevos 

\el firj fjLerecfMt rod Txarpog rovs alriovs' 

rpoTTov rov avrov dvraTTOKTeivai Xeycov, 

275 aTTo^prjixaTOLGL t,rjixiaig ravpovjxevov 

, 

Daurpv 8 €(f)aaK€ rfj (/)LXr) tpvxfj rdSe 

reiaeiv^ ^' exovra TroXXd SvcrrepTTrj /ca/


Chorus 

O children, O saviours of your father's hearth, 

someone over- 

speak not so loud, dear children, lest 

hear and for mere talk's sake report all this to our 

masters—may I some day behold them dead amidst 

the pitchy ooze of flame ! 

Orestes 

Of a surety the mighty oracle of Loxias will not k^^ 

abandon me, charging me to brave this peril to the w, 

end, and, with loud utterance, proclaiming afflictions 

chilling my warm heart's blood, if I avenge not my 

father on the guilty ; bidding me, infuriated by the 

loss of my possessions,^ slay them in requital even as 

they slew. And with mine own life, he declared, I 

should else pay the debt myself by many grievous 

sufferings. P'or he spake revealing to mankind the 

wrath of malignant powers from underneath the 

earth, and telling of plagues : leprous ulcers that 

mount with fierce fangs on the flesh, eating away 

its primal nature ; and how, upon this disease, a 

white down ^ should sprout forth. And of other 

assaults of the Avenging Spirits he spake, destined 

to be brought to pass from a father's blood ; for the 

darkling bolt of the infernal powers, who are stirred 

by slain victims of kindred race calling for venge- 

^ Tucker interprets this passage to mean " fiercely stern 

with penalties not to be paid with money," that is, penalties 

demanding the death of the guilty, who may not offer money 

to satisfy the claims of vengeance ; and thus an allusion to 

" wer-gild," known in Homeric times. 

^ The down upon the sore, not the temples turned white 

(cp. Leviticus xiii. 3). 

187


/cat Xvaaa /cat /xarato? e/c vvktcov (f)6ôs 

opcovra Xajxirpov iv aKOTCo vcofiwvT ocppvv^ 

KLvel, rapdaaei, /cat SccoKcadaL TToAeoj? 

290 X'Â/CTÂaTOJ TrXdaTiyyi Xvfxavdev Sefxas. 

Kal Tols ToiovroLS ovre Kparrjpos^ fxcpos 

flvai /Lteraaêtv, oi) (^lXoottovSov Xiôs, 

^wfjicbv t' dTTeipyeiv ovx 6pcop,evT]v Trarpos 

fjii]Viv he-)(eodaL LXov OvrjcrKeLV )(p6va) 

/caKcDs" raptx^vdevra 7TafjL(f)ddpTa) fxopa). 

V- '. C"' TOtotcrSe xPV^P'Ols dpa* XPV TêTrotêVat; 

,.^" *- \_Kel fiTj TTeTTOida, rovpyov ear^ ipyaarreov. 

'^ '' TToAAot yap els ev avp,7Tirvovaiv^ Ifiepoi, 

300 C deov T eêr/xat /cat Trarpos Trivdos /xe'ya, 

/^^ I /cat npos TTteêt^ ;j^/37^/xaTajv dxrjvia, 

^ ^ / TO /xt) TToXiras evKXeeardrovs ^portov, 

Tpoias dvaararrjpas evSoô) (f)p€.vi, 

< §t>otv yumt/cotv oiS' vtttjkoovs TreAetv. 

^TyAcia yap ^p-qv el he pLiq, rdx e'laerai. 

X0P02 

dAA' d> fieydXai Motpat,' Aiodev 

rrjSe reXevrdv, 

^ ro hiKaLov jxeraâiveL. 

avri fxev ex^pdg yXwaarjs ix^P^ 

310 yAoicraa reXeiaduj' rovêiX6p.evov 

TTpdaaovaaÂiKT)^ fxey' dvreX-^ 

avri he TrXrjyrjs ôvt'a? ovLav 

TrXrjyfjv riverco. Bpdaavri, Tradelv, 

r^yepwv p,vdos rdSe (f)Ct)vel. 

* Transposed from alter 1. 

'^ 

284 : Herm. Kparepbs : Rob. 

» Erasure 

•• 

before oCTei

— 

thp: libation-bearers 

ance, and both madness and groundless terrors out 

of the night torment and harass the man, Avho seeth 

clearly, though he moveth his ^ 

eyebrows in the dark ; 

so that, his body marred by the brazen scourge, he 

be even chased in exile from his country. For an 

offender such as this 'tis not allowed—so the god 

declared—to have part either in the festal bowl or 

in the genial draught ; his father's wrath, albeit 

unseen, bars him from the altar ; no one receives 

him or lodges with him ; and at last, unhonoured of 

all, unfriended, he perishes, shrivelled pitifully by a 

death that wastes him utterly away. 

In oracles such as these must I not put my trust ? 

Nay, even if I trust them not, the deed must still 

be done. For many impulses conspire to one conclusion 

: besides the god's behest, my keen grief 

for my father, and withal the pinch of poverty 

that my countrymen, the most renowned of mankind, 

who overthrew Troy with gallant spirit, should not 

thus be at beck and call of a brace of women ; 

for 

woman he is at heart ; or, if he is not, he shall soon 

put it to the test. 

Chorus 

Ye mighty Fates, through the power of Zeus 

vouchsafe fulfilment thus even as Justice now 

turneth ! 

" For word of hate let word of hate be 

said," crieth Justice aloud as she exacteth the 

debt, " and for murderous stroke let murderous 

stroke be paid." " To him that doeth, it shall be 

done by," so saith a precept thrice-aged. 

^ He cannot sleep through terror of the Erinyes of his 

murdered kin whom tie has not avenged. 

* avixTTLTvovinv M, a-v/jLTriiTTovaiv m. * irpoaineêi : Abresch. 

' no'tpe with ai over e. * 5iKT)v M, diKT] mG. 

" niyavTL M, fxiy dvTet mG.

, N^ 

,^ 


OPE2TH2 

315 ol TTarep alvo-rrarep, ri croi [(^tR- ^• 

^'"^, 320 pov^; xa/'iTe? 8' opboicus 

Vk f- 

K€KXr]VTaL ydos" evKXerjs 

TTpoadohopLOis 'ArpetSat?. 

X0P05 

(fydfxevos t] ri peâs 

rvxoLfi av eKadev^ ovpiaas, 

evda a exovcriv ewat, 

GKorq) ^dos avTi/Jiot- 

.v--^^- 

4S T€KVOv, (f)p6vr)iJia rov [p'^P' P* 

y^ 

\Û^*S' 

davovros ov Sajuaêt 

326 TTVpos [rjY fxaXepd yvddos, 

(l>aiv€i 8' varepov opyds' 

6roTvt,erai 8' o Ov^gkcov, 

^ dvaaiverai 8' o ^XdirrcuVfi 

TTarepojv re /cat reKovrcov '^'^'^^ . 

3^ ^ yoo? eVSt/cos' fxarevec 

TO TTav^:dp,îXa'qs rapaxdets. 

y.*i^ 

-«- 

' 

HAEKTPA 

.. -^ 

kXvOl vvv* CO Trdrep, ev fiepet, [avr. a. 

TToXvSdKpvra Trevdrj. 

^ OtTrat? roc a einrvixpios 

^,ip35 dpijvos dvaarcvdi.eL.'' 

^'•'^\r Td(f)os 8' LKeras 8e8e/crat 

' ,^1)''' 

\ iryd8as 6^ ofxoioj?. 

^ fir -^ » > ' V 

i>\ o'^'*^ arptaKTos ara; 

190^ 

''^^ 

^ 

\\,avA.^'^^^^^''"''


ft 

Orestes 

O father, unhappy father, by what word or deed 

of mine can I succeed in wafting from afar to thee, 

where thy resting-place holds thee, a light to oppose 

thy darkness ? Yet a funeral lament in honour of 

the Atreidae who erst possessed the house is 

the less a joyous service. 

Chorus 

none 

My child, the consciousness of the dead is not 

quelled by fire's ravening jaw ; but he bewrayeth 

thereafter what stirreth him. The slain man hath 

his dirge, the guilty man is revealed. Lament for 

fathers and for parents that hath just cause, when 

raised full loud and strong, maketh search on every 

hand. 

Electra 

Hear then, O father, as in turn we mourn with 

plenteous tears. Lo, 'tis thy children twain that 

bewail thee in a dirge o'er thy tomb. As suppliants 

and as exiles likewise have they sought harbourage 

at thy sepulchre. What is there here of good, what 

free from ill ? Is it not hopeless to wrestle against 

doom ? 

Kadev with f over /cm. ^ laori/j.oipoi' : Erfurdt. 

' [r/] Person. * vOv : Canter. 

Tois : Schiitz. eirirvjULîdiois : Herm. 

* ^ 

' dva(XT€vdêi M, dfacrrevdlêi G. 

191

~ 


X0P02 

340 aAA' er' au €K rcjvhe deos XP'oC^^K [anap. 

(.V***'> \ êiTj^ KeXdSovs ev^doyyorepovs' 

* 

1 ,6^^^\ ovrl he dprjvwv eTTiTV/JL^LSiajv 

^ veoKpara (f)iXov KOfxicrecev .^ 

0PE2TH2 

346 et yap tJtt' 'lAt'w [o't^P- 7- 

Trpds" Ttj/o? Ay/ctcoi', ndrep, 

KaTr]vapLadr]s '^ 

,,~^ t- 

SopLTfjL-qros 

^ v. AiTTOov at' ey/cAetav ev hopioiat. "i. >t'.'-Tc 

TCKUCOV r iv KeXcvdptS^ J ^-V>We 

85-'^\ ^TTiaTpeTTTOv alo)^ 

,^f9if^^ 

^f^ 

xriaas' TToXvxcoarov av et;(e? 

^^TS^^M ^^;5Â- ^ ''^ 8a>fxaat,v ev(f>6pT)Tov, 

ot^ 

X0P02 

^lAos"

— 


Chorus 

Yet, Heaven, if so it please, may still turn our 

utterance to sounds of more joyful tone. In place 

of dirges o'er a tomb, a song of triumph within the 

royal halls shall welcome back a reunited friend.^ 

Orestes 

Ah, would that 'neath Ilium's walls, my father, 

thou hadst been slain, gashed by some Lycian spear ! 

Then hadst thou left fair renown for thy children 

in their halls, and in their going forth hadst made 

their life admired of men, and in a land beyond the 

sea thou hadst found a tomb heaped high with 

earth—no heavy burthen for thy house to bear 

Chorus 

—Welcomed there below by thy comrades who 

nobly fell, a ruler of august majesty conspicuous 

beneath the earth, and minister of the mightiest, 

the deities who there in the nether world hold rule.^ 

For in thy life thou wast a king of them who by their 

power allot the doom of death ^ and wield the staff 

that all obey. 

1 feoKpara, lit. 

" newly-mixed." As friendship, when 

begun, was pledged by a loving-cup, so Orestes, after his 

long absence, is to be welcomed as a new friend. 

^ Pluto and Proserpine. 

* He was a king of those princes who have the right to 

apportion life or death to their subjects. 

* SiairovTiovras : Turn. 

® Tjv with (T over v : Abresch. 

^^ Tn^nrXavTcov : Heath. 

^' iriaifi^poTdv (7retcri>/3/)or6i' Aldina) : Pauw. 

VOL. II O 193

. 


HAEKTPA 

fXTjS* VTTo Tpojtas [dvT. y. 

retxecn^ (j>dijxevos, Trdrep, 

365 jxer' dXX(p^ SovpiKfjirJTt^ Xaw 

irapa HKap,dvhpov nopov redd^dai.* 

TTapos 8 ol Kravovres 

viv 

ovTOJS^ Sa/jLrjvai 

^, davar7](f)6pov alaav 

370 ^^, "», TTpoaoiP rivd TTVvddveadai 

^ T(x>vhe TTOvojv aTreipov. 

X0P02 

ravra p,ev, co ttol, Kpeiaaova xpvaov, [anap. 

fj,€ydXr]s Se rvxrjs /cat v-nepôpeov 

, fieiôva '^ 

aAAa 8t7rA% yap TrjaBe^/jiapdyvTjs^ \,o^^^ '^^^ 

SovTTof LKvetrar Tibv pukv dpcoyol ^.. ^^^ 

Kara yrjs rjSr], rcbv Se Kparovvrcov 

X^p€S ovx ocrtat arvyepcov tovtojv 

? Tratai Se fidXXovjyeyevrjTai 

OPE5TH2" 

380 rovTO Stauirepes oy?" [arn ?i 

J

* The ear of Agamemnon. 

195 

r 


Electra 

Nay, not even 'neath the walls of Troy, father, 

would I have had thee fall and have thy grave 

beside Scamander's stream among the other folk 

that perished by the spear. Would rather that his 

murderers had been slain by their own kin, even as 

they slew thee, so that some one in a far-oif land, 

knowing naught of these our present troubles, should 

learn their doom of death. 

Chorus 

Therein, my child, is thy wish for better than 

gold, for what surpasseth great good fortune, yea 

even that of the supremely blest ^ ; since it is easy 

to wish. But now—since the thud of this double 

scourge ^ reacheth home—our cause hath already its 

champions beneath the earth, while the hands of the 

other side, though they have the mastery—those 

wretches—are hands unholy. 'Tis the children that 

have gained the day ! 

Orestes 

This hath pierced the earth and reached thine 

ear,^ as it were an arrow, O Zeus, O Zeus, who 

The Hyperboreans, a fabulous people dwelling " beyond 

^ 

the North wind," were imagined to live longer and in greater 

felicity than other mortals. 

* The " thud of the double scourge " refers to the appeal 

to the dead, lashing him to vengeance, to the beating of the 

head and breast, and to the stamping on the ground, which, 

like the invocation of the dead, were intended to arouse the 

nether powers. The scourge is " double " (cp. Agam. 647) 

because the participants in the scene are the two children 

(1. 334) and the Chorus.

' 


varepoTTOLVOv drav^ tz ' 

^ 

' 

PpoTcbv rXafjuovi^ /cat navovpycp 

385 X^''P^—TOKCvai 8' ofjucus reXeiTai. 

XOP02 

("'^> -j-'^'pif 

,4 / 

^..,[ ^,.,.^,J.-cUc) 

r'*> 

i(f>vixvrjaat, yivoiro fioi TWKoi- [(^tR- c- 

Oetvofievov, 

6XXvp,4vas' 

yvvaiKos r 

ri yap Kevdco ^pevos otov^ efiTras 

TTorarai; Trapoidev 8e 7T£a>pas 

optjxvs arjTa i, KpaSias^ 

OvfJios cyKOTOv arvyos. 

HAEKTPA 

Koi TTOT* civ afji(f)(,daXr]g [dvT. S. 

395 î Zeyj eVt X^''P°' iâAot, 

'r^'^* 

• êu êu, Kapava Sottas; 

> sl'^^'V*^'' 

7"o-Ta yevoiTo )(a)pa. 

y^j oiKov o eg aoiKcov arrairoj. 

kXvt€ 8e Fa ;)^ôi'ta>v re ri/xat.* 

X0P02 

400 aAAa u6p,os^ fiev (f)ovlas arayovas 

;(u/AeVas e? Tre'Sov ctAAo TrpoaaiTeZv 

af/xa. ô^ ya/o Aoiyo? 'Eptvj)v^ 

TTapa rdjv Trporepov' ^dijxivoiv drr^v 

€T€pav eTTayovcrau ctt' d-rrj. 

^ S.rr)v with a over ?; m (and SO in 1. 403). 

* t\i/ihovi: Herm. 

=* 

irevK-êvr : Dindorf. 

* Ouov: Herm. » Kapdias: Herm. 

• Toxôi'/wj' Tcn/xat (with ^v over /xai m) : H. L. Ahrens.


dost send up from the world below upon the reckless 

and wicked deeds wrought by the hands of men 

their retribution long-deferred—and nevertheless it 

shall be accomplished for a father's sake.^ 

Chorus 

May it be mine to raise a lusty shout in triumph 

over the man when he is stabbed and over the 

woman as she perishes ! Wherefore should I strive 

to keep hidden what nevertheless hovers before my 

soul ? Full against my heart's prow wrath bloweth 

keen in rancorous hate. 

Electra 

And when will mighty Zeus bring down his hand 

upon them—ah me !—and cleave their heads asunder ? 

Let the land have pledges thereof ! After injustice 

'tis justice I demand as of my right. Hearken, O 

Earth, and ye honoured powers below ! 

Chorus 

Nay, it is the eternal rule that drops of blood spilt 

upon the ground demand yet other blood. Murder 

crieth aloud on the Spirit of Vengeance, which from 

those slain before bringeth one ruin in another's 

train. 

1 He thus justifies his (unvoiced) prayer, " slay my mother." 

' dXX' dvofj-os : Turn. 

8 Xoiybv ipLvi/i : Schiitz. " irporepwu : Portus. 

197

405 

410 

415 


OPE2TH2 

TTOTTOL^ br) veprepcov rvpavviSes, 

there 

TToXvKparels 'Apat ^^tvo/xeVcuv, 

tSecr^' Ârpeihav ra Xoltt' dpirjxoivws 

exovra /cat Soifiaraiv 

drLfia. ttS, tls rpamoir av^ w 

X0P02 

TreTraArat* havre /xol (f)iXov Kcap 

Tovhe nXvovaav oIktov 

/cat lOT^^jxeu SucreATrts', 

aTTXdyxvaqi_ />tot° KeXaivovrai 

irpos eiros KXvovaa. 

orav 8' aSr* en dXKrjs eTrdprj , aTTearaaev dxos 

koXcos. 

TTpoaj>ave'iad^ /xot 

HAEKTPA 

ZeO; 

[oTp. I. 

\dvr. 

420 

Tt 

8* dv fames' Tvxotfjiev rj^ ravep [dvr. t,. 

Trddofiev. axâ' npos ye rayv reKopuevoiV ; A. 

irdpeari aaivîv, to. 8' ovtl OeXyeTai. 

" 

XvKOS cSctt' (hpLocjipcov 

^X^!"^ ^^ daavros e/c jxarpos iorrL dvpbos. 

X0P02 

€Koif/a KOfipbov "Kpiov^^ ev re^^ Kiaalas^ [ctT/3. Tj. 

voixoLS 

IrjXepbLaTpLa?,^ 

' TTot TTot : Bamberger. 

* Ounivu}v (t over et m) : H. L. Ahrens. 

* vtTiffTpawoiTav corr. m. 

* ireTrdXare (ai over e m); Turn. ' moi'5 Schiitz. 

* II. 415-17 ^TraX/c^s OpapfairiffTaffep &xos irpb% rb ave7 Conington, Blonifield, 

TrpoffipavfTaa Bamberger. ' irdvTes : Bothe. 

198


Orestes 

Alas, ye sovereign powers of the world below, 

behold, ye puissant Curses of the slain, behold the 

remnants of the hne of Atreus in their helpless 

plight, from house and home cast out in dishonour. 

Which way can we turn, O Zeus ? 

Chorus 

But again my heart throbs as I hear this piteous 

plaint. Anon I am reft of hope and my reins are 

darkened at the words I hear ; but when again hope 

uplifts and strengthens me, it puts away my distress, 

dawning brightly upon me. 

Electra 

To what could we more fittingly appeal than to 

those very miseries we have endured—even from 

her who gave us birth ? Fawn upon us she may, 

yet they are past all soothing ; for, like a wolf of 

savage heart, our temper from our mother is implacable. 

Chorus 

Upon my breast I did beat ^ an Arian ^ dirge, even 

^ wailing-woman. With 

after the wont of a Cissian 

^ 

At the time of Agamemnon's murder, when the women 

wailed with the extravagance of professional Asiatic mourners. 

Here they repeat those signs of mourning. 

2 

Aria was a district of Persia. fFor " Eranians " (Old- 

Persian Ariya) the Greeks used "Apioi ; at least Herodotus 

says this was an ancient name of the Medes. 

8 Cissia formed part of Susiana. 

* ai/ ^ : Herm. ' '• 

dx^f « Schwenk. 

" dpeLov : Herm. " etre Bothe. 

^* Kiaa-ldLs: Rob. ^* vofJ-oKxCKefuuTplas: Herm. 

199

I '%VeV 

" 


425 dTrpiyhoTrXrjKra TroXvTTXavrjra} 8' riv^ ISelv 

iTTadcrvTeporpLî] ra X^P^^ opeyfjiara 

dvojdev dveKadev, KrvTTCO 8' eTreppodei^ 

KporrjTov dp,6v /cat TTOvdOXiov Kapa. 

HAEKTPA 

430 TTdvroXjxe [xdrep,^ Satais ep eK(j>opais 

dvjM TToXndv dva.Kr , 

8e TT€vd7]IJ,dTCOV 

^rXa?^ dvolfJLOJKTov dvhpa ddifsat,. 

j; 

PPE2TH2, 

, 

TO ndv drifjicos eXegas, otfxoi. 

[arp. 

436 

I narpos 8' drLp,a>aiv dpa' ret'cret* iiîths 

J p€/cajt /xev SaLjjiovcov, 

'•- 

e/cari 8' d/Aav x^R^î 

CTTCtT eyct) voaîcras oXoLfidv.^ 

X0P02 

ipLaaxaXiadri^^ 8c y', w? rdS* etSi^?-" [ai/r. i. 

440 CTTpaaae 8', aTrip^^ *v^ cS8e ddrrret,, 

fiopov KTiaat}^ fxojfJLeva 

a€pTov^* alwvL aa>, 

kXvcls^^ 7Tarp(x)c^s 8vas drlixovg.^^ 

^ dvpiyKTOL irX-KTo. TToXinrdXayKTa : Blomfield. 

* Srjv: Hob. » iirippoOii: Stanley. * Wellauer. 

[ ] 

• firJTfp : SchUtz. « ^rXr/j : Dindorf. 

' iph : Heath. » rlaei : KirchhoflF. 

» iXolnav: Turn. lo iixaaxO'Mae-qi: Rob. 

" 5^ T(ocrToar(ldr)s : Sd ye Herm. ; wj eiSi?? Canter; t65' Pauw. 

" Aire/): Portus. 

200


clenched blows rained thick and fast one might 

have seen my outstretched hands, now on this side 

now on that, descending from above—from far 

above—till my battered and wretched head resounded 

with the strokes. 

Electra 

Out upon thee, cruel, all-daring mother ! In cruel 

burial, a king unattended by his people, unattended 

by lamentation, thou didst find the heart to bury thy 

husband unbewailed. 

Orestes 

Ah me, thy words spell utter dishonour. Yet 

by God's help, and by help of mine own hands, 

shall she not make atonement for the dishonour 

done my sire ? Let me but take her hfe, then let 

me die ! 

Chorus 

Aye, and he was foully mangled,^ I would have 

thee know. And even as she thus buried him, she 

viTOUght with the design to make the manner of 

his murder a burthen on thy life, past all power to 

bear. Thou hearest the story of the ignominious 

outrage done to thy father. 

^ An allusion to the savage custom by which the extremities 

of the murdered man were cut off, then hung about 

his neck and tied together under the arm-pits (/âo-xaXat). 

At least one object of this " arm-pitting " was to disable the 

spirit of the dead from taking vengeance on the murderer. 

1' Krei-aL with v in erasure : Stanley. 

^^ d(pepKToi> : Rob. ^^ kX^€i : Turn. 

^^ dvaaTifxovs : Stanley. 

201


HAEKTPA 

445 Ae'yei? rrarpwov fxopov eyco 8 aTTcaraTovv [avT. rj. 

driixos, 

ovSev aîafJiVXÔ^ 

S' a(f)€pKTOS TToXvCTLVOVS^ KVVOS StKav 

Y^^V" eroLfiorepa yeXcoro? avi


Electra 

My father was murdered even as thou tellest. 

But I, the while, despised, accounted as a thing of 

naught, was kept aloof ; kennelled, as I had been a 

vicious cur, in my chamber, I gave free vent to my 

streaming tears—that came more readily than 

laughter—as in my concealment I poured forth my 

lament in plenteous weeping. Hear my tale and 

grave it on thy heart. 

Chorus 

Aye, let it sink deep into thine ears, but keep 

withal a quiet steadfastness of soul. Thus far the 

case stands thus ; but what's to follow do thou of 

thyself be eager to resolve. Thou must enter the 

lists with wrath inflexible. 

Orestes 

Father, on thee I call ; side with thine own ! 

And I, 

Electra 

all tears, join my voice to his. 

And all 

the prayer. Hearken ! 

Chorus 

our company blend our voices in echoing 

Come to the hght ! Side 

with us against the foe ! 

Orestes 

War-god shall encounter War-god, Right shall 

encounter Right. 

^ An iambus has been lost somewhere in the line. 

* (ppovCiv : Turn. ' opyg^ : Scaliger. 

^ (piXoiai : Porson. * ^vfi^dWei : Pauw. 

203

. 


HAEKTPA 

W./q\ 

uh OeoL, Kpalver* ivBlKcos .* 

X0P02 

466 

rpofxos fx v(f)€p7T€L KXvovaav €vyfj.dro)v 

TO piopaLfjLOV fxevcL TTaXai, 

evxofievoLs S' av eAôt. 

470 

475 

a> TTovos eyyevT]? 

[errp. X. 

Kal irapdixovaos "Ara?' 

alfxarocaaa TtXayd. 

to) ovGTOV a

— 


Electra 

O ye gods, decide aright the plea of right ! 

Chorus 

A shudder steals o'er me as I hear these prayers. 

Doom hath long been waiting, but, in answer to them 

that pray, come it will. 

Ah, trouble inbred in the race and bloody stroke 

of Ruin grating harsh discord ! Ah, sorrows lamentable 

and grievous ! Ah, the staunchless pain ! 

The house hath a cure to heal these woes—a cure 

not from without, from others' hand—but from itself, 

by savage strife of blood. To the gods beneath the 

earth this hymn is sung. 

O ye blest powers below, give ear to this our 

supplication, and of your ready will send forth to 

the children your succour unto victory ! 

Orestes 

O father, who perished by an unroyal death, 

grant, as answer to my prayer, the lordship o'er 

thy halls ! 

Electra 

And I too, father, have like request of thee 

to escape when I have wrought great destruction 

upon Aegisthus. 

^ Herin. ^ Idi : Herm. 

^ &T7]'! : Herm. * eKcts : Schiitz. 

* aiui/jLavaipeiy lpii> Herm. 

: 5t' cii/uaj' Klausen ; 

Herm. vIkt)!' : Portus. 

* ' 

oLhovfievbs : Turn. ^ roidde : Turn. 

* 

^^ dbpovy Herm. 

205


0PE2TH2 

ovTO) yap dv aoi Satre? evvofioL ^poratv 

KTLôtaT*' el 8e fi'q, Trap evheinvoLS ear) 

485 drifios epLTTvpoiaC' KViacorols xô^'o?. 

HAEKTPA 

Kayoi ;;ôas" oot rrjs efxrjs TrayKXrjpias 

oiaco TTarpaxxiv Ik Bo/xcov yajJi-qXtovs' 

TTOvrcov 8e Trpcorov rovSe Trpeaêvaco rdôv. 

OPE2TH2 

ct) Fat', dves /jloi irarep'^ eTroTrreucrat fxdx^v. 

HAEKTPA 

490 t5 Y\.epai(j)aaaa, So? Se y'^ evixop(f)OV Kpdros. 

OPE2TH2 

IJL€p,vr)ao Xovrpujv ols evoaîadris , vdrep. 

HAEKTPA 

fxefivrjao 8' dp,î^X.riarpov co?* eKaiviaav. 

OPE2TH2 

TTcSai? 8' a;(aA/


Orestes 

Aye, for then the wonted funeral feasts of men 

would be stablished to thy honour ; but otherwise, 

at the rich and savoury banquet of burnt offerings 

made to earth, thou shalt be portionless of honour. 

And I, 

Electra 

likewise, of the fulness of my inheritance 

will from my father's house at -my bridal offer libations 

unto thee ; and before all else I will hold this 

thy tomb in chiefest honour. 

Orestes 

O Earth, send up my father to watch my battle ! 

Electra 

O Persephassa, grant us even yet glorious victory ! 

Orestes 

Father, remember the bath, wherewith thou wast 

robbed of life. 

Electra 

And remember how they devised a strange castingnet 

for thee. 

Orestes 

Thou wast caught, my father, in gyves forged 

by no smith's hand. 

Electra 

And in a wrapping shamefully devised. 

207

i 

aKov 


OPE2TH2 

495 ap* iêyeiprj rotcrS' dvetSecrtr/ rrdrep; 

HAEKTPA 

5p' opdov atpeis (ftlXrarov to aov Kapa; 

OPE2TH2 

"^roi 8iKr)v taAAs avfifiaxov (^lAot?, 

•^ ra? ofioias olvtIBos Aaâ?^ Aa^Seir, 

€i7T€p KpaTTjdeis y avriviKr\aai deXeis. 

HAEKTPA 

600 Ktti TTyo-S' aKOvaov Xoiadiov ôrjs, Trdrep, 

lha)v veoaaovs rouaS' e(f)r]fX€Vovs rdcfxpoiKTipe^ 

OrjXvv apacvos 6^ ofiov yovov, 

/cat p.rj *âX€Liff7]s arrepfia HcXottlScov roSe* 

ovTO) yap ov redvrjKas ovSe nep âvcot'* 

605 ttolScs yap dvSpl KXr]S6v€S aojTiqpiOL 

davovTL' 

, (fyeXXoi 8' cos dyovai hiKrvov, 

rov CK ^vOov KXojaTTJpa awôvres Xlvov.* 

, VTTep aov ToiaS' eW oSvp/xara. 

avTos 8c (Tip^r) TovSe TLp,TJcras Xoyov. 

X0P02 

510 Kal fjir)v dp,€p(f)r} rorS' ireivaTov^ Xoyov, 

rip,r]p.a rvp,ôv rrjs dvocp,(jL)KTOv rvxf]S' 

* 6ud^((xaiv : Rob. * /3Xd/3aj : Canter. 

• ohreifx : Kirchhoff. * XtVou M, \Ipov m. 

' an6fji

; 


Orestes 

Father, art thou not roused by such taunts as 

these ? 

Electra 

Dost not upHft that dearest head of thine ? 

Orestes 

Either send Justice to battle for those dear to 

thee, or grant us in turn to get Hke grip ^ of them, 

if indeed after defeat thou wouldst in turn win 

victory. 

Electra 

So hearken, father, to this my last appeal as thou 

beholdest these fledglings crouching at thy tomb. 

Have compassion on thy offspring, on the woman 

and at the same time on the male, and let not this 

seed of Pelops' line be blotted out ; for then, in 

spite of death, thou art not dead. For children are 

voices of salvation to a man, though he be dead 

like corks, they buoy up the net, saving the flaxen 

cord from out the deep. Hearken ! For thine own 

sake we make this plaint. Show honour to this our 

plea and thou dost save thyself. 

Chorus 

In truth, to your content have ye drawn out 

this your plea in showing honoiu- to this unlamented 

tomb. For the rest, since thy heart 

^ 

Orestes prays that, as Clytaemestra and Aegisthus had 

" got grip " of Agamemnon by deception, so he may "get 

hke grip " of them and kill them, 

VOL. II P 209

; 


TOi 8' aAA', eTrecSrj Spdv KanLpdcoaai pevi, 

epSoLS oiv tJSt] Saifjiovos TTCipcofxevos. 

OPE2TH2 

earaL- TTvdeaOai 8' ovhev iar^ e^co SpofjLov, 

615 TTodev ;ôas" eVe/xi/'er, ex rtVo? Xoyov 

fieOvcrrepov Tificoa* dvqKeaTov irddos 

davovTL^ 8' ov (f)povovvrt SeiXaia X^P''^ 

eTTefXTTCT^' ovK exotfj,' dv et/cctcrat roSe.^ 

rd Scopa (jbeico^ 8' iarl rrjs d/jbaprias. 

620 rd TTavra ydp tls CK^âs dvd^ at/xaTos 

ivos, pidr-qv 6 p,6xdos- a>8' ex^t Xoyos. 

625 X^^^ 

deXovri 8 , e'lTTep olad , ipôl (f>pdaov raSe. 

X0P02 

otS , pdaat,; 

X0P02 

T€K€lv hpaKovr €.ho^€v,


is rightly set on action, put thy fortune to 

the proof and get thee to thy work forthwith. 

Orestes 

It shall be so. But it is in no wise amiss to enquire 

how, from what motive, she came to send libations, 

seeking too late to make requital for a deed past 

remedy. To the unconscious dead they were a 

sorry boon to send ; their import I cannot guess. 

The gifts are too paltry for the offence. 

For, though 

a man pour out his all in atonement for one deed 

of blood, it is labour lost ; so runs the saw. If 

indeed thou knowest, resolve me ; I am fain to 

learn. 

Chorus 

I know, my child, for I was there. It was because 

she was shaken of heart by reason of dreams and 

wandering terrors of the night, that she sent these 

offerings, godless woman that she is. 

Orestes 

And have ye learnt the nature of the dream so 

as to tell it aright ? 

Chorus 

She dreamed she gave birth to a serpent—such 

is her own account. 

Orestes 

And where ends the tale and what its consummation 

? 

Chorus 

That she laid it to rest, as it were a child, in 

swaddling bands. 

211

. 

; 


OPE2TH2 

630 rivos^ ôpds p^pT^ôi^ra, veoyeves^ Solkos; 

X0P05 

auTT^ TTpocreaxe fjiat,6v iv ribveipari? 

OPE2TH2 

/cat TTco? drpcorov ovdap rjv* vtto crrvyovs^ 

X0P02 

cDcrr' iv yaAa/cTt Opofxôv atfiaros aTrdaat. 

OPE2TH2 

ovTot fxaraiov dvBpos oipavov Tre'Aet. 

X0P02 

636 17 S' e^ VTTVov /cc/cAayyev* iirrorjuivr] 

TToXXol S' dvrjdov,'' iKTV(f>Xo)d€VT€S aKOTU), 

AafiTTrrjpes ev hopioiai SeaTroivr)? )(dpiv 

7T€p,7T€(, T eTTCtTa TttCTSe Kr]8eiov9 ^ôa?, 

a/coy rofxaXov iXTriaaaa Trr^pidrajv. 

OPE2TH2 

640 dAA' evxofJiat, yfj riySe /cai irarpos Td(f)U) 

Tovveipov elvat rovr ifjuoi reXeaôpov. 

Kpivo) Be roi viv otare crvyKoXXcos^ ^X^*-^' 

^ Tivbs: Wellauer. « veopevis: Turn. 

' t' dvelpari : Person. 

* oiJxopj;^ (changed to -/w^) : Pauw. ' i'/7roo-Ti)7oj : Schutz. 

212


Orestes 

What food did it crave, the new-born, noxious 

thing ? 

Chorus 

She herself in her dream offered it her breast. 

Orestes 

Surely her nipple was not unwounded by the 

loathsome beast ? 

No ; 

Chorus 

with the milk it drew clotted blood. 

Orestes 

Sooth, 

man ! 

'tis not meaningless—the vision means a 

Chorus 

Then from out her sleep she raised a shriek and 

awoke appalled ; and many a lamp, which had been 

blinded in the darkness, flared up within the house 

to cheer our mistress. Thereupon she sent these 

libations for the dead, in hope that they might prove 

an effectual cure for her distress. 

Orestes 

Nay, then, I pray to this earth and to my father's 

grave that this dream come to its fulfilment in me. 

As I interpret, it fits at every point. For if the 

* K4K\ayev : H. L. Ahrens. ' df^Xdov : Valckenaer. 

* (TvffKoXwi (with a second X superscribed) : Vict. 

213

dav6vT€s, 

V 


el yap tov avrov -x^Copov eKXiTTCov^ e/xot 

ov


snake quitted the same place as I ; if it was furnished 

with my swaddling bands ; if it sought to open its 

mouth to take the breast that nourished me, and 

with clotted blood mixed the sweet milk, while she 

for terror shrieked at this : then surely, as she 

hath nourished a portentous thing of horror, so 

she must die— by violence. For I, turned serpent, 

am her slayer, as this dream declares. 

Chorus 

I choose thy reading of this prodigy. So be it ! 

For the rest, give thy friends their parts. Bid 

some what to do, others what to leave undone. 

Orestes 

'Tis simple telling. My sister must go within, 

and I charge her to keep concealed this covenant 

with me, to the intent that, as by craft they slew 

a man of high estate, so by craft likewise they may 

be caught and perish in the self-same snare ; even 

as Loxias decreed, lord Apollo, the seer who hath 

never ere this proved false. 

In the guise of an aUen, thereto full-equipped, I 

shall come to the outer gate—and with me Pylades, 

whom ye see here, as guest and ally of the house. 

Both of us will speak the speech of Parnassus, imitating 

the utterance of a Phocian tongue. And in 

case no one of the keepers of the door will give 

us hearty welcome, on the plea that the house is 

* Toi)s 5' ^v : Stanley. * (rrtxeiv : Person. 

^^ KTeivavras : Rob. 

^^ 

56Xv re : Hartung. 

^^ i(j>epKlovs : Turn. 

^^ otaro/xev : Turn. 

11 XiâiT I Turn. 

215

; 

: 


IJ,€Vovfi€V ovrois Mar eTrei/caêti^ rim 

Sd/Aous'^ TTapaareixovra^ /cat rdh^ ivveTreiv 

" ri Srj TTvXatcri^ tov iKerrjv aTreipycTai 

Aiyiados, e'lTTep olhev evhrjjxos Trapoiv 

ei 8 ovv dfjieLi/joj âXov epKeicov* ttvXojv 

KaKelvov ev dpovoicnv evprjao) rrarpos, 

rj /cat fioXojp €7T€LTd fiOL Kara arofxa 

,y / a/aet/ act^' tcrî, /cat /car' oÔaXpiovs âXel,^ 

575^ rrplv avrov elrretv " TToharros 6 êvos;" veKpov 

d-qaco, TTohcoKei irepLâXcbv ;\;aA/cei;/xaTt. 

(l)6vov 8' 'EpLvvs ovx VTreaTTavLcrfievr] 

aKparov at/xa Trierai rpirrjv iroaiv. 

vvv' oSv av p,€v (f)vXaaae rdv olkco KaXats, 

580 OTTCos av dprcKoXXa avfiâlvrj rdSevfjuv 

o €7TaLvco yXdjuaav ev(f)rjp,ov


visited of Heaven with trouble, then we shall so 

wait that any who passeth by the house will make 

surmise and say: " Why then does Aegisthus have 

his door shut upon his suppliant, if indeed he is at 

" 

home and knows ? 

But if once I shall pass the outermost threshold 

of the gate and shall find that man sitting on my 

father's throne, or if thereafter coming face to face 

with me he shall—mark well !—lift and cast down 

his eyes ere ever he can say " Of what land is the 

stranger?" with my swift sword I'll spit him and 

lay him dead. The Avenging Spirit that hath no 

stint of gore shall for her third and crowning 

draught quaff blood unmixed ! 

Now do thou, Electra, keep strict watch of what 

passes within the house, that so our plans may fit 

together well. You [addressing the Chorus] had best 

keep a discreet tongue— -to be silent when there is 

need and to speak only what occasion bids. For the 

rest, I call on Him ^ to cast his glance hither and 

direct for me aright the conflict of the sword. 

[Exeunt Orestes, Pylades, and Electra 

Chorus 

Full many are the horrors, dread and appalling, 

bred of earth, and the arms of the deep teem with 

hateful monsters. Likewise 'twixt heaven and earth 

there draw nigh lights ^ hung aloft in the air ; and 

^ Apollo, his champion (11. 269, 558), whose statue stood 

before the palace (cp. Agam. 513). ^ Meteors. 

^^ j3poTotai : Herm. 

^^ 

^^ ir^ddfj-apoL ni : Stanley. 

[ ] 

Kiiick. 

217


irravd re /cat 7re8oj3afMOva 

Koveixoevr av^ 

alyihoiv (fypdaai kotov. 

•^ dAA' VTTepToXyiOV auj- [avr. a. 

595 ^, .'-^hfips (fipovrjfxa ris Xeyoi 

/cat yvvoLK^v


winged things and things that walk the earth can 

also tell of the stormy wrath of whirlwinds. 

But of man's spirit overbold who can tell and of 

the reckless passions of women hardened of soul, comates 

with the woes of mortals ? Inordinate passion, 

overmastering the female, gains fatal victory over 

the wedded unions of brutes and men alike. 

If any there be who is not light-minded in his 

understanding, let him know this, when he hath 

learned of the device of a lighted brand, planned 

by Thestius' heartless daughter,^ who wrought the 

ruin of her own child, when that she consumed the 

charred brand, which was to be like-aged with him 

from the hour when he came forth from his mother's 

womb and cried aloud, and which kept pace with 

him throughout his life unto the day foredoomed 

of fate. 

And there is in legend another dame,^ meet 

theme for abomination, a maiden of blood, who 

wrought destruction on one dear to her at the 

bidding of his foes, when, lured by Minos' gift, the 

^ When Meleager, the child of Althaea, who was daughter 

of Thestius, king of Aetolia, and wife to Oeneus of Calydon, 

was a week old, the Fates appeared to the mother and 

declared that he would die when the brand on the hearth 

was consumed. Whereupon Althaea took the brand and 

put it in a chest ; but when Meleager, grown to youthful 

manhood, slew her brothers, she threw it into the fire, and 

her son died suddenly. 

* Nisus was besieged in his town of Megara by Minos, 

king of Crete. Nisus' daughter Scylla, being in love with 

Minos, cut from the head of her father the purple hair on 

which his life depended, so that he was slain by the Cretans. 

'' 

Canter. 5td Canter. 

: * k' aldovaa M, k aWovaa m : 

* IxoipoKpavTos [v over s) S' : Canter. * ^â/' : Dindorf. 

^° dWa : Portus. ^^ dri riv' : Turn. 

^^ (pOLviav cFKvWav : Merkel. 

^* d7r6Xeo-e;' : Rob.

, 

^ 


\\^' 

XpvaoKfxrjToiaiv opjxoLS 

, 

TTidriaaaa^ Swpoiai^ Mlvo^^' 

Nlcrov dOavdras rptxos 

620 voa(f)iaaa dTrpoôv^s 

ijveovd^^d Kvv6(f)pa)vjV7Tva). 

KiyxdvcL* Se fXLV 

'Ftpfjbrjg. 

*'*^ 

626 

630 

€7ret S' eTTefivaadfiav^ dfxctXtxc^v 

TTovcov, 6 Kaipos^ Be SuaîAe? yapbi^- 

Xevfi dTTevx^Tov So/x.ois' 

yvvaLKoôvXovs re fXT^TLSas ^pevcbv 

677 dvSpl T€VX€ar(f)6p(X), 

€77 dvSpl SdoLs^ eTTeiKorcDS aiâi.^ 

TLto^ 8 dOepjxavTov iariav Sofxcov 

yvvaiKetav aroAfjiov at.xP'O.v. 

[cTp. 

KaKOjv Se TTpeaêveTat to KrjpiVLOv 

Xoycp- yodrat, 8e Srj irddos^^ Kard- 

TTTvarov rJKaaev Se tls 

TO ScLvov av ArjiMvioiai TrrjfMaaiv. 

636 deoaTvyqTO) S' a;\;et 

^poTwv dTLficodev OLX^Tai yet/OS. 

aeêt yap ovtls to Bva(f)iXes deolg. 

Tt, realms ovK ivBiKOJS dyeipco; 

TO S^^dyxt 7TXevp,6vcx)v\î(ôs 

640 hiavTaiav o^vnevKes ovTa^^ 

Siat AtKas. TO fXTj ddixis ydp ow" 

[(TTp. 

* XP*'


Cretan necklace forged of 'gold, she reft Nisus 

of his immortal hair, as he drew his breath in unsuspecting 

sleep—dog-hearted that she was. And 

him Hermes ^ overtook. 

But since I have called to mind tales of pitiless 

afflictions, 'tis the fitting time to tell of a marriage 

void of love, an abomination to the house, and the 

plots devised by a wife's cunning against her warrior 

lord, against her lord with reason by his foes revered. 

But I hold in honour a hearth and home stranger to 

passion's fires and in woman a spirit that shrinks 

from audacious deeds. 

Of crimes indeed the Lemnian ^ holdeth first place 

in story ; long hath it been told with groans as a 

calamity abominable : each new horror men liken to 

Lemnian troubles ; and by reason of that woeful 

deed, abhorred of the gods, the race hath disappeared, 

cast out in infamy from among mankind. For no 

man holdeth in reverence that which merits Heaven's 

hate. Is there one of these gathered tales that I do 

not justly cite ? 

But the keen and bitter sword is nigh the breast 

and driveth home its blow at the bidding of Justice. 

For verily the unrighteousness of him who hath un- 

^ Hermes, the conductor to Hades of the souls of the dead. 

* The women of Lemnos, jealous of Thracian slaves, 

killed their husbands, so that when the Argonauts visited 

the island they found no men. 

* oLKaipus : Weil (formerly). But here, as in 11. 628, 632, 

no one of the many suggestions has altogether freed the 

passage from its 

almost desperate obscurity. 

' dTjtois : Herm. * iirtKori^ cr^/Sas : H. L. Ahrens. 

^ Tiuv : Stanley. ^"

: 

AESCHYLUS- 

Aa^ Trehoi} Itaiuufievov, ro ttoLv Aios 

645 aejSa? TropekBolvtos^ ov defxicrTcos .^ 

AiKas* 8' ipeiSeraL vvdjJL'^v' [dvr. 8. 

TTpoxo-^KevcL^ 8' Atcra âayavovpy6€p€L 8djU.otcriv® 

650 alp.droiv' TraXatrepaiV riveiv^ fxvcros 

Xpovcp /cAura^ ^vaa6(f)p(x>v 'Eptp-u?. 

OPE2TH2 

^^'^^ TTot TTol, dvpas aKOVOOV ipKeiaS KTV7TOV. 

ris evSov, (L maZ, -naZ, fxdX' avdis, iv Sojxots; 

655 rpirov Td8' eKTrepafia hs /cat vvktos dpfx' eTretyerat 

OKoreivov, a>pa^° 8' ifXTTopovs KaOUvai^^ 

dyKvpav iv Sofioiai TravSoKois îvoiv. 

222 

iêXderco ris Scofjidrajv reXeatjiopos 

yvvr) TOTTapxos,^^ dvSpa 8'^^ evTrpeTTearepov 

1 viSov : Herm. * TrapeK^dvres : Stanley. 

' i0efil


righteously transgressed the sovereign majesty of 

Zeus heth on the ground trampled under foot.^ 

The anvil of Justice is planted firm. Destiny 

fashioneth her arms and forgeth her sword betimes ; 

and the famed and deep-brooding Spirit of Vengeance 

is bringing the son into the house, to requite at last 

the pollution of blood shed of old. 

[Enter, with attendants, Orestes and 

Py lades before the palace 

Orestes 

Porter ! Porter ! Hear the knocking at the outer 

door ! Who's within, porter, porter, I say once more, 

who s at home ? Again for the third time I call 

for some one to come forth from the house, if by 

Aegisthus' will it offers welcome to strangers. 

Servant 

Yes, yes, I hear. Of what land is the stranger, 

and whence ? 

Orestes 

Announce me to the masters of the house ; for it is 

even to them I come as bearer of tidings. And make 

haste, since the car of Night is speeding on with 

darkness, and it is time for wayfarers to drop anchor 

in some house of common entertainment. Bid 

some one come forth who hath authority over the 

house, the mistress that hath charge — yet the 

^ The translation is based on the reading irapeK^dvros 

(Stanley) ; but this and all other alterations do not remove 

the difficulties of the original. 

^" &pa {ibpai ni) : Rob. ^^ fxedUvai : Dindorf. 

'^ Tairapxos with 6 over the first a m, rbirapxos G. ^' t : Turn. 

223

" 

: 

Trpo? 

, 


666 aiSco? yap iv XexBelaiv ovk eTTapyifJiOVS 

\6yovs rldrjaLV eiTre dapa'qcras dvrjp 

TTpos dvSpa KacTriix-qvev ipL(âves reKfJuap. 

KATTAIMH2TPA 

$evoi, Ae'yotr' av et ri Set* Trapecm yo.p__^ 

oTToXoLTTep SofxoLai TotcrS eTTeiKora, 

670 /cat Bepiia Xovrpa /cat ttovcov OeXKrrjpia^ 

arpoiixvrj, St/catcov t' 6fJi[xdTCov Trapovmarr"^ 

el 8' a'AAo TTpdât, Set rt ôvXtcorepov 

dvhpoJv roh^ iarlv epyov, ols KoiviLaojxeV: 

0PE2TH2 

p^€V elfii AavXievs e/c aj/cecov 

^€vos. 

675 areixovra 8' avroôprov oiKeia} aayfj 

680 ; 

els "Apyos, uiOTTep Sevp* d7Tet,vyrjv rroha,^ 

dyvios TTpos dyvcoT* etTre cru/xjSaAcov' dvT]p, 

eîarop-qaas /cat aa(f)rjVLaas oSdv, 

TtTp6(f)Los 6 Ocu/ceus" Trev6op,ai yap ev XoycpeTTeiirep 

dXXcos, co êv* , els "Apyos kUis, 

Tou? reKovras TravhiKOis fxefivrjixevos 

reQveuyr Ôpearrjv etTre, fxrjSafxios Xadrj. 

e'lr ovv KOjJbiêiv Sdâ vt/o^cret (jjiXatv, 

etr' ow fxeroLKOv, els ro Trdv del êvov, 

685 OaTTreiv, efjjerfxds rdcrSe TTopOfxevaov TrdXtv. 

vvv yap XePrjTos x^-A/ce'cu irXevpuipiara 

aiTohov KCKevdev dvhpos ev KeKXavfxevov." 

Toaavr* aKovaas eiTTov. el Se rvyxdvco 

22i 

^ 0(\KT-f}pia : Wakefield. 

2 oiKiai : Turn. ^ ,r65as : Dindorf.


master were seemlier ; for then no delicacy in speaking 

makes words obscure : man speaks to man with 

boldness and sets forth his meaning without reserve. 

[The Servant withdraws. Clytaemestra appears 

at the door with a maid-servant in attendance 

Clytaemestra 

Strangers, ye have only to declare your need ; for 

we have all that befits this house—warm baths, beds 

to charm away fatigue, and the presence of honest 

eyes. But if, apart from this, there is matter requiring 

graver counsel, that is the concern of men, and 

with them we will communicate. 

Orestes 

I am a stranger, a Daulian of the Phocians. As I 

was on my way, carrying my pack, on business of 

my own, to Argos—even as I have ended here my 

journey ^—a man, a stranger to me as I to him, fell 

in with me, and enquired my way and told me his, 

Strophius, a Phocian (for as we talked I learned his 

name) and said to me, " Since, in any case, stranger, 

thou art bound for Argos, bear in mind my message 

most sacredly and say to his parents Orestes ' is 

dead '-—and let it no wise escape thee. Whether 

his friends decide to bring him home or to bury 

him in the land of his sojourn, an ahen utterly 

for evermore, convey their bidding back to me. 

Meantime a bronze urn encloses the ashes of a 

man bewept right well." Thus much I tell thee as 

^ Literally " I have been unyoked," his feet being his 

horses. 

VOL. II Q 225

. 

; 


rots' Kvpiotcn /cat TrpoaiJKOVOLV Xiycov 

690 ovK olha, rov reKovra S' eiVo? elhivai. 

KATTAIMH2TPA 

ol ^yii),^ K-ar' aKpas elnas^ ojs TTopdovfieda. 

(L hvaTToXaiare rcbvhe ha>p,droiV Apa, 

COS TToAA' incuTras, KOLKnobcov €V KeLfieva 

ToôLs TTpocrcodev evcTKOTTOLs xîpovpLevT), 

696 (f)i.XoiV aTTOi/'tAotS' /xe rrjv TravaÂtW. 

Kal vvv ÔpeaTiqs— rjv yap evôvXws ^X^^> 

e^co Kopbit^cov^ oXedpiov tttjAov TrdSa,— 

vvv 8' rjirep^ iv hojxoLai âKxeias^ KaXrjs 

larpos iXTTLS rjv, npohovaav eyypa(f)€^ 

OPE2TH2 

700 iyoj p.kv ovv^ êvoiaiv f58' evSatpboaiv 

Kehvojv eVart TrpaypLaroiv av -rjdeXov 

yvoioros yeveadai Kal êvcvdrjvaL' tl yap 

êvov êvoiaiv iariv evfieveorepov 

TTpos hvaaeêlas iXois, 

KoraLviaavra /cat KaTeêvajfJievov 

KATTAIMH2TPA 

ovroL KVpTûeis fxelov d^tcus" aedev, 

1 ol eyw : Canter. ^ ^virda- (V m) : Bamberger. 

' vofji.li'wi' : Rob. (Schol.). * Sriirfp: Turn. 

' /Saicx'as : Turn. * irapovaav ^yypd(p€i : H. L. Ahrens, 

' ibv with otv superscribed by m. *

; 


I heard it. Whether by any chance I speak to those 

with whom the question rests and whose concern it 

is, I know not ; but his parent should know the fact. 

Clytaemestra 

Ah me ! Thy tales pells our utter undoing. O 

Curse that hauntest this house—so hard to wrestle 

down — how far thy vision reaches ! Even what 

was well bestowed out of harm's way, thou bringest 

down with thy well-aimed shafts from afar, and 

strippest me of those I love, all unhappy that I am. 

And now Orestes—for well counselling was he in 

keeping his foot out of the slough of destruction 

but now, the hope that once was within the house 

to medicine its fair revelry—do thou record it as 

abandoning us.^ 

Orestes 

For myself, I am sure, with hosts so prosperous, 

I had rather been made known and welcomed by 

reason of good tidings. For where is good-will 

greater than from guest to host ? Yet to my thought 

it had been a breach of sacred duty not to fulfil 

for friends a charge like this when I was bound by 

promise and by hospitality pledged to me. 

Clytaemestra 

Nay, rest assured, thou shalt receive no less 

that there has been an end of the carousing of the Curses 

(cp. Agam. 1188). That hope is gone—they still hold their 

" fair revelry," as she ironically calls it. Her inner emotion 

is joy that the hope of Electra is crushed—the hope that 

her brother would return and end the unseemly revelry. 

Reading irapoOcrav (so M

; 


KOiv6v 8' Ôpearov r'qvB^ opco KeKXavpêvrjv. 

7TOL hrj TTarels, VHXicraa, Scoixdrcov TTvXas, 

' 3^ : Bamberger. * ^wefiirdpovs : Herm. 

eirtvOi'vif} I Turn. Koiviliffiaixfv M, -aonev G. 

' * 

' pov\fv6fjL(6a : Stephanus. * BfiuUSes M, S/xuLda G. 

238


guerdon than is thy desert nor be the less 

welcome to this house — another would equally 

have borne thy message. But it is the hour 

when strangers who have been travelling on a 

long day's journey should have their proper entertainment. 

[To an attendant] Conduct him to the 

chambers where the men are hospitably lodged, 

him and his attendants here and fellow-traveller ; 

and let them there be tended as beseems our house. 

I charge thee do this as thou shalt be held to strict 

account. Meantime we will impart this matter 

to the master of the house, and—since we are in 

no lack of friends—will take counsel touching this 

event. 

[All rvithdraw except the Chorus 

Chorus 

Ah, loyal handmaidens of the house, how long 

shall it be before we show forth what power lies 

in our lips to do Orestes service ? 

O hallowed earth, and hallowed high -raised 

barrow that liest now upon the royal form of the 

commander of the fleet, now hearken, now lend 

me aid ! Now is the hour for Persuasion with 

her guile to enter the lists with him, and for 

Hermes of the nether world—even he that worketh 

in stealth—to direct this encounter of the deadly 

sword. 

[Enter Orestes' Nurse 

Our stranger, methinks, is working mischief ; for 

yonder I see Orestes' nurse all in tears. Cilissa ^ ! 

whither away? How comes it that thou ai*t thus 

setting foot in the palace-gate, with grief for thy 

unhired companion ? 

^ 

Slaves were commonly named from their native country, 

' 5o\ia : Pauw. * ep/nrja : Turn. * avrip : Porson. 

229

, 


TP0*02 

AtyicrOov rj Kparovaa rols êvois^ KaXelv 

735 oTTCos rdxi'fyr* avcoyev, wg aa(f)e(jTepov 

^'* 

dvTjp avr' dvSpos rrjv vedyyeXrov (^driv 

€X6d)v TTvdrjraL T'qvSe, TTpos p-ev oLKerag 

deroaKvdpcoTTiov^ ivros 6p,p,drwv yeXcov 

Kevdova ctt' epyois StaTreTTpay/zeVoi? KaXco^ 

Keivr), Sd/xot9 8e TotffSe TrayKaKcos ^x^tv, 

(f)'^p,'r)s v(f)^^ -^g yjyyeiXav ol îvoi ropcos. 

•q 8rj kXvcou eKelvos^ eix^pavel voov, 

cut' dv TTvOrjrat, p,vdov. w raAatv' eycows 

fMOL rd p,€v TTttAata avyKCKpapêva 

745 dXyr] Svaoicrra TotcrS' iv Ârpecos 8o/xoi? 

rvxovr* ip,rjv rjXyvvev iv arepvois cf)p€va. 

aXX ovTL 7T(x) TOLovSe TTrjp,^ dv€a)(6p,rjv • 

Ttt p,ev yap aAAa rXr]p,6va>£ tjvtXovv /ca/ca* 

^lXov S' Ôpecrrrjv, rijs ipirjs ^vx^js rpiîqv, 

750 ov iêdpeiffa p,r)Tp6dev heheypêvr],— 

KaK^ vvKmrXdyKTiov opdiwv KeXevpidTCJV 

/cat TToXXd /cat pô^d'^p' dva>(f)€Xr]T' e/xot 

rXaarj-— to p,rj (f)povovv yap djaTrepel ôrov 

Tp€p€v6s' 

755 ov yap Tt

—- 


Nurse 

My mistress bids me summon Aegisthus for the 

strangers with all speed, that he may come andlearn 

more clearly, as man from man, these tidings 

that have just arrived. Before the servants, indeed, 

behind eyes that made sham gloom she hid her 

laughter over what hath befallen happily for her 

but for this house, the news so plainly told by the 

strangers spells utter ruin. He, I warrant, on hearing 

it, will rejoice in heart when he hears the story. 

Miserable woman that I am ! How the old troubles 

^ 

of every sort, so hard to bear, that befell in this 

\ 

house of Atreus, have ever made my heart to ache -j V' 

within my breast ! But never yet have I endured 

a blow like this ; for all the other troubles I bore 

patiently ; but my beloved Orestes, on whom I 

spent my soul, whom I took from his mother at his 

birth and nursed, and the many and troublesome 

tasks-—fruitless for all my enduring them—when 

his loud and urgent cries broke my rest. For the 

senseless thing one must nurse like a dumb beast— 

of course one must— by following its humour. For 

while it is still a babe in swaddling clothes, it has 

no speech at all—whether it be tnat hunger moves 

it, or thirst belike, or call of need—children's young 

inwards work their own relief. These needs I would 

forecast ; 

yet many a time, I trow, mistaken, 

having to wash the child's linen—^laundress and 

nurse had the same office. 'Twas I who, with these 

two handicrafts, received Orestes at his father's 

hands. And now, unhappy that I am, I hear that 

^ Toi)s îvovi : Paiiw. * Oiro ffKvOpuirbv : Conington. 

' v(f>' : Sidgwic-k. * eKelvov : Rob. ® /cat : Portiis. 

* ^ Stanley. '

; ; 

. 


areix'wi^ S' ctt' avSpa rcovSe^ Xviiavrrjpiov 

765 OLKOJV, deXcov Se rovSe TTevaerat Xoyov. 

X0P02 

TTOJs ovv KeXevei viv fjuoXelv iaraXfievov 

TP0*02 

i^^ TTcos; Aey' avOts, to? fiddo) aaiarepov 

X0P02 

et* ûi^ Xox^TaLS €lt€ /cat fjuovoari^rj 

TP0*02 

ayeiv /ceAeuet Sopvôpovs OTraova^. 

X0P02 

770 fii7 vft* ou ravr* ayyeXXe^ SecrTTorov arvyei' 

dAA' auTov' iXdetVj wg dS€Lp,dvrcos xXvirj, 

dvco^^d oaov TaxtcrTa yqdovajj^ (f>pevi. 

€V dyyeXo) yap kvtttos opdovrat Xoyos^ 

TP0*02 

oAA -^ pov€ts €v Tolai vvv rjyycXfievoLs 

X0P02 

775 aAA' ei rponaiav Zey? KaKcov drjaet rrore.. 

» 

^: Wellauer. * i,-. Turn. * d776\f: Rob. 

• rdx^fT-' d7a


he is dead. But I am on my way to fetch the man 

who wrought the ruin of the house, and glad enough 

will he be to hear these tidings. 

Chorus 

How then arrayed does she bid him come ? 

Nurse 

How—arrayed ? Say it again that I may catch 

thy meaning better. 

Chorus 

With his guards or, maybe, unattended. 

Nurse 

She bids him come with his retinue of spearmen. 

Chorus 

Nay, do not thou give this message to our hated 

master ; but with all speed and with a cheerful 

heart bid him come himself, alone, that he may be 

told without alarm. For in the mouth of a messenger 

a crooked message is 

made straight.^ 

Nurse 

What ! Art thou glad of heart at the present 

news ? 

Chorus 

Why not, if Zeus at last may cause our ill wind 

to change ? 

^ A proverbial saying, meant for the Nurse, and not for 

Aegisthus: "In passing through the mouth of its bearer 

a message may be changed as he pleases." 

233


TP002 

Kal TTCos; 'Opearrjs eAxrt? oipêrat Sofjicov. 

X0P02 

ovTTO)' KaKos ye ixdvTis civ yvoir] rdSe. 

TP0*02 

Tt i]s; ^X^^^ '^^ '^^^ XeXeyêvojv St'xa; 

X0P02 

ayyeAA'^ lovaa, Trpdaae roLTreGTaXfjieva. 

780 ixeXei^ deolaiv (Lvrrep dv fteAr^^ Trepi. 

TP0*02 

dAA* et/Lti /cat aols ravra TTeiaojxai Aoyoi?. 

yevoiro 8' cl>? dpiara avv Oecov Soaet. 

-; , X0P02 

vw irapaiTOvpiiva fxoi,^ ndrep [^'''P' 

ZeO êcov ÔXvpLTTLCxiv, 

785 86? Tu;(as' Tuêtv 8o/xou* Kvpiiog 

rd a(Lj>pov* eu^ fMaLOfxevois ISeXv. 

8ia. StVa?' 77-av CTro? 

eXaKov 7j€v, av' viv (f>vXaaaois. 

€ e, 7rp6 8e 817 \6pu)V [i' 

790 Toi/ eacoOev p.eXddpojv, ZeiJ,* 

/)'>' 9' " 10 

t/e?, €7761 VLV p,eyav apas, 

8i8u/xa /cat rpnrXd 

234 

TToAt/XTTOiva deXcijv dfieliftei.


Nurse 

Nay, how can that be ? Orestes, the hope of 

the house, is gone. 

Chorus 

Not yet ; he were a poor prophet that would 

interpret thus. 

Nurse 

What sayest tliou ? Dost know aught beyond 

what has been told ? 

Chorus 

Go, give thy message ! Do what is bidden thee ! 

The gods have care for that whereof they care. 

Nurse 

Well, I will go and do thy bidding. With the 

gods' blessing may all turn out for the best ! [Exit 

Chorus 

Now at my supplication, O Zeus, father of the 

Olympian gods, grant that the fortunes of the house 

be firmly established, so that they who rightly desire 

the rule of order may behold it. In justice hath 

my every word been uttered. O Zeus, do thou 

safeguard it ! 

O Zeus, set him that is within the palace before 

his foes ; since, if thou exaltest him, gladly will he 

pay thee with recompense twofold and threefold. 

(i77eX' : Rob. /xeXXei . . . fiiXXi] : Aldina. 

^ wapcLi.Tovfj.ev ifxoi : -fj-ivr) {-fxiiâ Herm.) /xoi Turn. 

* 

Se /.Lov: Bothe. * aw(f>po

. 


tadL 8' dvSpos


Bethink thee that the orphaned colt of 

one dear 

unto thee is harnessed to the chariot of distress. 

And do thou, setting bounds to his running, grant 

that we may see him keeping a steady pace over 

this course, in the straining stride of a gallop winning 

to the goal ! 

^ 

And ye who within the house inhabit the inner 

chamber that exulteth in its wealth, hear me, ye 

gods, that feel with us ! By fresh award redeem 

the blood of deeds done of old. May aged Murder 

cease to beget offspring in the house ! 

And thou, that tenantest the mighty, fair-builded 

cavern,^ grant that the house of the man may lift 

up its eyes again in joy, and that with glad eyes 

from out its veil of gloom it may behold freedom's 

radiant light ! 

May Maia's son,^ as rightfully he ought, lend aid, 

for none can better waft a deed on a favouring course, 

when so he will ; ^ but by his mysterious utterance 

he bringeth darkness o'er men's eyes by night, 

and by day he is no whit clearer. 

1 That is, let him bide his time by guarding against haste. 

* The inner sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi was a narrow 

cave or vault in which, over a cleft, stood a tripod covered 

by a slab on which the prophetess sat (Athenaeus, 701 c, 

Strabo, ix. 641). 

^ Hermes, the patron of guile and god of eloquence. 

* The bracketed line 815 reads " And many another 

hidden thing he will make plain, if he desires." 

^^ iXevdeplui Xa/xirpCJs : Dindorf. 

^* fi/Uyuaert : bfi/xaffiv Herm. ^* iirKpopibraTos : Emperius. 

1* OeXev M, w superscr. m. " 

[ ] 

Heimsoeth. 

237

. 


Kal TOT rjSr]'^ kXvtov'' [(Jrp. y. 

820 Scofxarcov Xvri^piov, 

d-qXvv ovpioardrav 

ovhe^ KpeKTOv yoa- 

Tttv* vojxov ixed-iqaopLev 

" TToXei TctS'^ ev- 

825 i/jiov ijjbov Kepho? avêrat^ roO a- 

ra §' oLTTOCTTaTel tîXmv. 

av 8e dapaojv, orav -qKj) fiepos epycov, [e^. y. 

eTTavaas Harpos auSav 

dpoovaa [77/309 ere] Tckvov [irarpos avdavY 

830 [Kal] irepaLv'^ areTTt/ao/zôv' arav. 

U^paecjs r iv

— 


And then at last with loud voice shall we sing 

the song of the deliverance of the house, the song 

that women raise when the wind sits fair, and not 

the shrill strain of them that mourn " For the 

State this is well. To me, to me, this increaseth 

unto gain, and calamity holdeth aloof from those 

I love." 

But do thou, with good courage, when the part 

of action comes, cry aloud the name " Father " 

when she exclaims " Son," and despatch the baneful 

but ofFenceless deed. 

Uplift Perseus' spirit within thy breast, and for 

those dear to thee below the earth, and for those 

above, exacting the satisfaction of dire wrath, 

work bloody ruin within the house and utterly 

destroy the guilty cause of death. 

[Enter Aegisthus 

Aegisthus 

I have come not unasked but summoned by a 

messenger. 'Tis startling tidings that, as I hear, are 

told by certain strangers who have come, tidings far 

from welcome—that Orestes is dead. To lay this 

too upon the house would prove a feai-ful burthen 

when it is still festering and galled by the wound 

inflicted by a former murder. How can I deem this 

tale is the living truth ? Or is it but a panic-stricken 

' TTUTpbs (pyifi Opooijaq. irphs (re tckvov irarpos aiiddv : Seidler. 

Kal irepalvwv : Axiratus. * îripLOij.(t)oi' : Sohiitz. 

* 

^^ (f>pe

; 

. 


845 ^ TTpos yvvatKwv SeLfMarovfievoi Xoyoi 

TTehdpaioi Op(x>aKovai, OvâKovres ixdr-qv; 

Tt toDj/S' av €L7TO(,s


report spread by women that leaps aloft to die away 

in nothingness ? What canst thou tell me hereof to 

make it plain of comprehension ? 

Chorus 

We heard the tale, 'tis true—but pass within and 

make enquiry of the strangers. The sureness of a 

messenger's report is naught compared with one's 

own enquiry of the man himself. 

Aegisthus 

I wish to see the messenger and put him to the 

proof again—whether he himself was present at the 

death or but repeats from vague report what he has 

heard. No ! Be sure he cannot cheat a mind that's 

open-eyed. [Exit 

_ 

Chorus 

O Zeus, O Zeus, what am I to say ? Wherewith 

shall I begin this my prayer and appeal to the gods ? 

How, in my loyal zeal, can I succeed in finding words 

to match the need ? Now is the moment when 

either the blood-stained edges of the blades that 

lay men low are utterly forever more to destroy 

the house of Agamemnon, or else, kindling a flaming 

light in freedom's cause, Orestes shall win both the 

sway over his realm and the rich possessions of his 

fathers. In such a bout our gallant Orestes, with 

none to second him, is now to cope with two. And 

may it be to triumph ! 

[A shriek is heard from within 

* 7)**^KOTos M, ^(v dfrjcTKovTos xu and margin : Turn. 

* (ppiva : Elmsley. ' KXiyf/eiau : Stephanus. 

* Kaiiridodôvffa {oa. in erasure) : Schiitz. 

9 ^fei waripuiv : Weil. i» Oelois i Turn. 

VOL. II R 241

; 

, 

. 

€ €, orororoZ. 

870 €a ea jxaXa- 


Airi2©02 

X0P02 

TToJs €X€i; TTcos K€KpavTai hofiois 

aTToaTadcbfxev^ Trpdyfiaros TeXoufxevov 

OTTcos SoKCjfiev TcovS^ dvaLTiai KaKwv 

etvaf ixd-)(T]S yo.p 8r] KeKvpcorai reXos. 

OIKETH2 

875 ot/Liot, TTavoLixoL^ SecTTTOTov 77677Aryy/xeVof^ 

oXp,oi fidX* av9t,s €v TpLTots 7Tpoa(f>6€'yfxaaiv. 

Atytcrdos ovKer* eariv. dXX dvoiâre 

OTTCOS rdxi-crra, Kal yvvaiKeiovs nvXas 

fioxXols pâAare* /cat /LtaA' rj^cbvros 8e Set, 

880 ov)( (x)s 8' dprjâi SiaireTrpayfjieva)'* ri ydp; 

lov 

lov. 

kol>(J)oI's avru) /cat Kadevhovaiv pidrrjv 

aKpavra ^d^co;^ ttol KAvTaLfx-qcTTpa ; ri Spa; 

€OiK€ vvv avrrjs 

eVi ^vpov 77eAas' 

avx'TjV TTcaeiaOaL Trpog Slktjv^ TTeTrXrjyfxevos 

KATTAIMH2TPA 

885 Tt S' iarl xprjp,a; riva ôrjv tarr^s SofioLs; 

242 

OIKETH2 

Tov t,(x}vra Kaiveiv rovs TedvrjKoras Xeyoj. 

* airoaTadCiixkv M, &iro, aradO) fikv m : Rob. 

* irixv olfxoi: Porson. ^ Te\ovn4vov: Schiitz. 

* SiairfTTpayfj.tvwi' : Turn. * ^dû ; : Tucker. 

• TTpoffdUrj* M, irpbs SiK-qv G.

— 


Oh ! Oh 

! 

Woe 

Aegisthus {within) 

is me ! 

Ha ! Ha 

! 

Chorus 

I say ! How goes it ? How has it 

been determined for the house ? Let us stand 

aloof while the affair is still unsettled in order that 

we may be accounted blameless in this evil business. 

For the issue of the fighting has now been decided. 

[The Chorus withdraws to the side of the scene ; 

thereupon a servant of Aegisthus rushes in 

Servant 

Woe's me, oh utter woe ! My master's slain ! 

Woe's me ! yet again, for the third time, I cry. 

Aegisthus is no more ! Come, open with all speed ! 

Unbar the women's door ! 

And a right strong arm 

it needs—but not to help him who's already slain 

what good in that ? Ho ! ho ! Am I shouting to 

the deaf and wasting my voice in vain on folk asleep ? 

Where's Clytaemestra gone ? What is she doing ? 

Her own neck, nigh the razor's edge, is now like to 

fall, 

and rightly, beneath the stroke. 

[Clytaemestra hurries in unattended 

What's this ? 

in the house ? 

Clytaemestra 

What cry for help art thou raising 

Servant 

The dead are killing the living, I say.^ 

^ The Greek admits either meaning : 

" the dead are killing 

the living man " or " the living man is killing the dead." 

243


KATTAIMH2TPA 

ol yo).^ ^vvrJKa rovrros i^ alviyixaruiv. 

hoXots oAou/xe^', coairep ovv eKTCLVafjiev. 

8otrj Tts" dvSpoKfjirjra ireXeKW cos ra)(o


Clytaemestra 

Oh me ! I catch the meaning of the riddle. By 

guile we are to perish even as we slew. Someone 

give me a battle-axe, and quick ! Let us know 

if we are victors or vanquished ; for even to this 

have I come in this evil business. 

[Exit Servant. The door is opened and the 

corpse of Aegisthus is discovered. Near 

hy stands Orestes, and at a distance Pylades 

Orestes 

Thou art the very one I seek. 

had enough. 

Oh me ! 

Clytaemestra 

He yonder—he has 

Dead, valiant Aegisthus, my beloved ! 

Orestes 

Thou lovest the man ? Then in the same grave 

shalt thou lie ; and never shalt thou abandon him in 

death, 

Hold, my son ! 

Clytaemestra 

Have pity, child, upon this breast 

at which full oft, sleeping the while, with toothless 

gums thou didst suck the milk that nourished thee. 

Orestes 

Pylades, what shall I do ? Shall I for pity spare 

my mother ? 

Pylades 

What then becomes henceforth of Loxias' oracles, 

245

; 


TO, TTvOoxprjCTTa, TTLGTa S evopKMjxara 

o-TTavras ix^povs tcov decbv rjyov irXiov. 

OPE2TH2 

Kpivoi ae vlkov, /cat Trapaivelg jjlol KaXws. 

€7Tov, rrpos avrov rovSe ae acfydâi deXoj. 

905 /cat t,(2)vra yap vlv Kpeiaaov^^ rjyrjao} narpos' 

TOVTip 

davovcra ^vyKddevB\ eVet ^tAet? 

Tov dvSpa Tovrov, ov 8' 

^XPV^ 

KATTAIMH2TPA 

iyu) a edpeifia, avv^ he yrjpdvai, OlXoi. 

îXelv arvyets. 

OPE2TH2 

TrarpoKTOVOvaa yap ^vvoLKrjaeis 

efxoi; 

KATTAIMH2TPA 

910 y] Motpa Tovrcov, cu tgkvov, Trapairia. 

OPE2TH2 

/cat TovSe roivvv Mot/o' eTTopavvev^ fjiopov. 

KATTAIMH2TPA 

ovbcv ae^L^T) 

yevedXiovs dpds, tIkvov; 

246 

OPE2TH2 

T€KOvaa ydp fx eppiifjas e? to Svarvx^s. 

^ Kpicawv' altered to Kpiaaov' : Turn. 

• vvv : Auratus. * iwiljpcrwev : Turn.


declared at Pytho, and of our covenant pledged on 

oath ? Count all men thy enemies rather than 

the gods. 

Orestes 

I judge thee victor ; thou counsellest me well. 

By his very 

[To Clytaemestrd\ Come, this way ! 

side I mean to kill thee. And since, while he lived, 

thou heldest him a better man than my sire, sleep 

with him in death, since he is the man thou lovest, 

but hadst hate for him whom thou wast bound 

to love. 

Clytaemestra 

'Twas I who nourished thee, and with thee I 

would grow old. 

Orestes 

What ! 

with me ? 

Slay my father and then make thy home 

Clytaemestra 

Fate, my child, must share the blame for this. 

Orestes 

Then it is Fate that hath worked this thy death 

likewise. 

Clytaemestra 

Hast thou no awe of a parent's curse, my son ? 

Orestes 

Thou gavest me birth and yet didst cast me out 

to misery. 

247

; 


KATTAIMHSTPA 

ovroL a* diTeppuJj* els hofxovs Sopvêvovs- 

OPE2TH2 

915 alKa>s^ eTrpdOrfv (x)V iXevdepov Trarpos. 

KATTAIMH2TPA 

7TOV BrjO* 6 TLfios, ovTiv* OLVTeSe^dfirjv 

OPE2TH2 

alaxvvojJbaL aot^ rovr oveiSLaac aaa)s. 

KATTA1MH2TPA 

/at) dAA ei^ ofiolcos /cat Trarpos rov aov fxdras. 

OPE2TH2 

firj 'Aey;(e top ttovovvt* eacu KadrjfJLevrj. 

KATTAIMH2TPA 

920 dXyos yvvai^lv dvSpos elpyeaOai, tckvov. 

OPE2TH2 

Tp€(f)€L 8e y' dvBpos pioj^dos r^jxlvas eaoi. 

KATTAIMH2TPA 

KTeviZv eoLKus, cS T€KVov, T7]V p,7)Tepa. 

* 

SiXwj: Bothe. « irov t Canter. 

348


Clytaemestra 

Nay, surely I cast thee not out in sending thee 

to the house of an ally. 

sire. 

Orestes 

Vilely was I sold, son though I was of a freeborn 

Clytaemestra 

Where then is any price I got for thee ? 

Orestes 

Shame forbids that I should reproach thee with 

that outright. 

Clytaemestra 

Nay, but fail not to proclaim likewise the follies 

of that father of thine. 

Orestes 

Accuse him not who toiled whilst thou wert sitting 

idle at home. 

Clytaemestra 

'Tis a cruel thing, my child, for women to be 

deprived of a husband. 

Orestes 

Aye, but it is the husband's toil that supports 

them the while they sit at home. 

Clytaemestra 

Thou art resolved, it seems, my child, to slay 

thy mother. 

249

; 


OPE2TH2 

av roL aeavT'qVy ovk eydi), /cara/crevet?. 

KAYTAIMH2TPA 

opa, '^^^^ "^^ I^V XP^^^ ndde. 

X0P02 

arevo) fikv ovv Kal rcovBe avixl." Here, though in 

strictness fwcra is added only to point the contrast with 

Tifiôv—the sentient being with the senseless thing— it also 

defines the application oiF tiz/^/Soi' to Orestes ; and its in- 

250


Orestes 

'Tis thou who wilt slay thyself, not I 

Clytaemestra 

Take heed, beware the wrathful sleuth-hounds 

that avenge a mother. 

Orestes 

But my father's—how shall I escape them, if I 

leave this deed undone ? 

Clytaemestra 

Methinks, still living, I wail before a tomb^ in vain. 

Orestes 

Aye, for 'tis my father's fate that marks out this 

doom for thee. 

Clytaemestra 

Ah me, this is the serpent that I bare and suckled ! 

Orestes 

Aye, a prophet in sooth was the terror from thy 

dream. Thou slewest whom thou shouldst not ; so 

suffer what should not be. 

[He forces Clytaemestra within ; Py lades follows 

Chorus 

I have sorrow indeed even for these in their twoertion 

serves to suggest that Clytaemestra means that, 

:hough living, she is bewailing her own death. 

251

— 

— 


CTTel 8e TToAAcDi^ alîdrcov eTTr]KpLCF€ 

rXriixaiv ^0peaT7]s, rovO^ o/xcos alpovfjieda, 

6(f>daXfx6v oiKCOV fiT] rravcoXedpov Treaelv. 

935 e/xoAe p,€V 8t/ca UpLafxiSats ;^/3ovaj, [crrp. a 

âpvSLKOs^ TTOlVa' 

efioXe 8' is ôpuov rov 'Aya/xe/xvovo? 

8t7rAot»s' Xeiov, hirrXovs "Aprjs. 

eAaae o es ro rrav 

940 o TTvdoxprjcrTos'^


fold downfall. Yet, since sore-tried Orestes hath 

mounted the crest of many deeds of blood, we 

would rather have it thus—that the eye of the 

house should not perish utterly. 

As unto Priam and his sons justice came at last 

in crushing retribution, so unto Agamemnon's house 

came a twofold lion, twofold slaughter.^ Unto the 

uttermost hath the exile, the suppliant of Pytho's 

god, fulfilled his course, urged justly on by counsels 

from above. 

Oh raise a shout of triumph over the escape of 

our master's house from its misery and the wasting 

of its wealth by a polluted pair, even from a toilsome 

fate! 

And he hath come whose part is the crafty 

vengeance of stealthy attack ; and in the battle his 

hand was guided by her who is in very truth daughter 

of Zeus, breathing wrath to the death upon her 

foes. Justice we mortals call her name, hitting 

well the mark.2 

Oh raise a shout of triumph over the escape of 

our master's house from its misery and the wasting 

of its wealth by a polluted pair, even from a toilsome 

fate! 

The commands loud proclaimed by Loxias, tenant 

^ As a " twofold " lion (Clytaemestra and Aegisthus) has 

ravaged the house, so there has been a twofold slaughter by 

its defenders. There is no reference to Orestes and Pylades 

or to Agamemnon and Cassandra. 

^ AL-Ku is here derived from Ai{6s) K{6p)a, "daughter of 

Zeus." 

* d)/a0u7ds : Stanley. * rpiâs : Stanley. 

' inrd : Herm. * doiolf /xiaia-rdpoti' M (dvoiv G). 

» 5e : 5' iv Abresch. " G. C. Schneider repeats 11. 942-5. 

^* irapvdaffios : Paley, 

253

. 


[xiyav eôii/ {xvôv xôvo^ eTTcopOid- 

955 ^€V^ aSdAcu? SoAots'^ 

^Xdâv^ eyxpovLadelaav* eTToix^rai. 

\KpaT€lraL ttojs to deXov Trapd to p,rj 

VTTOvpyeZv KaKOi'5'\ 

960 dîa^ S' ovpavovxov dpxdv aeêiv. 

TTapa re (f)6js iSelv [i(f)V[Jiv. ^. 

/xeya® t' d(f)rjp€dr]v ifjdXiov OLKeojv.^ 

avaye puav^ Sd/Aot"* ttoXvv dyav xpovov 

Xap'aLTTeTeXs e/cetcr^'^" aet/^ 

965 raâ 8e rravTeXrjs XP^^^^ dp,€Lip€Tai [dvr. ^. 

TTpodvpa Stofjidrcov, orav d(f>' iarias 

TTcLv iXadfj^^ jxvaos 

Kadapnolatv^^ drdv eAaTT^ptot?." 

Tvxat S evTTpoaojvoKOirai^^ ro rrdv 

970 ISelv [aKovaaiY^ TTpevfxevets^'' 

fXiTOLKois Sofxcjv^^ TTecrovvTai rrdXiv. 

TTapa re j)d)s ISelv [€(f>vfxp. jS. 

062 Kfxeya r d^jipiO-qv i/jdXiov oIkccov. 

963 avayc jxav Sofjioi' ttoXvv dyav xpovov 

064 x^/MaiTTeTets- CKeiad* aet.>^® 

OPE2TH2 

LOeaOc x^P^^ ^W ^'''rrX-qv rvpawiha 

irarpoKTovovs re Scondrcov TTopOijropas. 

' iir' 6xeei d^fv : Meineke. 2 doXia^ : Sc-hiitz. 

* ^XaiTTofiivav : H. L. Ahrens. 

^f xP^''oi.s Ofiffav : Bothe from xpoviff0e7

vwovpyelv 

; 


of Parnassus' mighty cavern shrine, with guileless 

guile assail the mischief that has become inveterate. 

May the word of God prevail that so I serve not the 

wicked ^ 

! It is right to reverence the rule of Heaven. 

Lo, the light hath come, and I am freed from the 

cruel curb that restrained the household. Arise, ye 

halls ! Too long a while have ye lain prostrate on 

the ground. 

But soon shall all-accomplishing Time pass the 

portals of the house when from the hearth all pollution 

shall be driven by cleansing rites that drive 

out calamity. The dice of fortune shall change as 

they fall and lie with faces full fair to behold, welldisposed 

to those who sojourn in the house. 

Lo, the light hath come, and I am freed from the 

cruel curb that restrained the household. Arise ye 

halls ! Too long a while have ye lain prostrate on 

the ground. 

[Orestes with the branch and wreath of a suppliant 

is disclosed standing by the bodies. 

With him are Pylades and attendants 

who display the robe of Agamemnon 

Orestes 

Behold this pair, oppressors of the land, who slew 

my sire and made plunder of my house ! Majestic 

^ The translation is based on Hermann's text : /cparetT-w 5' 

^TTOs rh deiov rb fi-q fi \ 

KaKoii. 

^^ xa/tta"reT£t(r€ /ce?(T^': Schwenk. ^^ aid: Aldina. 

^^ 1x0(709 irdv eXdfffi M, with -q over et m : eXadrj Kayser 

transposed by Bamberger. 

^' Kadap/MoTs : Herm. i* dirav iXar-qpiov : Schiitz. 

^* Tvx^ 5' evirpoffwTTw (with i over final w) Koirai : Franz. 

^* 

[ Herm. ^' dpeonivoLs Paley. 

] : 

^* pi.eToiKod6fiu)v : Schutz. ^* G. C. Schneider repeats 962-4. 

255

. 


975 aefjivol fxev "^jaav iv Opovois rod^ 'qficvoi, 

i^lXol Se Kal^ vvv, ws CTret/cacrat nddr) 

TrdpearTiv, opKos r' ifxfievet. 7naT(x)p,aai. 

^vviLpioaav fxkv ddvarov ddXicp^ Trarpl 

Kal ^vvOavetadar /cai raS' evopKcos ^X^'" 

980 theade 8' avre, roirS' eTr-qKooi KaKcov, 

TO p,rj)(dvr]/Jia, Secrfxov ddXico Trarpi, 

TreSas" re xêLpolv koL iroholv ^vvtopiha. 

€KT€LvaT avTo^ Kal kvkXco Trapaarahov 

areyaarpov dvSpos Setâ^', ws lSj) Trarr]py 

y»o ovx ovfxos, aAA o ttout eTTOTrrevcov raoe 

HAto?, dvayva [xrjrpos epya rrjs e/x^?, 

d)S av TTapfj /xot pidprvs €V St/cry ttotc, 

cos rovS iyco pberrfXQov ivSiKOJS fMopov 

rov fXTjTpos' Alylcrdov yap ov Xeyco* fnopov 

990 €X€i yap alaxvvrrjpos , ct>? vo/ito?/ htK-qv 

7)Ti,s S €7t' dvSpl tout' €fXT]aaTO (jrrvyos, 

eg ov reKvojv 'Qveyx vtto L,cov7]v papog, 

iXov Tews, vvv 8' eÔpov, ws c/)alv€i, KaKov, 

TL aroi Sok€l; p,vpaivd y* etV® e;(i8i'' e


they were once what time they sat upon their 

thrones, and loving even now, as one may judge 

by what hath befallen them ; and their oath holds 

true to their pledges. Together they swore a league 

of death against my unhappy father, and together 

they swore to die ; and well have they kept their 

oath. 

But now again behold, ye who hearken to this 

disastrous cause, the device for binding fast my 

unhappy father, wherewith his hands were manacled, 

his feet were fettered. Spread it out ! Stand 

round in a throng, and display it—a covering for 

a man !—that the Father (not mine, but he that 

surveyeth all things in this world, the Sun) may 

behold the impious work of my own mother ; and 

so in the day of judgment may be present as my 

witness that with just cause I pursued this death, 

even my mother's ; for of Aegisthus' death I speak 

not ; for he hath suffered the adulterer's punishment 

as the law allows. 

But she who devised this abhorrent deed against 

her husband, whose children she had conceived, a 

burthen beneath her zone, a burthen sometime dear, 

but now, as the event shows, of deadly hate—what 

thinkest thou of her ? Had she been born seasnake 

or viper, methinks her very touch without 

her bite had made some other to rot, if shamelessness 

and wickedness of spirit could do it. 

[i/e takes up again the bloody robe 

What name shall I give it, be I never so fairspoken 

? A trap for a wild beast ? Or a covering 

for a corpse in his bier,^ wrapt round his feet ? No, 

rather 'tis a net—a hunting-net, you might call it, 

^ dpoiTTjs KarauK-fivuna also means " curtain of a bath." 

VOL. II s 257


1000 apKVv t' av^ eiTTOis /cat TTohiorijpas TrerrXovs. 

roLOVTov av^ KXTjaairo cftrjX-qr'qs^ o.V'qp, 

êvojv aTTaioXrjfia Kapyvpoareprj 

îov vopLiiC,oiv,^ TcpSe r dv SoXcofiart 

TToXXovs dvaipcbv TToXXd OepfiaivoL (jypeva.^ 

1005 TOiaS' e/xot ^vvoiKOS eV Sofioicri pur] 

yeVoiT*' 6XoLp,rjV npoadev'^ €K dewv dirai^. 

X0P02 

atat^ peXiojv epycov 

arvyepu) Oavdrco BienpdxdrjSe 

e, 

p.ipA'ovTL Se Koi irddos dvdel. 

1010 

OPE2TH2 

eSpaoev rj ovk eSpaae^; fiapTvpel 8e poi 

< : Herm. 2 toiovto huu : Turn. 


or robes to entangle a man's feet. This were the 

sort of thing a highwayman might get, who tricks 

strangers and plies a robber's trade ; and with this 

cunning snare he might slay many a man and gladden 

his heart thereby. 

May such a woman not dwell with me in my 

house ! Ere that God grant I perish childless ! 

Chorus 

Alack, alack, woeful work ! Wretched was the 

death that ended thee. Alas ! alas ! And for him 

that surviveth suffering also is blossoming. 

Orestes 

Did she the deed or not ? Nay, my witness is 

this vesture, dyed by Aegisthus' sword. 'Tis of 

blood this stain, that aideth time to spoil the many 

tinctures of broidered stuif. 

Now at last do I speak his praises ; now at last 

I am present to make lament for him, as I address 

this web that wrought my father's death ; howbeit 

I grieve for deed and punishment and for the whole 

race—my victory is a pollution none need envy. 

Chorus 

No mortal wight shall scatheless pass his life free 

from all suffering unto the end. Alas ! Alas ! One 

tribulation cometh to-day, another the morrow. 

' al at: Bothe, Dindorf. * ^dpaaei/ : Turn. 

" da-ii>el altered to dcnvfj : Herwerden. 

i» Trdvr': Heath, n dn/xos: Weil. 

" afMeiferai : Erfurdt. " ^j : ? ^ Klausen. 

'* 1x6x60* M, the rest supplied by m (o- 5' 6 ij.h avrix 65' -^ê). 

'* Tjêi, Turn. 

259


OPE2TH2 

aAA , cos av eLOrjT , ov yap oto otttj reAet, 

(LaTTCp ûv LTTTTOts r)VLOcrTpo(f)co^ hpopuov 

i^corepoj' (j)epovcn yap VLKcopievov 

p€V€s hvaapKTOi' TTpos 8e KapSia (f>6ôs 

1025 aheiv eroLfxos 178' VTTopx^ladai, kotco. 

ecog 8' eV'^ €p,(f)pcov elfii, Krjpvaaco 0tAoi? 

Kravelv re 07^/it jjbrjrep^ ovk dvev St/crys", 

TTarpoKTovov filacTfJia /cat deoJv arvyos. 

/cat (f>iXrpa roXfirjs rijcrSe TrXeLarrjplôfxai, 

1030 rov nvdofxavTiv Aoîav, XRW^^"^' ^/ô^ 

TTpdâvTi p,€V ravr cktos alrias KaKrjs 

eivaL, Trapevra 8' —ovk ipoj ttjv ^rjpt,iav' 

To^cp yap ovTK TTrjp,dTajv e^têrat.* 

/cat vvv opdre p, , d)s TTapeaKevaap,€Vos 

1035 ^vv rcphe daXXco /cat areiyyos d^dirov K€KXr]p,€vov, 

(f)€vy(ov t68^ alp,a kolvov ovS^ e0' iarlav^ 

aXX-qv TpaneaOaL Aoîas eÛro. 

fl04l) Kal pbaprvpelv p,€v ws^ erropavvdr] /ca/ca 

1040 Ta8' eV XP^^V M^^ Trdvras 'Apyeiovs Xiyoi' 

eyco 8 dAi^TT^? T7^CT8e yrjs diroêvos, 

l,(x)v /cat TedvTjKOJS rdaSe i


Orestes 

But—since I would have you know—for I know 

not how 'twill end—methinks I am a charioteer 

driving my team far outside the course ; for my 

wits, hard to govern, whirl me away o'ermastered, 

and at my heart fear is fain to sing and dance to a 

tune of wrath. But while I still retain reason, I proclaim 

to those who hold me dear and declare that 

not without justice did I slay my mother, polluted 

murderess of my father, and a thing loathed of 

Heaven. 

And as for the promptings that gave me courage 

for this deed, I offer as my chiefest surety Loxias, 

Pytho's prophet, who declared that, if I did this 

deed, I should stand clear of evil charge, but if I 

forebore—I will not name the penalty ; for no bowshot 

could reach such height of woe. 

And now behold me, how, armed with this branch 

and wreath, I go as suppliant to earth's central 

seat, Loxias' demesne, and to the bright fire famed 

" imperishable, 1" an exile for this deed of kindred 

bloodshed ; to no other hearth did Loxias bid me 

turn. And as to the manner how this evil deed 

was wrought, I charge all men of Argos in time to 

come to bear me witness. I go forth a wanderer, 

strangered from this land, leaving behind, in life or 

death, this report of me. 

Chorus 

Nay, thou hast done well. Therefore yoke not 

^ 

In the Delphic shrine there was an undying fire. 

« yuoi /iereXews : fi^y wj Blomfield, who put 1. 1041 after 

1. 1039, reversing the order in M. 

• re irpdâs : Tyrwhitt. * iiriêvxO'n ' Heath. 

261


1045 fkvH'TI "ôvripa} fx'qh^ eVtyAcocro-cu Ka/ca, 

iXevdeptvaag Trdcrav Âpyeicov^ ttoXiv, 

Svolv SpaKovToiv evnercbs refxoiV Kapa. 

a, a. 

OPE2TH2 

Sfiojal yvvoLKes, atSe Topyovcov Slktjv 

(f)aLoxtTcov€s 

Kal TTeTrXeKTavrjfievaL 

1050 TTVKi'Oi's SpaKovuiv ovKer av fxeivaifji ^ iycu. 

X0P02 

TiVe? ere Sdât, ^lArar' dvOpwrrwv Tiarpi, 

arpoôvaiv ; 1(JX'^> H-V (fôôv vlkw* ttoXv. 

OPE2TH2 

OVK elal Sdât rcovSe TrrjfidTCov ifioi' 

aacos yap atSe pirjrpos eyKorot Kvves. 

X0P02 

1055 TToraivLov yap alfxd aoi X'^P^^^ ^'^'* 

eK rcovBe roi rapayfjLos is (f>p€vas mTvei. 

OPE2TH2 

ava^ "AttoXXov, atSe TrXrjOvovai^ St^, 

/ca^ ofifxdrojv ardôvaiv alfxa Sucr

— 


thy tongue to ill-omened speech nor let thy lips 

give vent to evil bodings, since thou hast freed the 

whole realm of Argos by lopping off with happy 

stroke the heads of two serpents. 

Orestes 

Ah, ah ! Ye handmaidens, see them yonder—hke 

Gorgons, stoled in sable garb, entwined with swarming 

snakes ! I can no longer stay. 

Chorus 

What fancies disturb thee, thou dearest of sons 

unto thy sire ? Hold, be not greatly overborne by 

fear. 

Orestes 

To me these are no fancied troubles. For in very 

truth yonder are the wrathful sleuth-hounds that 

avenge my mother. 

Chorus 

'Tis that the blood is still fresh upon thy hands 

this is the reason of the disorder that assails thy 

wits. 

Orestes 

O lord Apollo, lo ! now 

and from their eyes they drip loathsome blood ! 

they come in troops, 

Chorus 

One way there is to cleanse thee—Loxias' touch 

will set thee free from this affliction. 

' 

ovK £t' afifieivoL^j.' : Tzetzes, An. Ox. iii. 359 (reading 

beivois 5paK. kt\.). 

* 

(poôv plkHv : Person. 

* TrXrjdvovcrai : Turn. 

" elVw altered to elaa 6 ' Koîov : Auratus. 

Erfurdt. 

263

. 


OPE2TH2 

I 

vfjbeX? fjLev ov)( Spare racrS', iyco S' 6pa>' 

iXavvofiat 8e kovk€t* av fMeLvaifM^ eyw. 

X0P02 

dAA evrv)(oirjs , /cat a eTTOTTrevcov Trpo^pcov 

deos cf)vXdaaoL Kaipioiat (Jvp,(f)opal^ 

1065 ohe TOL pieXdOpoLs rot? jSaaiAeioi? 

rpiros av ;\'ei/LtaV 

TTi/evcras'^ 

yorta? ireXeaOrj. 

TTaiSoôpoL^ [xev TrpaJrov VTrrjpâv 

pLOxOoL ToXaves [re ©ue'cTTOf ]•* 

1070 Seyrepoi' dvhpos fiaaiXeia Trddr)' 

XovTpoSdiKTOs 8' coAer' 'A;)(atctjv 

TroX4piap-)(ôs 

dvrip' 

vvv 8' au rpiros rjXOe iroOev aoirrjp, 

Tj pLopov etTTO); 

1075 ""oi 8T7Ta Kpavel, ttoI KaraXrjêi 

pLcraKOLpnadeu pievos drrjg; 

' /coi)/c ^T d/ifjêlfai/j.' : Rob. 2 -^yfoiiffas Scaliger. 

[ ] 

Herm. 

' iratddnopoi Auratus. * 

264


I 

Orestes 

Ye see them not, but I see them. I am pursued. 

I can no longei* stay. 

[Rushes out 

Chorus 

Then blessings go with thee ; 

and may God watch 

kindly o'er thee and guard thee with favouring 

fortune ! 

Lo ! Now again, for the third time, hath the 

tempest of the race burst upon the royal house and 

run its course. First, at the beginning, came the 

cruel woes of children slain for food ; next, the fate 

of a man, a king, when, murdered in a bath, perished 

the war-lord of the Achaeahs, And now, once again, 

hath come somewhence, a third, a deliverer—or shall 

I say a doom ? Oh when will it work its accomplishment, 

when will the fury of calamity, lulled to rest, 

find an end and cease ? 

265

EUMENIDES

; 

TA TOY APAMAT02 nPOSfiHA 

nreiAs iipo«i>htis 

AlIOAAON 

OPESTHS 

KATTAIMHSTFAS EIAfiAON 

. XOPOS ETMENIAfiN 

AGHNA 

npoiiOMnoi 


The Pythian Prophetess 

Apollo 

Orestes 

Shade of Clytaemestra 

Chorus of Furies 

Athena 

Escort 

Scene.—(1) The temple of Apollo at Delphi 

(2) Athena's temple at Athens. 

Time,—The heroic age. 

Date.— 458 b.c, at the City Dionysia. 

269

ARGUMENT 

The priestess of Apollo discovers Orestes as a suppliant 

in the inner shrine of the god at Delphi, and fronting 

him the Erinyes of his mother, a hand of fearsome 

creatures who, wearied with the pursuit of the fugitive, 

have fallen on sleep. Under promise of his stipport, 

Apollo bids Orestes fee to Athens, where he shall submit 

. , 

his case to judgment and be released from his sufferings. 

The ghost of Clytaemestra rises to upbraid the sleepiyig 

Erinyes because of their neglect, whereby she is dishonoured 

among the other dead. Awakened by her 

taunts, they revile Apollo for that he has given sanctuary 

to a polluted man whom they rightly pursue by reason 

of office— their to take vengeance on all who shed kindred 

blood. 

The scene shifts to Athens, jvhither his pursuers have 

tracked their prey. Orestes, clasping the ancient image 

of Pallas, implores her protection on the plea that the 

blood upon his hands has long since been washed away 

by sacred rites and that his presence has worked harm 

to none who have given hiin shelter. The Erinyes chant 

a hymn to bind the soul of their victim with its maddening 

spell. In answer to Orestes' call, the goddess appears 

and with the consent of the Erinyes undertakes to judge 

the case, not by herself alone but with the assistance of 

a chosen number of her best citizens who are to constitute 

the jury. 

270 

'

; 

EUMENIDES 

The trial opens with Apollo present as advocate of his 

suppliant arid as representative of Zeus, whose commands 

he has merely to set forth in all his oracles. Orestes, 

he declares, slew his mother by his express behest. The 

accused confesses to the deed but urges in his defence 

that in killing her husband Clytaemestra killed his father 

and that his accusers should justly have takeii vengeance 

upon her. On their rejecting this argument on the 

ground that the murderess was not blood-kin to him she 

murdered, Orestes denies blood-kinship with his mother ; 

in which contention he is supported by Apollo, who 

asserts that the father alone is the proper parent of the 

child, the mother being only the nurse of the implanted 

seed. 

Athena announces that the court, the first to try a 

case of homicide, is now established by her for all time 

t-o come. The jury cast their ballots ; and the goddess, 

declaring that it is her duty to pronou7ice final judgment 

071 the case, makes known that her vote is to count for 

Orestes, who is to win if the ballots are equally divided. 

Proclaimed victor by the tie, Orestes quits the scene 

his antagonists threaten to bring ruin on the land that 

has denied the justice of their cause. It is the part of 

Athena by promises of enduring honours to assuage 

their anger ; and now no longer Spirits of Wrath but 

Spirits of Blessing, they are escorted in solemn procession 

to their sanctuary beneath the Hill of Ares. 

271

ETMENIAE2 

nreiAS 

Ilpwrov fxev evxjj Tfj^^ irpeaêvco Oecjv 

Trjv TTpwTOfJiavTLV Fatal'- eV 8e rrjg Qeixiv, 

7] brj TO ii-qrpos Bevrepa roS' elêro 

fjLavrelov, cos Aoyo? tls' iv 8e Tip TptTO) 

5 Xdx€i, OeXova-qg, ovBe Trpos îav tivos, 

IlltouIs dXXr) Trat? X.dov6s KaOeêTO, 

(ôi^Tj- hihojai, 8' -^ yevedXiov hoaiv 

ÔL^cp' TO Oot^TjS" 8' 6Vo/Lt' e;)(et TTapdovvfiov. 

Xlttcov 8e Xip^vrjv ArjXiav re xpipdha, 

10 KeXaas eV olktols vavrropovs tols naAAa8oj, 

is TTjvSe yalav ^Xde Ilapv-qaov 0'^ eSpas. 

Tre'/XTTOucrt 8' avTov Kal aeît,ovaiv fxeya 

KeXevdoTTOLol TratSe? 'HâtcrTou, x^^^^ 

avrjuepov TidevTes rjpbepojpêvrjv. 

15 jjLoXovTa 8' avTOV KapTa TtyuaAêt Aeco?, 

AeXcfios T€ x^pa? Tôr8e TTpvpiVT^T-qs dva$. 

Texvrjs 8€ I'tv Zeu? evdeov KTcaas

EUMENIDES 

Prophetess 

First, in this my prayer, I give the place of chiefest 

honour among the gods to the first prophet. Earth ; 

and after her to Themis ; for she, as is told, took 

second this oracular seat of her mother. 

And third 

in succession, with Themis' consent and by constraint 

of none, another Titan, Phoebe, child of 

Earth, took here her seat. She bestowed it, as 

birth-gift, upon Phoebus, who has his name from 

Phoebe. He, quitting the mere ^ and ridge of 

Delos, landed on Pallas' ship-frequented shores, 

and came to this region and the dwelling places on 

Parnassus. With mighty reverence was he given 

escort by Hephaestus' children,^ who fashion highways, 

taming the wildness of the untamed land. 

And 

on his coming, high worship was paid him by the folk 

and by Delphus, helmsman and sovereign of this 

land. With the prophet's art Zeus inspired his 

soul, and stablished him upon this throne as fourth 

and present seer ; but it is of Zeus, his sire, that 

Loxias is spokesman. 

These are the gods I place in the forefront of my 

^ A circular lake in the island of Apollo's birth. 

^ The Athenians, because Erichthonius, who was identified 

with Erechtheus, was the son of Hephaestus, who first 

fashioned axes. 

VOL. II T 273


riaAAas" TTpovaia 8' eV Aoyots" Trpecr/Seueraf 

CTejSo) Se vv/Jic/ias, evda Kcu/ou/cis" Trerpa 

KoiXr], i\opvLS, SaLfiovcov avaarpo^-q-^ 

Bpojjiios e;êt toi' ;;^ca/3or, oi3S' d/jLvquovoJ, 

25 6^ oure Ba/c;!âis" iarparrjyrjaev Oeos, 

Xayd) S(,K7]v riei'êt Karappdi/jas fiopov 

liXeicrrov^ re Trrjyds /cat Uoaeihcbvos Kpdros 

KoXovaa Kal reXetov vipiarov Aia, 

€7T€LTa pbdvTLS is Opovovs Ka9t,t,dva}. 

30 /cat vvv Tvxetv p,e rcov irplv elaohcov /xaKpcp 

dpiara Sotev /cet Trap* 'EXX-qvcov rives, 

ircov TToXcp Xa)(6vres, cos vo/Lttêrai. 

fxavrevofjLai yap ws ov -^yijraL Oeos. 

7] betvd Aeât, Setva 8' o^daXfxois SpaKetv, 

35 irdXiv fM* eVe/xj/rev e'/c So/xcuv tojv Aoîov, 

COS pi'qre acjKeZv jxijre /x' d/cratVetf ^daiv.^ 

rpexco Se ;;ê/)atV, ou TroSco/ceta* cT/ceAa)!/- 

Beiaaaa yap ypavs ovSev, avrtVat? /xei' ow. 

eyco /xev epnoi irpos iroXvare^rj p,vxov' 

40 o/aoD 8' €7r' 6/jL(f)aXci) jxev dvhpa deofivarfj^ 

ehpav eôvra^ npoarpoTraiov, 

at/xart 

aral,ovra x^^po-s /cat i'eoa77a8es'' î

EUMENIDES 

prayer. And Pallas of the Precinct ^ hath likewise 

honour in my words, and I revere the Nymphs, who 

dwell where is the Corycian ^ caverned rock, delight 

of birds and haunt of powers divine. Bromius hath 

held the region (him I forget not) ever since the 

time when, a god indeed, he headed the Bacchic 

host and contrived for Pentheus death as of a hunted 

hare. The waters of Pleistus, too, I invoke, and 

Poseidon's might, and Zeus the Fulfiller, Most High ; 

thereafter I take my seat as prophetess upon my 

throne. And may they grant that now fairest 

fortune may be mine, far beyond my ingoings aforetime. 

And if there be any here from among the 

Hellenes, let them enter, in turn, by lot, as is the 

wont. For as the god doth lead, so do I prophesy. 

[She enters the temple and after a 

Horrible ! 

brief interval returns terror-stricken 

Horrors to relate, horrors for my eyes 

to behold, have sent me back from the house of 

Loxias ; so that I have no strength left in me nor 

can I go upright. I run with the aid of my hands, 

not with any nimbleness of limb ; for an aged 

woman, overcome with fright, is a thing of naught 

—nay rather, she is but as a child. 

I was on my way to the inner shrine, enriched 

with many a wreath, when, on the centre-stone,^ 

I beheld a man defiled before Heaven occupying 

the seat of suppliants. His hands were dripping 

gore ; he held a sword just drawn and a lofty olive- 

^ 6u(pa\6s "nave) " was the name given by the Delphians 

to a white stone (in Aeschyhis' time placed in the inmost 

sanctuary of Apollo), which they regarded as marking the 

exact centre of the earth. Near the great altar of Apollo 

the French excavators of Delphi discovered a navel-stone. 

6ixa\6s is sometimes used of Delphi itself. 

275

,. 


eôvT* iXaias 6^ vipLyevvrjrov KXaSov, 

Aiyvet^ fxeyiarq) aa)(f)p6vojs earejxiJievov 

45 dpyrJTL fiaXXo)' rfjhe yap rpavcbs ipco. 

TTpoadev 8e rdvSpos rovSe davfxacrros 

evhei, yvvaiKcov iv dpovoiaiv rj/jievos. 

ovToi yvvaiKas, dXXd Topyova? Xeyo), 

oyS' avT€ TopyeioLOLV eLKaaco rviroi'S. 

60 elhov TTor' rjhrj Oti/eco? yeypajjufxevas 

SecTTVov (f)€pov(jas' aTrrepoi ye jjbrjv ISelv 

Xoxos^ 

avrai, /xeAatvat 8' is ro ndv ^SeXvKrpoTTOL' 

peyKOVGL 8' ov vXaTolai^ vaLdixaaiv 

CK 8' opuxdriov Xeiôvai ^va(f)iXrj Ai'jSa*'' 

55 Kal KoapLOS ovre npos dewv dydXp-ara 

(f)€p€tv SiKaios OVT is dvOpcvTTCov areyas. 

TO (f)vXoV OVK OTTOJTTa TTJoS^ O/AtAtaS' 

ovS^ tJtls ala tovt' inevx^Tat yivos 

rp€ova dvarel firj pieraareveiv ttovov} 

(50 ravrevdev r]8r] TOJvSe heoTTorr) bopicov 

avTcp pieXiadco Aofi'a ptêyaaOevel. 

larpopLavrLs 8' icrrl /cat repaaKoiros 

Kal Tolatv dXXoLs h(x>p,dra)v Kaddpaios 

AnOAAHN 

ovTOL TTpohaxJOi' Sto, TcXovs 8e aoL (j)vXa^ 

65 iyyvs Trapearcjs Kal rrpocra) 8' dTToaraTcov 

exOpolaL Tois aols ov yevijcropiai, ttcttwv. 

Kal vvv dXovaas rdahe rds pidpyovs opas' 

1 \iv€L FV3N, 

* X^XO* M, X6xos FV3N. ^ Tr\a(Troi(n : Elmsley. 

* Ua M, fiiav FV3N: Burges. 

' wbvuu : Arnaldus. 

276 

^ 

The Harpies.

; 

EUMENIDES 

branch reverently crowned with a tuft of wool 

exceeding large—white was the fleece ; for as to this 

I can speak clearly. 

Before this man there sat asleep on thrones a 

wondrous throng of women. No ! women they 

were surely not, Gorgons I rather call them. Nor 

yet can I liken them to forms of Gorgons either. 

Once ere this I saw some pictured creatures ^ 

carrying off the feast of Phineus—but these are 

wingless, sable, and altogether detestable. Their 

snorting nostrils blow forth fearsome blasts, and 

from their eyes oozes a loathly rheum. Their 

garb, too, was such as is unfit to bring before 

the statues of the gods or into the abodes of men. 

The tribe which owns this company I have never 

seen ; nor do I know what region boasts to rear 

unscathed this brood and not repent its pains. 

But for the outcome, let that be now the care of the 

lord of this house, even Loxias himself, the puissant, 

for he is a revealer of healing remedies, a reader of 

portents, and for others he purgeth their habitations. 

[Exit 

[The interior of the temple is disclosed. Enter, 

from the inner sanctuary, Apollo, who 

takes his stand beside Orestes at the centrestone. 

Near the suppliant are the Furies 

asleep. Hermes in the background 

Apollo 

No ! I will not abandon thee. Thy guardian to 

the end, close by thy side, or even when far removed, 

I will not show me gentle to thine enemies. So 

now thou see'st these maddened women overcome 

277


VTTVco TTcaovaai 8 at KaTOLTTTvaToi Kopai, 

ypaiai TraAatat TraiSes", als ov fxeL-yvvrai 

70 decov T6S" oi)S' dvdpcoTTOS ovSe drjp ttot€. 

KaKcov 8' e/cart Kayivovr , inel kukov 

OKOTOV vefjLovrai Tdprapov 9* vtto xôvos, 

IXLcr-qfiar' dv^pojv /cat êcuv ÔXvjjlttlwu. 

ojxcjs Se cf)evy€ fxrjSe fxaXdaKos yevj]. 

75 eAcoat ya^ ae /cat 8i' rjTTetpov /xa/cpa? 

^Lîovr av'^ atet ttî' TrXavoariî) ^(dova 

VTTep re ttovtov^ /cat Trepippyras noXeis. 

Koi fxr) TTpoKafxve rovhe ôvKoXovfievos 

TTovov pLoXojv 8e IlaAAa8os" ttotI tttoXiv 

80 iôy TraAatoi/ dyKadev Xa^cov Operas. 

KOLKiL SiKaards TcovSe /cat 6eXKrr]piovs 

jxvdovs exovres fMrjxavds evprjaofxev, 

OKTT is TO TTOLV GC TCOvS* aTTaXXdâi TTOVIOW 

/cat yap KTavelv a eVetaa firjTpcpov 8e/Lta?. 

OPE2TH2 

85 dva^ "AttoXXov, otada fjiev to fir) '8t/cetj/' 

eTTCt 8' eVtWa, /cat to yui) '/xeAeti/ fidOe. 

adevos 8e ttoiclv ev (/)epeyyvov to aov. 

AnoAAnN 

fJL€[jLV7)ao , fMT) (f>6fios a€ Vt/CaTO) (f)p€Va9. 

av 8 , avTdBeX(f)ov al/xa /cat kolvov irarpos, 

90 Kpfirj,

; 

EUMENIDES 

fallen on sleep are these loathsome maidens — 

beldames, aged children, with whom nor any god 

nor man nor beast consorteth ever. For evil's sake 

were they even born, since they inhabit the evil 

gloom of Tartarus beneath the earth—creatures 

loathed of men and of Olympian gods. Nevertheless, 

do thou fly on and grow not faint of heart. 

For as thou ever tread'st the travelled earth, they 

will chase thee even over the wide continent and 

beyond the main and the cities girdled by the sea. 

And grow not weary ere thy course be run by 

brooding on this thy toil ; but when thou art come 

to Pallas' burgh, sit thee down and clasp in thine 

arms her ancient image. And there, with judges 

of thy cause and speech of persuasive charm, we 

shall discover means to release thee utterly from thy 

distress ; for it was at my behest that thou didst 

take thy mother's life. 

Orestes 

Lord Apollo, thou knowest not to be unrighteous ; 

and, since thou knowest, learn also not to be unheedful. 

For thy power of doing good hath ample 

warranty. 

Apollo 

Remember, let not fear overmaster thy soul. 

And do thou, Hermes, my very own brother and 

blood of my sire, keep watch over- him. True to 

thy name, be thou his " Conductor,^ " as a shepherd 

^ Hermes is the guide of the living on their journeys 

as he is also the conductor of the souls of the dead to the 

nether world. 

279

. 

, 


iKerrjv—ae)Sei rot Zey? roS^ invofxajv aeâs- 

OpfliOfieVOV PpOTOLGLV eUTTO/XTTO) TV-)(r} 

KATTAIMH2TPA2 EIAflAON 

cuootT av, a>?), /cat Kaoevoovawv ri ocl; 

95 eyco 8' uayeiar]£ rrpos x^P^^ fjurjrpoKTOvojv. 

opdre^ TrXrjyas TCtcrSe AcapSta? odev.^ 

evSovcra yap (f>pr)v ofji/xaaiv XapbTTpvveTai, 

105 €P rj/J-epa 8e piolp^ aTrpooKOTTog^ ^porutv. 

Tj TToAAa pikv hrj twv e/xaJv iXeLâre, 

Xods T doLvovg, vqcfxiXia" /xeiAtyâra, 

Kal vvKTLcrefxva^ SetTTj-'' eV iaxo-pa rrvpos 

kdvov, oipav ouSew? kolvtjv OecJov. 

110 /cai TTavra ravra Act^ opco rrarovfieva. 

115 

6 8' iâXvâs otêrai V€^pov Slkttjv, 

Kai ravra Kov(j>ajs e/c fieacov dpKvardrcov^ 

iopovaev vpXv iyKariXXcoi/jas^ fieya. 

aKovcrad' cos eXeâ rrjs i/jirjg rrepl 

^^XV^> (f>povâar' , cu /cara x^^^^S Oeai. 

ovap yap v/xds vvv KXyrai/x-qarpa^ KaXo). 

» ws : Tyrwhitt. 2 Spa 5.? : Paley. 

' Kap5/o (altered to Kapdlai) aidev M : Herni. 

* fioipa vp6(TKoiroi : Turn. * vKpdXia: Rob. 

* »'ti/(T6 (changed to wktI) aenvbi M : Turn. 

' apKiiff/xdruii' : Turn. 

280

EUMENIDES 

guiding this my suppliant—of a truth Zeus holdeth 

in reverence this revered right of outcasts — sped 

forth to men with prospering guidance. 

[Exit. Orestes departs escorted hy Hermes. 

The Ghost of Clytaemestra appears 

Ghost of 

! 

Clytaemestra 

Sleep on ! Aha Yet what need is there of 

sleepers ? 'Tis due to you that I am thus dishonoured 

among the other dead ; because of him 

I slew the dead never cease reviling me, and I 

wander in disgrace. I declare to you that they 

bring against me charge most grievous. And yet, 

howbeit I have endured such dire evils from my 

nearest kin, no power divine is wroth in my behalf, 

slaughtered as I have been by the hands of mine 

own son. Mark ye these gashes in my heart, 

whence they come ! For the mind asleep hath 

clear vision, but in the daytime the fate of mortal 

men cannot be foreseen. 

In sooth ye have lapped up full many an offering 

of mine—wineless libations, a sober appeasement, 

and banquets in the solemn night have I often 

sacrificed upon a hearth of fire at an hour unshared 

by any god. All this I see trampled under foot. 

But he has escaped away from you, and is gone, 

even as a fawn ; aye, and has lightly bounded 

away from out the midmost of your snare, mocking 

at you with derisive leers. Hear me ! Since I 

plead for my very life, awake to consciousness, ye 

goddesses of the nether world ! 'Tis in a dream I, 

Clytaemestra, now invoke you. 

^ 

* f/cKartWcoi/'as : Turn. 

K\vTaiixvi)crTpa M (and here only). 

281


X0P02 

120 {fxvyfios.) 

KATTAIMHSTPAS EIAnAON 

fjivÔLT^ dv, avrjp 8' ot;êTai €vyoiV Trpoaco' 

iXoi, yap elaiv ovk ifjuols TrpoaeiKOTes^ 

X0P02 

{[xvyixos.) 

KAYTAIMH2TPA2 EIAnAON 

dyav VTTVcLaaeis kov Karoi,Krit,ei^ irddog' 

(f}Ovevs S' 'Opecrrrjs rrjaSe fir^Tpog ot^êrat. 

(toy/x-os-.) 

X0P05 

KATTAIMH5TPA5 EIAnAON 

a)t,€L9, VTTVcoaaetg- ovk dvaar'qarj rdôs; 

125 Tt aoL TTeTTpcorai^ Trpdy/xa TrXrjv revx^t-v /ca/ca; 

X0P02 

{(Lyfios.y 

KATTAIMH2TPA2 EIAflAON 

VTTVOS TTOVOS T€ KVpiOL CWVOJflOTai 

Seivrjs 

SpaKaivrjs i^CK'qpavav fievog. 

X0P02 

{jxvyfjiog SittAous" d^vs.) 

];}0 AajSe Aaê Aaj8e Xaê, (l)pdôv. 

KATTAIMH2TPA2 EIAnAON 

ovap Sic6/C6i? drjpa, /cAayyatVetS" 8' dnep 

KVUiV flCpiflVaV OVTTOT eKXeiTTaJV* ttovov. 

282

EUMENIDES 

[The Furies begin to move uneasily, uttering a 

whining sound] 

Whine, if ye will ! But the man is gone, fled far 

away. For he hath friends not like to mine ! 

[The Chorus continues to whine] 

Too heavy art thou with sleep and hast no pity 

for my misery. Orestes, the murderer of his mother 

here, is gone ! 

[The Chorus begins to moan] 

Thou moanest, slumberest. Wilt thou not arise 

at once ? What task hath been allotted thee save 

to work ill ? 

[The Chorus continues to moari] 

Slumber and travail, fit conspirators, have destroyed 

the might of the dreaded dragoness. 

Chorus 

[with mutterings redoubled and intensified] 

Seize him ! seize him ! seize him ! seize him ! 

Mark him ! 

Ghost of 

Clytaemestra 

'Tis but in a dream thou art hunting thy game, 

and art whimpering like a hound that never leaves 

off its keenness for the chase. What work hast 

^ l\oii . . . TTpocriKTopei : Weil. 

^ /iwy/Mos : Rob. (hy/j-os. 

' TTîrpaKTai : Stanley. 

* e/cXiTTwc : Blomfield. 

283


Ti 8/0019; dviarco, fx-q ae VLKaroj ttovos, 

fM'qh* dyvoTJarjs Trrjfxa fiaXdaxOela vttvco. 

135 dXyrjaov rJTrap ivSiKOLs oveiSeaLV^ 

roZ'S auxfypoaiv yap avTiKevrpa yiyverai.^ 

(TV S'' alfxaT7]p6v TTvevpL enovpiaaaa rco, 

drpLU) KaTLcrxvatvovcra,* vrjbvos irvpi, 

€TTOV, 

fxapatvc Sevrepois Sicoyfiaaiv. 

X0P02 

140 eyeip , eyetpe /cai av ri]vo , eyo) oe ere. 

euSet?; dviarco, KdiroXaKTiaaa vttvov, 

IScOfMed'^ €L TL TOvSe (fypOLfMLOV fiaTa. 

lov lov TTVTTa^. eTTaOofxev, iXai,,— [o'^/^-

! 

EUMENIDES 

thou afoot ? Arise ! Let not fatigue overmaster 

thee, nor let slumber so soften thee as to forget 

my wrong. Sting thy heart with merited reproaches ; 

for to the right-minded reproach serveth as a spur. 

Waft thou upon him thy bloody breath, shrivel 

him with the fiery vapour from thy vitals, on after 

him, wither him with fresh pursuit 

[ The Ghost of Clytaemestra disappears ; 

the Furies, roused by their leader, 

awake one after the other 

Chorus 

Awake ! Waken thou her, as I waken thee. 

Still asleep ? Arise, spurn slumber from thee, and 

let us see whether in this prelude ^ there be aught 

in vain. 

! 

Oh, oh ! Ugh Friends, we have suffered. 

Sooth I have suflfered sore indeed and all in vain. 

We have suffered grievous wrong, alack ! an intolerable 

hurt ; our quarry hath slipped from out our toils, 

and is gone. 

Overcome by sleep I have lost my prey. 

Shame ! Thou 

son of Zeus, thou art given to 

theft, 

And thou, a youth, hast ridden down aged 

divinities, 

By showing respect unto thy suppliant, a godless 

man and cruel to a parent ; 

god though thou 

art, thou hast stolen away him that slew his 

mother. 

What is there herein that any shall call just ? 

strophic groups were sung by single voices or by semichoruses. 

285

: 


155 ifxol 8' oveiSos i^ oveipoLTajv jxoXov [orp. ^. 

ervtfjev hiKav hipr]Xdrov 

fieaoXaêl Kcvrpo) 

VTTO (f)p€VaS, V7t6 XoÔV. 

1(50 TTOLpecrri pLaoTiKropos Satov 8a/xiou 

âpv TO TTepiâpv Kpvos ex^LV. 

roiavra hpcbaiv ol v€a>repoi deot, [olvt. ^. 

Kparovvres to rrdv St/ca? TrXeov 

" 

EUMENIDES 

Reproach, coining to me in a dream, smote me like 

a charioteer with goad grasped tight, under my 

heart, under my vitals. 

'Tis mine to feel the cruel, the exceedingly cruel 

smart of the doomster's direful scourge. 

Such are the doings of the younger gods, who rule, 

altogether beyond the right, a throne dripping blood, 

about its foot, about its head. 

'Tis mine to see the centre-stone of the earth 

defiled with a terrible pollution of blood. 

Seer though he is, at his own bidding, at his own 

urgence, he hath stained his sanctuary with pollution 

at its hearth ; transgressing the ordinance of 

the gods, he hath held mortal things in honour and 

set at naught the apportionments of eld. 

To me too he bringeth distress, but him he shall 

not deliver ; though he fly beneath the earth, never 

is he set free. Stained with the guilt of murder, he 

shall get upon his head another avenger of his kin.^ 

Apollo 

[Enters from the inner sanctuary^ 

Avaunt, I charge ye ! Get ye gone forthwith 

from out this house, quit my prophetic sanctuary, 

lest ye may be even smitten by a winged glistering 

^ 

As Agamemnon was slain by Clytaemestra and Clytaemestra 

by Orestes, so Orestes shall be slain by one of his 

own race, fj-idaroip is properly "polhiter. 

* Trapavbfiwv M} {-vo/aov M*), wapa vofKOV FV3N, Trapi 

vdfiov Par. 2886. 

' T€ : Casaubon. * evy(x}v : Porson. 

* 8' ibv : Porson. ^° iKelvov : Weil. 

^^ iravfffTat corrected to waaeraL M, iraaaeTai FV3N. 

287

, 


Xpvcr-qXdrov doiiiiyyo's eôp/xwiJievov 

dvTJs utt' dXyovs jxeXav' o.tt' dvdpcoTTCov acppov, 

ijjiovara Opop-ôvs ovs aêtA/cfCTa? (f)6vov. 

185 ovTOL Sd/xotCTt TotcrSe ^^pipt^TrreaSai TrpeneL' 

dAA' ov^ KapavLurrjpe^^ 6(f)daXp,iopvxot 

SiKai a(f)ayai re OTrepp.aros t' d7ro(f)dopa^ 

iraihcov KaKOvrai ;)(Aowts", rjS aKpajvia, 

AeuCT/xd?* re, /cat pLvtôvaiv olKTiapbov ttoXvv 

190 UTTO po-xi-v^ naycvres. dp aKovere 

oias eoprijs ecrr' dTTOTrrvaroL deols 

arepyrjdp' exovaai; nds 8' ixfyr^yelraL rpoiTos 

fjiop(f>rjg. XeovTOS dvrpov alp,aTopp6(f)ov 

OLKCtv Totavras cIkos, ov xprjarripLOLS 

195 iv Toto-Se TrX-qaioiaL^ rpLêadai p.vaos- 

X(JOp€tr^ dvev ôrijpos atVoAou/xei'ai. 

TToipLvrj^ roiavrrjs 8' ovtls ev

EUMENIDES 

snake ^ shot forth from a bow-string wrought of gold, 

and disgorge in agony the black spume ye have 

sucked from men, vomiting the clotted gore ye have 

drained. This is, in sooth, no house meet for your 

approach ; no, your place is where there are sentences 

to beheading, gouging out of eyes, and cutting 

of throats ; where, by destruction of the seed, the 

manhood of youth is ruined ; where men are mutilated, 

stoned to death, and where, impaled beneath their 

spine, they make moaning long and piteous. D'ye 

hear what sort of feast ye love that makes you 

detestible to the gods ? The whole fashion of your 

form doth set it forth. Creatures such as ye should 

inhabit the den of some blood-lapping lion, and not 

inflict pollution on all near you in this oracular 

shrine. Begone, ye herd without a shepherd ! Such 

flock is loved by no one of the gods. 

Chorus 

Thou 

Lord Apollo, hearken in turn to our reply. 

thyself art no mere abettor of this deed ; 'tis thy 

sole doing, and upon thee falls all the guilt. 

Apollo 

How mean ye ? 

Extend thy speech so far. 

Chorus 

By thy behest thou didst prompt the stranger 

to slay his mother. 

^ The arrow sped from Apollo's gold-wrought string is 

called a " winged glistering snake " because it stings like 

a serpent's bite. There is also a latent word-play: 6(pis 

" snake " suggests i6$ " snake's poison " and this differs 

only in accent from I'os " arrow." 

VOL. II u 289


AnoAAriN 

€)(prjaa ttolvcls rod narpos npdâi.^ ri fi'qv^; 

X0P05 

KOLTTeiB* imiariqs aifiaros Sefcrcup' vdov. 

AnOAAON 

205 /cat TrpoarpaTTeadai rovah^ indareXXov hofiovs. 

X0P02 

/cat ras TTpoTTOfirrovs Srjra racrSe AotSopet?; 

AnoAAriN 

ov yap SofxoLGi, 

rotaSe 7rp6a(f>opov fioXelv. 

X0P02 

aAA' eoTLV rjfuv rovro rrpoarerayixevov. 

AnoAAflN 

Tt? •)78e TLfiij; KOfMTTaaov yipas KaXov. 

X0P02 

210 rovs fMr)TpaXoLas c/c Sofxojv iXawofxev. 

AnOAAflN 

Tt ya/3* yui/at/co? 17x19 avSpa voa

EUMENIDES 

Apollo 

By my behest I prompted him to exact vengeance 

for his sire. What then ? 

Chorus 

And thereafter thou didst engage thyself to give 

sanctuary to the red-handed murderer. 

Apollo 

And I bade him turn for expiation to this house. 

Chorus 

And then forsooth dost thou revile us who sped 

him on his way hither ? 

Apollo 

Aye, for it was unmeet that ye approach this my 

house. 

Chorus 

But to us this office hath been assigned. 

Apollo 

What is this office of thine ? 

Proclaim thy glorious 

prerogative ! 

Chorus 

We chase frqjn their homes them that slay their 

mothers 

Apollo 

But how then with a woman who kills her husband ? 

2 W ixijv MV3N, tL nil F. * 5' Utu>p MFV3N, biKxwp m. 

* Tts -ykp M1FV3N, tL ydp M\

'•• 

. 


X0P02 

ovK av yevoid* ofxaifxos avdevrris (f>6vos. 

AnoAAXiN 

'q Kapr arifxa koX Trap* ovhev elpydcro)^ 

"Hpas reXeias Kal Ato? Tnarcoixara. 

215 K.V7TpLS 8' artfjios Ta)8' aTTeppnrrai Xoyo), 

odev ^poroZai yiyverai^ to. îXrara. 

evvTj yap dvbpl /cat yvvaLKi fjUopaLfios^ 

opKOV 'art /xet^cov rij St/CTy cf)povpovfJievr] 

€t* rolaiv ovv Kreivovaiv dXXriXovs X^^^^ 

220 TO jxr] TLVeadai^ /xryS' eTTorrreveiv kotco, 

ov (f)ri{M Ôpearrjv a^ eVStAccu? dvSpT]XaT€Xv. 

rd fxev yap otSa Kapra a ivdvp,oviJi€vrjv, 

rd 8' ep,(f>av(x)g Trpdaaovaav rjauxo-irepav. 

SiKas 8e riaAAo.?' tcDvS' eVoTTTeucret 0ea. 

X0P02 

225 Tov duBp* iKelvov ov re fxr] Xlttco^ ttotc. 

AnoAAnN 

ari) 8' ovv 8lwK€ Kal ttovov TrAetco' tlOov. 

X0P02 

rifids (TV fXTj avvr€fxv€ rds ifjuas Xoyo). 

^ TjpK^crw Wordsworth. 

: 

« ^/cercu: Porson. ' fiSpcrifioi. MFWS', fi6p

! 

EUMENIDES 

Chorus 

That would not be murder of the self-same blood 

and kin. 

Apollo 

In good sooth thou heapest dishonour and contempt 

upon the pledges of Hera, the Fulfiller, and of 

Zeus.^ Cypris too is cast aside dishonoured by this 

plea of thine, and from her mankind derive their 

nearest and their dearest joys. For marriage appointed 

by fate 'twixt man and woman is mightier 

than an oath and Justice is its guardian. If then, 

should one slay the other, thou art so lenient as not 

to punish or to visit them with wrath, then I pronounce 

thy pursuit of Orestes to have no justice 

in it. For the one cause, I perceive thou takest 

it sore to heart, whereas, in the other, thou art 

manifestly more remiss in act. But the goddess 

Pallas will review the pleadings in this case. 

Chorus 

That man I will never, never quit 

Apollo 

Pursue him then and get thee more trouble for 

thyself. 

Chorus 

Seek not to curtail my privileges by thy words. 

^ In connection with marriage, Hera was reXeia, as Zeus 

was rAetos ; and the adjective applies also to him here. 

The ancients derived rAetos (of marriage) from riXo^ meaning 

" rite," " consummation." Inasmuch as WXos often has the 

sense "supreme authority," "full power," some modern 

scholars hold that Hera reXeia is Hera the Queen, Hera the 

Wife.


AnOAAHN 

ovb av bexoLfJ'7}v coar exîv rifxas aeUev. 

X0P02 

/xeyas" yap efjirrag Trap Ato? dpovois ^^yj)- 

230 t'yco S', dyet^ yap alfxa fir)rpa>ov,^ St/ca? 

fxereipiL rovhe (/)6jTa KaKKwqyerci).^ 

AnOAAflN 

eyoj S' dpriÛ) rov cKeTrjv re pvaojxaf 

Betvr] yap iv ^porolai kolv dcots* Tre'Aei 

Tov TTpoarpoTTaiov fiijvis, el irpoho) a(f)^ ckcov. 

OPE2TH2 

235 dvaaa Âddva, Ao^lov KeXev/jbaacv^ 

tJkcu, Seôv Se Trpevfievcos dXdaropa, 

ov TTpoarpoTraiov ovh^ dôiâvrov X^P^> 

dAA' dfx^Xvs tJSt) TTpoareTpifJifJievog^ re Trpos 

aXXotatv OLKOLS /cat TropevpiaaLV^ ^porcov. 

240 ofioLa x^poôv /cai ddXaaaav cKTrepcov, 

aa)t,cov icfyeTfids Aoîov XP''1^'^VP^^^^> 

TTpoaeifxi Scbjxa /cat operas to aov. Bed. 

avTov j)vXdaaojv dvajxevco reXos Slkt)?. 

294 

i 

&y(iu M, dyei FN. 

^ fJi7]Tplb(i}V M, fXTfrpifiOV FV3N. 

' KdKKvi>7)y^T7)s MF: Erfurdt. 

* Ofoiffi M, Stoii FV3N. 

' KfXfOff/iaaiv MF, KeXevfiaaiv N. 

. . . irpoarfTpintiivov : Prien. 

* d,u|3Xi)»' 

' TroptOfiaai : Porson.

EUMENIDES 

Apollo 

I would not take them as a gift, thy privileges. 

Chorus 

No, for in any case thou art accounted great 

by the throne of Zeus. But as for me—since a 

mother's blood leads me, I will pursue my suit 

against this man and even now am on his track. 

[Exeunt 

Apollo 

And I will succour and rescue my suppliant ! 

For appalling in heaven and on earth is the wrath 

of him who seeketh purification, should I of mine 

own intent abandon him. 

[E?iters the Sanctuary 

\The scene changes to Athens, before 

the temple of Athena. Enter 

Hermes with Orestes, mho embraces 

the ancient image of the goddess 

Orestes 

Queen Athena, at Loxias' bidding I am come ; and 

do thou of thy grace receive an accursed wretch, 

no suppliant for purification, or uncleansed of hand, 

but with my guilt's edge already blunted and worn 

away at other habitations and in the travelled paths 

of men. Holding my course over land and sea 

alike, obedient to the behests of Loxias' oracle, I 

now approach thy house and thine image, O goddess. 

Here will I keep my post and abide the issue of my 

trial. 

[The Furies enter dispersedly, 

hunting Orestes' trail by scent

. 


X0P02 

245 etiv ToS carl ravSpos eK(f)aves rcKfxap. 

€7Tov Se iirivvrrjpos a(f)deyKrov (f)paSais. 

Terpav/xaTLafievov yap

! 

! 

EUMENIDES 

Chorus 

Aha ! Here is the trail of the man, and plain ! 

Follow the evidence of a voiceless informant. For 

as a hound a wounded fawn, so do we track him 

by the drops of blood. My heart pants at my 

sore and wearying toil ; for I have ranged over 

every region of the earth, and in wingless flight I 

came in pursuit of him over the sea, swift as a swift 

ship. So now, somewhere hereabout he must be 

crouching. The smell of human blood makes me 

laugh for joy. 

Look ! Look again ! Scan every spot lest unawares 

the slayer of his mother escape by secret 

flight and pay not his debt ! 

Aye, here he is again ! In shelter, with arms 

twined round the image of the immortal goddess, 

he is fain to submit to trial 

^ 

for his debt ! 

But that may not be, A mother's blood upon 

the earth is past recovery ; alack, the flowing stream 

once spilled upon the ground is lost and gone 

Nay, thou art bound in requital to suffer that I 

suck the ruddy clouts of gore from thy living hmbs. 

May I feed myself on thee—a gruesome draught 

ril waste thy strength and hale thee living to 

the world below that thou mayest pay recompense 

for thy murdered mother's agony. 

^ 

The reading xf/>wi' seems to mean " deed of violence." 

TT^S.wt KexviJ-ifOv X^fjiefov Porson. *" : i'orson. '" Sk di ffoO crov M, iVl, 5i cov N. 

^^ ôffKav (pepoifjLav M : Wellauer. 

^^ ixvdvaa M, laxo-vaa' FV3N : Turn. 

^* dcriTrotj'oi'S : Schiitz. 

rebris with ei over rj M, rifrji FV3, IVa rlvys N. 

'* /ji.r]Tpo(f)6vas : Casaubon. 

297

. 


6t/j€i 8e Kel ris^ aAAos"^ t]Xlt€V ^poTcbv 

270 rj deov -^ êvov 

TLV*^ a.aeâ)v'\ 7] TOKcas (l>i,Xovs, 

€)(ovd^ CKaarov rrjs Slktjs cTrafta. 

fieyas yap "AiSrjs iarlv evdvvos ^porcov 

evepde )(dov6s, 

275 SeAroypaô) 8e ttcivt' iTrcoTra (f>pevL 

OPE2TH5 

iyd) SiSaxd^ls ev KaKols eTriCTra/iat 

TToXXovs KadapfjLovs, Kal Xeyeiv ottov Slkt] 

aiydv 6* ofiOLCOs' iv Se rcoSe Trpdyiiari 

(fxjovelv era;)^^7jr Trpos aoôv StSacr/caAou. 

280 PpL^€L yap al/xa /cat fxapaiverai x^P^^> 

jjirjTpoKTovov i-uaafMa 8' eKtrXurov TreAef 

TToraiviov yap ov irpos icrrla dcov 

ÔLôv Kadappiois 'qXdOrj ^(ÔLpoKTovoLS. 

TToXvg Se /xot yivoir av i^ ^RXl^ Xoyo's, 

285 oaoLS TTpooijXdov d^Xaêl ^vvovaia. 

Ixpovos Kadaipel Trdvra yqpdaKcov opov.]* 

Kal vvv d(f)^ dyvov aroparo^ ev^rjpnos KaXco 

Xy6v' KTijaerat 8' dvev Sopos 

290 avTov T€ Kal yrjv Kal rov Âpyelov Xecbv 

TTicrrov StKaicos is ro ndv re avp,pa)(ov 

dAA' €ire ;^co/3a? cV tottols Al^votlkoIs , 

TpLTcovos dp,(f>l )(€vp,a yevedXtov iropov, 

rlOrjatv opdov 7j KaTr]pe(f>rj TroSa, 

' 5' ^Ket rli : Schiitz. 

* dWoj': Heath. ^ tiv' : Person. 

* [ ] Musgrave: diSdcKuv with ye superscr. F, ye 

SiddffKui' 

298 

NV3.

EUMENIDES 

And thou shalt see whoever else of mankind hath 

sinned the sin of irreverence against god or stranger 

or his parents dear, having each his meed of 

justice. 

For the Lord of Death is mighty in holding mortals 

to account beneath the earth ; and he surveyeth 

all things with his recording mind. 

Orestes 

Schooled by misery, I have knowledge of many 

ordinances of purification and I know where speech 

is proper and silence likewise ; and in this present 

case hath speech been ordered me by a wise 

teacher. For the blood upon my hand is slumbering 

now and fading—the pollution wrought by my 

mother's slaying is washed away ; for while yet 

fresh it was expelled at the hearth of a god, even 

Phoebus, by purification of slaughtered swine. It 

were a long tale to tell from the beginning of all 

I visited and harmed not by my dwelling with them. 

[Time in his ageing course weareth all things away.] 

So now with pure lips I piously invoke Athena, 

this country's queen, to come to my aid. Without 

effort of her spear, shall she win myself, my land 

and the Argive folk as staunch and true allies 

for evermore. But whether in some region of the 

Iîbyan land, about the waters of Triton, her natal 

stream, she be in action or at rest,^ aiding those 

Literally, " she places her foot upright or covered over." 

^ 

The poet may have in mind statues of the goddess : opdov 

referring to upright posture, KarripecpTj to her long garment 

falling over her foot when she was represented as sitting. 

299

. 


295 ^t'Aoi? a.p'qyova , eire OAeypatav TrXoLKa 

dpaavs rayovxos (vs dvrjp eTTtcr/coTret, 

eXdoL—KXvet Se /cat TrpoacoOev wv Oeos— 

OTTios yevoLTO TcDi^S' ifMol XvrripLos. 

XOP02 

ovTOL cr'^ ÂttoXXcov ou8' ÂOrjvatas aQevos 

300 pvaair dv ware fir] ov TTapr]p,eXrjp.e.vov 

avaifxarov ôaKrijxa SaLfMovcov, aKidv} 

ovh dvTi,(f)iov€is , aAA' aTroTTTveis Xoyovs, 

ifiol Tpa(f)€LS re /cat Kadiepcojxevog ;^ 

vfjivov 8' oLKOvarj rovSe heapnov aidev. 

aye Srj /cat x^pov dtjjcxiixev, eVct 

p,ovaav arvyepdv 

a7TOovi,as enLKpvTTTeL, 

fiaprvpes opdal rolcn davovaiv 

Trapayiyvopievai}^ TrpdKTopeg aifxaros 

320 avrw reXeojs i(f>dvr]fj,ev 

cppeLv, TO x^^P^^v H'V H'O.Govd^ 07T0V (/)peva)v, 

305 Kol t,(x)v fi€ Sat'aei? ovBe irpos ôjfjbco a

EUMENIDES 

whom she loves ; or whether, Hke a bold marshal, 

she be surveying the Phlegraean ^ plain, oh may she 

come—for goddess that she is, she hears even from 

afar—to prove my deliverer from distress ! 

Chorus 

Nay, be sure, not Apollo nor Athena's might can 

save thee from perishing, spurned and neglected, 

knowing not where in thy soul is joy—a bloodless 

victim of the powers below, a shadow of thyself. 

What ! Dost thou not even answer, but scornest 

my words, thou victim fatted and consecrate to me ? 

At no altar shalt thou be slain, but, living, shalt thou 

be my feast ; and thou shalt now hearken to our 

song to bind thee with its spell. 

Come now, let us also link the dance, since we are 

resolved to display our drear minstrelsy and to 

declare our office, how our company directeth the 

affairs of men. Just and upright do we claim 

to be. Whoso holdeth out hands undefiled, no 

wrath from us assaileth him, and unscathed he 

passeth all his days ; but whoso committeth sin hke 

unto this man, and hideth his blood-stained hands, 

as upright witnesses for the slain hard by at hand 

are we, and as avengers of bloodshed do we appear 

against him to the end. 

^ The scene of the battle of the Gods and Giants, in which 

Athena slew Enceladus. 

« olfied' elvai {dtfjLai deivai FV3N) : H. L. Ahrens. 

' Tous . . . TTpovi/xovTas {-rrpoai'efjLOi'Tas M): Herm. 

* a


IJidrep d /x' eriKres, c5 /xarep [P'^P- "• 

Nu^, aAaotCTt^ /cat^ SeSop/cdatJ^ 

TTOLvav, K\vd\ 6 Aarous' yap t- 

I't? /a' dTtfiov Tid-qcrtv 

325 TovS' d

— 

EUMENIDES 

mother Night, mother who didst bear me 

to be a retribution unto the dead and the hving, 

hearken unto me ! For Leto's son would bring me 

to dishonour by wresting from my grasp yon cowering 

wretch, fit offering to expiate a mother's blood. 

O'er our victim consecrate, this is our song 

fraught with madness, fraught with frenzy, crazing 

the brain, the Furies' hymn, spell to bind the soul, 

untuned to the lyre, withering the life of mortal 

man. 

For this is the office that ever-determining F'ate, 

when it span the thread of our life, assigned unto 

us to hold unalterably : that upon those of mortals 

on whom have come wanton murdering of kinsfolk, 

upon them we should attend until such time as they 

pass beneath the earth ; and after death they have 

no large liberty. 

O'er our victim consecrate, this is our song 

fraught with madness, fraught with frenzy, crazing 

the brain, the Furies' hymn, spell to bind the 

soul, untuned to the lyre, withering the life of 

mortal man. 

At our birth this office was ratified unto us ; but 

the Deathless Ones may not lay hand upon us, 

nor doth any of them share our feasts in common 

1 d\aoi(Tiv M, aXaois FV3N : Paley. ^ /cai oni. N. 

* irTOLKa altered to irraKa {wraKa FV3N) : Sophianus. 

* iTapa(p opa M, irapd(f>pova FV3N. 

^ (ppevoda . . s altered to -Xts and then to -Xtjs (margin 

-Sarjs). 

* Oavdriov : Canter. ' avrovpylais ^tjfXTraa uiaiv : Turn. 

^ wapd(ppopa (ppevdSaXrjs M ; cp. 1. 330. * iifivoLS M. 

'*> ajxlv : Porson. ^^ 

avvbdTup : Turn. 

303

' 


TToXXevKcov 8e ttcttXcov OLTTO/Jbotpos^ aKXrjpos irvxdr]v 

—^ —^ —^ _ 2 

Sojfidrojv^ yap etAo/xav [i

EUMENIDES 

with us ; and in festal robes of pure white I have 

nor lot nor portion. .... 

For I have made mine own the overthrow of 

houses, whensoever strife nurtured in the home 

layeth low one near and dear. Even so, speeding 

after this man, for all his strength nevertheless we 

waste him away because of a fresh deed of blood. 

Lo, eager are we to wrest from another this charge 

and to bring it to pass that the gods have no 

authority over concerns of mine, so that it shall 

not even come before them for trial ; for Zeus hath 

deemed unworthy of his converse this our hateful 

and blood-streaming band. 

For I have made mine own the overthrow of 

houses, whensoever strife nurtured in the home 

layeth low one near and dear. Even so, speeding 

after this man, for all his strength nevertheless we 

waste him away because of a fresh deed of blood. 

And the proud thoughts of men, that flaunt themselves 

full high under the heavens, they waste away 

and dwindle in dishonour 'neath the earth at our 

sable-stoled assault and the vengeful rhythm of 

our feet. 

For assuredly wdth a mighty leap from aloft do I 

bring down the heavy-falling force of my foot, 

* ^L\os : Turn. * S) diofievai : E. A. J. Ahrens. 

' 6/xoiws : Arnaldus. * fiavpoOfiev : Burges. 

9 vci>' M, i(p' FV3N. 

'^ (xirevdoueva (changed to a-irevSo/xevai) M 5' : Doederlein. 

^1 

rdade M, rdade Aldina. ^^ ifialî Xirais : H. Voss. 

" ^s : Pauw. 1* êO M^FN, fet)s ra. 

^^ yap : Linwood. '* aifiaroffrayh : Bothe. 

" 11. 355-359 repeated G. C. Schneider. 

18 iTn


375 aâXepa ^ Tavvhpofjiois 

KcoXa, 8v(Tas dvSpl jjivaos TreTTorarai, 

/cat Svo(f)€pdv Tiv' dxXvv Kara ScofJuaTos avSd- 

380 rat TToXvarovos (f)drts. 

^KpidXa yap ovv aXofxeva [i 

fxevei ydp. evpnqx'O.voi [o^P* ^' 

re* /cat reAeiot, KaKCJV 

re fxv'qp.oveg 

/cat 

crefivat 

hvoTTapr^yopoL ^porois, 

385 art/A' art'era^ Std/iet-at 

Aa;î7 êoii' StpôoTaTowr' dvrjXiip 

XdfjiTra, 

SvcrohoTTaLTraXa 

hepKOfxevoKTL /cat hvaopijxaTOLS ofxcos. 

Tt? ow raS' oi);^ a^crat* [dvr. 8. 

390 re /cat SeSot/cev' ^porcbv, 

i/jLOV kXvojv deapiov 

TOV fJLOLpOKpaVTOV €/C OcCOV 

hodevra reXeov; ert^ Se /xot 

^ yepas TraAatov, o?38 aTt/Lttaj 

395 /cu/oa>/° KatVep utto x^^^^ 

rdîv exovaa /cat SyaTÂtov Kveâs. 

306 

^ Schoemann. ^ [ 1 Heath.

EUMENIDES 

limbs that trip even swift runners— downfall unendurable. 

But, as he falleth, he knoweth it not by reason of 

his insensate folly. In so dark a cloud doth pollution 

hover over the man ; and rumour, fraught with 

many a woe, proclaimeth that a mist-like gloom 

hangeth over against his house. 

For assuredly with a mighty leap from aloft do I 

bring down the heavy-falling force of my foot, limbs 

that trip even swift runners—downfall unendurable. 

For it abideth. Ready of device are we, and we 

bring to fulfilment, mindful of evil wrought, awful 

and inexorable to mankind, pursuing our appointed 

office dishonoured, despised, separated from the gods 

by a light not of the sun—an office that maketh 

rough the path of the living and the dead alike. 

Who then of mortal men doth not hold this 

holy awe and dread, when he heareth from my lips 

the ordinance ratified unto me by Fate under grant 

made by the gods for its perfect fulfilment ? Mine 

ancient prerogative still abideth, nor do I meet 

with dishonour, albeit my appointed place is beneath 

the earth and in sunless gloom. 

in 

[Enter Athena, wearing the aegis 

3 11. 372-3T6 repeated G. C. Schneider. 

* 8i : Wakefield. ^ drieTai M, drieTov FV3N : Canter. 

" oi'xdêTal : Turn. 

'' 

d^SotKe : Schiitz. 

* evi: Herm. *

. 


A0HNA 

TTpoaoidev i^T^KOvaa kXtjSovos ôtjv 

0,770 TiKafjbdvSpov yrjv Kara^QarovpLivq^ 

rjv hrjT 'A;âtcijv aKTopes re /cat TTpojxoL, 

400 rprip,a Qrjcreojs tokols' 

evdev hiix}Kov

EUMENIDES 

Athena 

From afar I heard the call of a summons, even from 

the Scamander, the while I was taking possession 

of the land, which the leaders and chieftains of the 

Achaeans assuredly assigned to me, as a goodly 

portion of the spoil their spears had won, to be mine 

utterly and for ever, a choice gift unto Theseus' 

sons.^ Thence have I come, speeding onward my 

unwearied foot, whirring, instead of wings, the folds 

of my aegis .2 As I behold this unfamihar concourse 

of visitants to my land, fear indeed I feel not but 

astonishment is upon my eyes. Who in the world 

be ye ? I address you all in common—both yon 

stranger kneeling at mine image, and you, who are 

like to no race of creatures born, neither among 

goddesses seen of gods, nor yet having resemblance 

to shapes of human kind. But to speak ill of one's 

neighbour who is innocent of offence, is far from 

just, and Right standeth aloof therefrom. 

Chorus 

Daughter of Zeus, thou shalt hear all in brief. 

We are Night's dread children. " Curses " are we 

named in our habitations beneath the earth. 

Athena 

Your lineage I now know and the names whereby 

ye are called. 

^ Athena confirms as ancient her possession of the district 

of Sigeum, which had been won from the Mityleneans by 

the Athenians early in the sixth century. 

2 Line 405 " yoking to this my car my steeds of prime " 

contradicts the statement in the preceding verse, and will 

have been interpolated for a later representation of the play 

when Athena actually appeared on a chariot (Wilamowitz). 

309

;; 


X0P02 

TL/Jids ye fMev Srj ras e/xa? Trevcrr] rajjâ. 

A0HNA 

420 iMaOoLfx' dv, el Xiyoi ns iix(f)av7] Xoyov. 

X0P02 

PpoTOKTovovvras e/c Soficov iXavvofxev. 

A0HNA 

/cai rco KTavovn ttov ro^ repfia rrj^ vyrjs^ 

X0P02 

OTTOV TO ;)(ai/3eiv fxrjSa/xov vo/xiêTai. 

A0HNA 

^ /cat roLavras roiS' eTTippoiêXs^ vyds; 

X0P02 

425 (f)ovevs yap etvat /xrjrpog rj^tcoaaro. 

A0HNA 

aAAai? dvayKais* rj Tivos^ rpecov kotov; 

X0P02 

TTOV yap ToaovTO Kevrpov ws [xrjTpoKTOvelv 

310 

* Tovro : Arnaldus, 2 7.^5 j^â^^j . Scaliger. 

Scaliger. 

» iirippoLûv M»FV3N, iirippoiiêl NP : • AXXt/j avdyKT/js : Bothe. 

' oi^Ttvos M, Schol. on 4G5, ij nyos FV3N.

EUMENIDES 

Chorus 

My office, however, thou shalt learn anon. 

Athena 

I shall understand, if plainly told. 

Chorus 

We drive slayers of men from out their homes. 

Athena 

And where is the bourne of the slayer in his flight 

.'' 

Chorus 

Where joy is absent and unknown.^ 

Athena 

Would'st thou indeed hound him with thy screeching 

to such flight ? 

Chorus 

Aye, for he held it his duty to be his mother's 

murderer. 

Athena 

Because of other constraint or through fear of 

someone's wrath ? 

Chorus 

Where is there a spur so keen as to compel to 

murder of a mother ? 

use." 

^ Literally " where joy (or the word joy) is nowhere in 

311


A0HNA 

SvoLV napovTOLV^ rj^xtavs 

Xoyov^ irdpa. 

X0P02 

dAA' opKOV ov Seâir av, ov hovvai deXoi^ 

A0HNA 

430 KXveiv SiKatos* fxaXXov rj TTpdât OeXeis. 

X0P02 

TTcos or]; StSaôv ToJv aocficjv yap ov Trevrj. 

A0HNA 

opKOLS ra /JbTj StVaia fxrj viKav Xeyoj. 

X0P02 

oAA' eêXcyx^, Kplve S' evdeXav Biktjv. 

^ 

A0HNA 

KOLTT^ €fxol rpeTToir* av atrias reXos; 

X0P02 

435 TTCOS" S ov; aeôvaai y dîav koltt' d^lcov.^ 

812 

A0HNA 

Tt npos rdB* elTTetv, co êv' , iv fiepei deXcis; 

Xeâs 8e x^^pav Kal yevos /cat ^vfi

EUMENIDES 

Athena 

Two parties are here present ; half only of the 

case is heard. 

Chorus 

But the oath—he will neither take nor is fain 

to give, 

Athena 

Thou art fain to be just in name rather than in 

deed. 

Chorus 

How so ? Instruct me. For in subtleties thou 

art not poor. 

Athena 

I say that oaths must not win victory for injustice. 

Chorus 

Well then, question him and pronounce righteous 

judgment. 

Athena 

Is it unto me that ye would in very truth commit 

the decision of the charge ? 

Chorus 

How not ?—în reverence for thy worth and worthy 

birth. 

Athena 

Stranger, what wilt thou in turn say in reply 

to this ? First, tell me thy country, thy hneage, 

* diKaiovs with ov in erasure and w over ov M, oiKaiais 

FV3N : Dindorf. * dîav t iiraîuv : Arnaldus. 

31.S

: 

J 


ras era?, eVetra rovS" dfjLvvadov^ i/toyov 

61776/3 7767701^60? Tjj SlKT) ^pGTaS ToSe 

440 -iâat (f)vXda(Tcov earias dfjLTJs TreXas 

aCfJiVOS TTpOGLKTOjp €V TpOTTOLS Î^LOVO?. 

TOVTOLS dfieLôv TToLaLV evfxades ri p,OL. 

OPE2TH2 

dvaaa ÂOdva, irpcbTov e/c riov vardrojv 

Tuiv adjv eTTWV pêXriii d(f)aLpi]ao) /xeya. 

445 ovK elfML TTpoarpoTTaios, ou8' exojv^ fMVcros 

Trpos X^^'P'' 'ÎH'fi 

'^^ °'°*^ icfyeôfirjv^ operas. 

reKpufipiov 8e rcjvhe aoi Xe^co pbeya. 

d(f)doyyov elvac rov TraXafivalov vofios, 

ear^ dv Trpos dvSpos atfiaros Kadapaiov 

450 a

EUMENIDES 

and thy fortunes ; thereafter, defend tliee against 

this charge—if indeed it so be that, in rehance on 

the justice of thy cause, thou art seated here, chnging 

to mine image hard by my hearth, a sacred 

supphant after the fashion of Ixion.^ To all this 

make me some plain answer. 

Orestes 

Queen Athena, first of all I will remove a great 

misgiving that lies hidden in thy last utterance. 

A suppliant in need of purification I am not ; nor with 

pollution on my hands did I fall at the feet of thine 

image. And of this I will offer thee weighty proof. 

It is the law that he who is defiled by shedding 

blood shall be debarred all speech until the blood 

of a suckling victim shall have besprinkled him by 

the ministrations of one empowered to purify from 

murder. Long since, at other houses, have I been 

thus purified both by victims and by flowing streams. 

This cause for thy anxiety I thus dispel. As to 

my lineage, thou shalt hear forthwith. I am an 

Argive ; my father—and fittingly dost thou make 

inquiry concerning him—was Agamemnon, he who 

marshalled the sea-host, in concert with whom thou 

madest Ilium, city of Troyland, to be no more a 

city. Upon his returning home, he perished by 

no honourable death ; nay, he was slain by my blackhearted 

mother, who enfolded him in a crafty snare 

that still remains to witness his murder in the bath. 

And I, when that I came back home—an exile I 

had been beforetime—I slew her that gave me birth 

\]^îoii, king of the Lapiths, murdered the father of 

his bride, and was given purification by Zeus after having 

been denied by the other gods. Cp. 718. 

31.5


dvTLKTovoLS TTOLVoiaL d-qaco xpovov. 

486 vjjLeis 8e jxaprvpid re /cat re/c/xTypta 

316 

/caAetCT^', dpcoya tt^S" St/cry? 6pK(x>p,ara' 

Kpivaaa S' daToii' roiv e//.a)v to, êXrara 

^ av T : Pearson. 

^ (/)6>'oi'y : Rob. 

* S^wj: Pauw. * 

6fxm: Wilam. 

^ 

X'i'/''" 

alpovfiai : 

Mf^' o-Ôts 

Herm. 

: Wellaiier. 

* 

' TT^Sw: Dindorf. * 5^: Abresch. 

* Svav/tfiaT Scaliger. 

:

EUMENIDES 

—disavow it I will not—in vengeance to requite 

the murder of my sire I most dearly loved. And for 

this deed Loxias, in common with me, is answerable, 

who, to spur my purpose, threatened me with cruel 

woes should I fail to do this deed upon the guilty. 

Whether my deed was wrought in righteousness or 

not, do thou pronounce judgment ; for howsoever 

I fare at thy ruling, I shall rest content. 

Athena 

The affair is too grave, if any mortal thinks to 

pass judgment thereon ; nay, it is not lawful even for 

me to decide on cases of murder which involves 

swift wrath ; above all since thou, by rites fully 

performed, hast come a supphant purified and harmless 

to my house ; and so I have respect unto thee 

as void of offence to my city. Yet these women 

have an office that does not permit them lightly 

to be dismissed ; and if they fail to gain the victory 

in their cause, the venom from their resentment 

will fall upon the ground and become hereafter an 

intolerable and perpetual pestilence to afflict the land. 

So then stands the case : either course—to suffer 

them to stay, to drive them forth—is fraught with 

disaster and perplexity to me. But since this cause 

hath devolved on me, I will appoint judges of 

homicide bound by oath and stabhsh a tribunal, 

a tribunal to endure for all time. Do ye call your 

witnesses and adduce your proofs, sworn evidence 

to support your cause ; and I will return when I 

have singled out the best of my burghers, that 

^^ bpKiwv alpovîivovi : Casaubon. 

317

, 


'qô), Siacpetv rovro irpdyix' iTTjrvfJLCos, 

opKov^ TTopovras^ IJir]S€V ckBlkov (f)pda€Lv.^ 

X0P02 

490 vvv Karaarpo(f)at vecov ['^'^P- ^• 

deajxla)v, el Kparj]- 

aei StVa * /cat ^Xdâ 

TovSe pbarpoKTovov. 

TTOvras 7]Sr] toS^ epyov eupêpet- 

495 a^ avvapfjboaei, ^porovs' 

TToXXd 8' ervjxa Traihorpcxira 

vddea TTpoapiiveL roKevaiv 

p,eravdis iv XP^^V' 

500 ybaivdhoiv r^^ dpovoL r' *^pi,vvcov. 

Tavrd Tis" Tdx* dv Trarrjp 

?! TCKOvaa veoTradrjs 

615 oIktov olKriaair' , eireu- 

S18 

Bt) TTLTvec BofjLos Si/ca?.

EUMENIDES 

they may decide this issue in accordance with the 

truth, having bound themselves by oath to pronounce 

no judgment contrary to justice. [Exit 

Chorus 

Now is the end of all things wrought by new 

ordinances, if the wrongful cause of this slayer of 

his mother is to triumph. Straightway will his deed 

reconcile all men to licence ; and many woeful 

wounds, dealt in very truth by children, are in store 

for parents in time yet to come. 

For from us, the Furious Ones that keep watch 

upon mortals, shall no wrath for such misdeeds drawnigh—I 

will let loose death in every form. And as 

he anticipates his neighbour's evil plight, one man 

shall ask of another when tribulation is to end or 

to decrease ; and the poor wretch offereth the vain 

consolation of remedies that bring no certain cure. 

Nor let anyone henceforth, when he hath been 

smitten by calamity, make appeal and cry aloud 

" O Justice " " " 

! O enthroned Spirits of Vengeance I 

Peradventure some father, or mother, newly stricken, 

may thus make piteous lament, now that the house 

of Justice is falling. 

1 &pK(iiv M}, opKov M^FVSN. ^ irepGjvra^ : Herm. 

' ?KdiKov (ppeaiv M, ifdiKOf pevi FV3N : Markland. In 

FV3N 489 stands after 485. 

* < > Heath. » eiixeplq. M, ei>xa/)/? FV3N : 

^ oiJTe: Elmsley. ' 

Turn. 

inroSocnv M {-8r)

520 

626 

630 

635 

640 

645 

320 

ead^ 


OTTOV TO Seivov ev, 

/cat (fipevwv imcFKOTTOV 

Set fxeveiv^ 

^vfji(j)epet 

KaOiqixevov. 

a(x)

EUMENIDES 

Times there are when fear is well and should 

abide enthroned as guardian of the heart. It 

profiteth to learn wisdom with groaning. But who 

that traineth not his heart in fear, be it State or 

be it man, is hke in the future to reverence justice 

as heretofore ? 

Approve thou not a life ungoverned nor one 

subjected to a tyrant's sway. To moderation in 

every form God giveth the victory, but his other 

dispensations he directeth in varying wise. I give 

utterance to a timely truth : arrogance is in very 

sooth the child of impiety ; but from health of soul 

Cometh happiness, dear unto all and oft besought 

in prayer. 

And as for the whole matter I say unto thee : 

reverence the altar of Righteousness, and spurn it 

not to dishonour with godless foot because thine 

eyes look to worldly profit ; for punishment will 

come upon thee. The appointed issue abideth. 

Wherefore let a man duly put in front place of 

honour the piety he oweth to his parents, and have 

* oeifxaifeL : Anon, in the copy of the Aldina in Camb. 

Univ. Lib. (Dobree, Adversaria on 1. 519). 

2 ev (pdei : Auratus. ' < > Lachmaiin. 

• itvapKTov M, avdpKT]Tov FV3, dvapKerov N : Wieseler. 

^ diravTi : Pauw. " dWa : Wellauer. 

' &\\a M (Schol. ciXXwf),


fiovs S6fJt,o)v^ €7n(TTpoas 

alSo/xevos rts 

earoj. 

550 eKOiV 8'^ avdyKas drep St/catos" cov [o"^P- §. 

ovK dvoXôg karai' 

TTavcoXedpos Pauw. 

* n-fpai^ddai' M, wep^ddav FV3N : Herra., later preferring 

irapaifidTai', 

* TO. : AyovTa O. Miiller {to. ttoX. iravr. dyovra Pauw). 

5tKTjs M, SiKM FV3N. ' 

< > Abresc-li. 

5vava\fiTai: Turn. • ftepnoep-y^ MF\ depfu^ N. 

« 

" 

'" XiwaSvof : Musgrave. " il/cXauo-TOj : Dindorf. 

^* AiffToii Person (afcrros). '^ 

KarepydOov: Person. 

" ^.T M, ^ r' m, err' FN. 

322

EUMENIDES 

respect unto the stranger he welcometh within his 

gates. 

Whoso of his own free will and without constraint 

is righteous, he shall not fail of happiness ; utterly 

cut off he shall never be. But whoso transgresseth 

in daring defiance, and is laden with rich store that 

he hath heaped up unjustly, I say that he shall 

perforce, in due season, strike his sail when the 

tempest of trouble breaketh upon him as the yardarm 

is splintered. 

He calleth upon them who hear him not, and he 

struggleth to no purpose amid the whirling waters. 

Heaven laughs at the reckless wiglit as it beholds 

him, who boasted himself that this should never 

be, now helpless by reason of his irremediable 

distress and unable to surmount the cresting wave. 

He wrecks on the reef of Justice the prosperity 

that had been his throughout all his days, and he 

perishes unwept, unseen. 

[Enter, in procession, Athena, a Herald, 

the Jury of Areopagites, a crowd 

of Citizens. Orestes removes to the 

place appointedfor the accused. Apollo 

appears after Athena's first speech 

Athena 

Herald, give the signal and restrain the crowd ; 

and let the piercing Tyrrhene ^ triunpet, filled 

^ The Etruscans were regarded as the inventors of the 

trumpet. 

^* Stdxropoj FV3N (with space after it in FV3: aidipos 

Emperius). For o^v Askew read ovpavov. 

32.S

. 


adXTTiy^, ^poreiov TTvevfxaros TrXrjpovfxevr), 

vrreprovov yqpvfjba (fiaLveTco crrpara). 

570 TrXripovp-evov yap rovhe ôvXevrrjpLOV 

aiydv dpriyet, /cat pbadelv deajxovs e/xoy? 

TToXiv re TToicrav els rov alavrj ^povov 

/cat touctS'^ 6tto)s dv ev Karayvcoadfj hiKT]} 

XOP02 

ava^ "KttoXXov, dtv ex^LS avTos Kparet. 

575 TL rovSe arol pLerean Trpdyp-aros Xeye. 

AnOAAflN 

/cat pâprvpyjacov rjXdov—eart yap vop,cp^ 

LKeT'qs 08' dvrjp* /cat S6p,a)V eêartos'^ 

ipdJv, (f)6vov 8e rouS iyd) Kadapaios— 

/cat ^vvhiKiqaaiv avrog- airlav S e;^co 

580 '^^S' TouSe pLTfTpos rov (f)6vov.^ ai) 8 eiaaye 

OTTCos

EUMENIDES 

with human breath, send forth its shrill blare to 

the folk ! For while this council - hall is filling, 

it is well that silence be maintained and that my 

ordinances be learned both by the whole city for 

time everlasting and by these appellants, that their 

case may be decided on its just merits. 

[Enter Apollo 

Chorus 

Lord Apollo, do thou rule thine own domain. 

Declare what part hast thou in this affair. 

Apollo 

I have come both to bear witness—for the accused 

yonder was in due form a suppliant and an inmate 

of my sanctuary, and it is I who purged him of the 

blood he shed—and myself to be his advocate. I 

am answerable for his slaying of his mother. (To 

Athena) Do thou bring in the case, and, in accordance 

with thy wisdom, conduct it to final decision. 

Athena 

(To the Furies) 'Tis for you to speak—I am but 

bringing in the case ; the plaintiff at the commencement, 

speaking first, shall rightly inform us of the 

issue. 

Chorus 

We are many, but our speech shall be brief. (To 

Orestes) Do thou make answer to our questions, 

one by one. First, say—didst thou slay thy mother ? 

* avT]p; Porson. ^ e^ô-rtw? with o over u M, icpeariwv 

FV3N, i(pe

; 

. 

; 


OPE2TH2 

€KT€Lva' rovrov S' ovris dpvqcns Tre'Aei. 

X0P02 

€v fiev ToS 7^817 Tcov rptcov TraXaLa/jLaTcov 

OPE2TH2 

690 ov KCLfxevcp ttoj TovSe /co/XTTCtêt? Xoyov. 

X0P02 

€(.7T€iv ye fxevroL Set cr' ottcos KarcKTaves. 

OPE2TH2 

Xiyco' ^L

EUMENIDES 

I slew her. 

Orestes 

Of this I make no denial. 

Chorus 

Of the three falls ^ this is already ours. • 

Orestes 

Thou makest this boast though thy foe is not 

yet down. 

Chorus 

Thou must, however, state the manner of thy 

slaying. 

Orestes 

I answer : with drawn sword in hand I stabbed 

her in the throat. 

Chorus 

By whom persuaded and on whose advice ? 

Orestes 

By this god's divine injunction ; 

he is my witness. 

Chorus 

The seer instructed thee to kill thy mother ? 

Orestes 

Aye, and throughout up to this hour, I 

my fortune. 

Chorus 

blame not 

But let the verdict get thee in its grip and thou 'It 

soon tell another tale. 

^ 

Wrestling-matches were decided by three falls. 

327

} 


OPE2TH2 

7t47TOi6\ dpcoyas S' €K rd(f>ov TTefJufjei^ TraTrjp. 

X0P02 

veKpolai vvv^ TreTnadc^ fxrjrepa KTavcov. 

OPE2TH2 

600 SvoLV yap et;ê TrpocrôXds pnaapbOLToiv 

X0P02 

TTCus" Si^; St'Saôv rovs hiKatôvras rdSe. 

OPE2TH2 

dvSpOKTovovaa Trarep' efxov KarcKravev. 

X0P02 

roiyap crv p,kv îjs, rj 8' iXevdepa (f>6va}.^ 

OPE2TH2 

Tt S' ovK €K€Lvr}v ^djaav rjXavves (f>vyfj; 

X0P02 

605 OVK rjv ofxacfjios (Jxjotos ov KareKravev. 

OPE2TH2 

eyd) 8e fxrjrpos rijs iiJii]S eV ai/zart; 

vifiwei : Scaliger from Schol. ^ I'O*' : Schiitz. 

* Tivuffdi: Veitch. * fnafffidTwv : Elmsley, 

328 

*

EUMENIDES 

Orestes 

I have good confidence. My father will send 

succour from his grave. 

Chorus 

In the dead put then thy confidence, thou slayer 

of thy mother ! 

Orestes 

I do, for she was attainted by a twofold defilement. 

Chorus 

How so, I pray ? 

Instruct the judges as to this. 

Orestes 

She murdered her husband and therewith slew 

my father. 

Chorus 

Therefore, though thou livest, she is quit— by her 

death .^ 

Orestes 

But why, while she still lived, didst thou not 

pursue her into banishment ? 

Chorus 

She was not of one blood with the man she slew. 

Orestes 

But am I blood-kin to my own mother ? 

' 

She is freed from blood-guiltiness because her blood 

has been shed. 

329

. 

; 


X0P02 

TTCU? yap a* edpeifj' av^ ivros, c5 /xtatôvc, 

^(x>V7]s; dTTevxj] firjrpos alp,a îXrarov; 

OPE2TH2 

^817 cri) [jt,aprvpT]aov l^-qyov Se p-oi, 

610 "AttoAAov, et a(j)e avv Slkt) KareKravov 

hpdaai yap u)a7Tep iarlv ovk apvovp,eda. 

dAA' et St/caiov^ etre /xi!) t^ ctt^ ^pevt 

So/c€t T08' alpia, Kpivov, ws tovtols (f)paGOi. 

AnoAAnN 

Aefo) TT/ao? u/xa? tov8' ÂO-qvaias fjueyav 

615 deafxov SiKaicos,— fMavng wv 8' ou' ipevaop-ai,. 

OVTTOMTOT cIttov jxavriKolatv iv Opovois, 

OVK avSpoSy ov yvvaLKOs, ov TToXecos Trepi, 

o fJLT] KcXevaaL* Zeu? 'OAuû-TTtcov Trarrjp. 

TO fxev BiKaLOV rovO^ oaov adlvei fiadeiv, 

620 PovXfj^ 7n(f>av(TKCD 8' vfifi^ einaTTecrdai Trarpo?" 

opKos yap OVTL TjTjvos laxvei TrXeov. 

X0P02 

Zeu?, CO? Xdyeis ov, rovhe XP'H^H'^^ coTraae, 

pdt,€iv Ôpearr) Ta>8e/ rov'' trarpos (f)6vov 

Trpdâvra jJbrjTpos fxrihapiov ri/xd? vep-eiv 

^ Wptypev : Blass. 

* SiKaius : Auratus. ' S' wv : Canter. 

* KtXeiKTfi: Herm. ^ (Soi'Xtj with i added M. 

« T(i3 MS rySf M«. ' ToO MS t6^ M2. 

^ Tlie oath taken by the judges (489) may pronounce 

Orestes guilty as to the fact ; but as his deed was done 

at the command of Zeus, whose representative is his son, 

Zeus therefore assumes all moral responsibility. 

330

; 

EUMENIDES 

Chorus 

How else, thou blood-stained man, had she 

nourished thee beneath her zone ? Dost disown 

that nearest bond, a mother's blood ? 

Orestes 

Do thou now, Apollo, give thy testimony ; and, 

I pray thee, expound the law, whether I was 

justified in slaying her. For to have done the deed, 

as done it is, I deny it not. But whether this deed 

of blood seemeth to thy understanding to have been 

wrought in righteousness or in unrighteousness, do 

thou decide that I may inform the court. 

Apollo 

Unto you, this high tribunal created by Athena, I 

will speak as justice bids,—seer that I am, I cannot 

utter untruth. Never yet, on my oracular throne, 

have I spoken aught touching man or woman or 

commonwealth, but what hath been commanded by 

Zeus, the father of the Olympians. 

Mark how potent is this plea of justice ; and I 

charge you to yield obedience to the Father's will 

for an oath hath not greater authority than Zeus.^ 

Chorus 

Zeus—on thy saying — gave thee this oracular 

command : to declare to Orestes here that he avenge 

the slaying of his father, but of the honour due his 

mother take no account at all ? 

331

, 


AnOAAHN 

625 ov yap ri ravrov dvSpa yevvdlov Oaveiv 

630 

SioaSoTOLs aKTjTTrpoLaL rLixaX(j>ovp,evov 

/cat ravra npos yvvaiKos, ov rt Oovpiots 

robots €Kr)P6XoLaLV, war 'A/ita^dvos", 

dAA'

EUMENIDES 

Apollo 

Aye, for it was in no wise the same thing—the 

murder of a high-born man, invested with the sceptre 

of god-given sway, and murder wrought, too, by a 

woman's hand, not with gallant weapons, arrows 

sped from afar, it might be, by an Amazon, but in the 

manner as thou shalt hear, Pallas, and ye who here 

hold session to decide by vote upon this present cause. 

On his returning from the war, wherein, in the 

judgment of his well-affected subjects, he had for the 

most part won success beyond expectation,^ she gave 

him welcome ; then, as he was stepping from the 

bath, on its very edge, she curtained the laver with 

a tented cloak, enveloped her husband in a broidered 

robe's inextricable maze, and hewed him down. 

Such was the manner of his taking off, as I have 

told it you—a hero, all-majestic, commander of the 

fleet. As for that woman, I have described her 

thus to whet the indignation of the folk to whom 

it hath been appointed to decide this cause. 

Chorus 

A father's death, according to thy plea, is held 

by Zeus as of more account ; 

yet he himself cast 

into bonds his aged father Cronus. How does not 

this act belie thy argument ? I call upon you 

{turning to the judges) to give heed to this. 

Apollo 

Oh, monsters utterly loathed and detested of 

the gods ! Bonds Zeus might undo ; from them 

^ Literally " trafficked better "— " better " either " than 

his foes, the Trojans " ; or " beyond expectation " (since 

he was guilty of the death of his daughter) ; or possibly, 

without any implicit comparative force, simply " well." 

333

. 


/cat Kapra ttoXXt] nrjxo-vrj Xirrrjpios' 

Tovrcov eTTiphas ovk eTTOL7]aev^ iranqp 

X0P02 

AnoAAnN 

TOKCvs, Tpo(f)6s 8e KVfiaros veooTTOpov 

dvSpos 8 eTTeiSav atfx avaaTraarj kovls 

(XTraf davovTos, ovns ecrr^ avdaraais. 

650 ovp,6s, rd 8' a'AAa ttovt' dvoj re^ /cat /cctrco 

aTp€(f>o)V ridrjaiv ovhkv dadp,aivojv^ /xeVet. 

TTCOS ydp TO (/yevyetv tovS* inrepSiKeis opa' 

rd fXTjTpds alfjb^ o/xai/xov eK^âs TreSot* 

erreiT iv "Apyet Sw/jbar^ olKrjcreL rrarpos 

655 TToioiai ^cofiols ;)^/)6L>/tevo? rots' S-qfiiots; 

TToia 8e x^pvLiI) (jjparepcov rrpoaheêraL;^ 

Koi TOVTo Aefoj, /cat fxdO^ cus" dpOcos ipdj. 

OVK can p,i]T7]p rj KeKXrjpuevov^ tckvov 

660 TLKT€L 8' o OpcpcTKcou,'' Tj 8' dVep êV(t) ^cVt^ 

eacoaev epvos, otcrt jlit^ Âai/rr^ êo?. 

r€KfX'qpt,ov Se rovBe aoi bei^ct) Xoyov. 

TraTrjp {xkv dv yevotr* dvev fxrjTpos' TreXas 

fidpTvs Trdpeart, ttoIs ÔXvpuTTLOV Atd?, 

1 iiroirjae MGAug., i-rroirtaev FV3N. 

2 dv(o re FVSNAug., dvw MG. 

' oi)5' ti> dadfiaivu} M, oi^S^v dadîalixav FV3N. 

* 

W5v: Dindorf. 

* vpOffSiâire M, vpocrd^êrai FVSNAug. 

• KeKX-rjix^vov M, KeKXrjfjL^vn FV3N. 

^ OpwffKuv : Wecklein. 

^ Kinsfolk, actual or fictitious, were united in phratriai, 

with common worship, offerings, and festivals. 

384 

* This notion appears in Egypt (Diodorus Siculus i. 80, 

;

! 

EUMENIDES 

there is a remedy, and full many a means of their 

undoing. But when the dust hath drained the 

blood of man, once he is slain, there is no return to 

life. For this my Father hath provided no remedial 

spells, though all things else he reverseth and disposeth 

at his will ; nor doth his exercise of might 

cost him a breath. 

Chorus 

Mark now the meaning of thy plea for his acquittal 

Shall he who has spilled upon the ground his mother's 

kindred blood, shall he thereafter inhabit his father's 

house in Argos ? To what altars of common worship 

shall he have access ? What brotherhood ^ will 

admit him to its lustral rite ? 

Apollo 

This, too, I will set forth, and mark how rightful 

shall be my answer. The mother of what is called 

her child is not its parent, but only the nurse of 

the newly implanted germ.^ The begetter is the 

parent, whereas she, as a stranger for a stranger, 

doth but preserve the sprout, except God shall 

blight its birth. And I will offer thee a sure proof 

of what I say : fatherhood there may be, when 

mother there is none. Here at hand is a witness, 

tlie child of Olympian Zeus—and not so much as 

whose source was Hecataeus, an older contemporary of 

Aeschylus) and in various Greek authors later than 

Aeschylus, e.g. Euripides, Orestes 552, Frag. 1064, the 

Pythagoreans cited by Stobaeus (Hense ii. 72). The 

passage in the play has been invoked as evidence that 

the Athenians of the fifth century b.c. were upholding, 

some the ancient mode of tracing descent from the mother 

(the argument of the Erinyes); others, the patrilinear 

theory advocated by Apollo. 

385

; 


665 ovh* iv aKoroiai vrjhvos TeOpafiêvr], 

dAA' oiov epvos ovris av reKoi deos. 

iyoj 8e, naAAa?, raAAa 0' to? €77tcrTa/xat, 

TO crov TToXiafia /cat arparov rev^co piiyav, 

/cat TovS' eTTepn/ja awv Bo/jlcdv i(f)€aTLov, 

670 OTTCOS yevoiro maros ei? ro Trdv ^(^povov 

/cat Tov8' eTTiKTrâaLo avfMfiaxov , dea, 

/cat Tou? eVetra, /cat raS atavcD? jxevot 

arepyeiv rot Trtara^ roivSe Toys eTnarropovs. 

A0HNA 

-^Sry /ceAeuco TOuaS'^ aTTO yvix)p.r]s

EUMENIDES 

nursed in the darkness of the womb, but such a 

scion as no goddess could bring forth. 

But for my part, O Pallas, as in all things else, as 

I well know how, will I exalt thy city and thy people, 

so with this man ; for I have sent him as suppliant to 

thy sanctuary that he might prove faithful for all time 

to come, and that thou, O Goddess, mightest win 

him as a new ally, him and his after-race, and it 

abide everlastingly that the posterity of this people 

maintain their plighted bond. 

Am I 

Athena 

to assume that enough has now been said, 

and shall I charge the judges now to cast their 

honest ballots in accordance with their true judgment 

? 

Chorus 

For our part, every bolt of ours is already shot. 

But I remain to hear the issue of the trial. 

Athena 

Why should ye not ? As for you (to Apollo and 

Orestes), how shall I so dispose as to escape censure 

at your hands ? 

Apollo 

Ye have heard what ye have heard ; and as ye cast 

your ballots, let your hearts, my friends, hold sacred 

the oath ye have sworn. 

Athena 

Hear now my ordinance, ye men of Attica, who 

pronounce judgment at the first trial ever held for 

VOL. 11 % 337

. 

, 


earai 8e /cat to Xoittov Alyecos^ arparo) 

alel BiKaaroJv^ rovro ôvXevrrjpiov 

686 Trdyov S' "ApeLov T6vh\ Âp,a^6v(ov eBpav 

aKrjvds d\ or '^Xdov Q-qaecDS /caret (f)d6vov 

arparr]XaTOvaai, koI ttoXlv vcotttoXlv 

TTyvS' VlfjLTTVpyOV OLVTeTTVpyCDOaV TOT€, 

"Apet, 8' edvov, evOev ear eTTCovvfxos 

690 7T€rpa, Trdyog r "Apeios' iv 8e to) aeâs 

darcov 6ôs re ^vyyevrjs ro fxr] aSt/ceti' 

apCJ^CTet ro r^ rj/jiap /cat /car' ev(f)p6vT]V o/xco?,^ 

avrcbv TToXtraJv p,7] 'Trtp^^/oatvorrcDV^ vofiovs 

/ca/catj iiTippoaxaL' ôpôpcp S' uScu/a 

695 XapiTTpov pbiaivcov ovttoO^ evprjaeis rrorov. 

ro iXTfr dvapxov fji-qre^ SeaTTorov/xevov 

daroXs TTepiareXXovai jSoyAeuco aiêiv,'' 

/cat /X17 ro heivov ttolv rroXeois €^co âXelv. 

ris yap SeSot/co;? fjL7]hev evhiKos ^porcov; 

700 roLovSe roL rapôvvres eVSt/cco? aeâs 

€pvjj,d re )(copas /cat TroAeo;? aconqpiov 

eôtr' dv, olov ovris dvdpcoTTCov epêt, 

ovr^ iv TiKvOrjOLV ovre UeXorros ev roirois. 

KcpSdiv ddiKrov rovro ôvXevrrjpiov 

705 aiSotot', o^vdvfxov, evhovrcov VTrep 

iyprjyopos ^povp-qpua yr]s Kadtaraîai. 

ravrrjv piev eêreiv* epuols rrapaiveaiv 

daro'laiv els ro Xolttov opdovadai Se XPV 

1 

atVfJ M, ai7^ws FV3N. 

* 5' (KdffTuv M, 5' €Kd

EUMENIDES 

bloodshed. Henceforth, even as now, this court of 

judges shall abide unto the people of Aegeus for 

evermore. And this Hill of Ares, whereon the 

Amazons had their seat and pitched their tents, 

what time they came, embattled, in resentment 

against Theseus, and in those days built up this 

new citadel wth lofty towers to rival his, and sacrificed 

to Ares ; whence the rock takes its name from 

him, even the Hill of Ares ^—upon this hill, I say, 

Reverence, indwelling in my burghers, and her kinsman 

Fear, shall withhold them from doing wrong 

by day and night alike, so be it they do not themselves 

pollute the laws with evil influences ; stain 

clear water with mud and thou shalt never find 

sweet drink. 

Neither anarchy nor tyranny—this I counsel my 

burghers to maintain and hold in reverence, nor 

quite to banish fear from out the city. For who 

among mortal men is righteous that hath no fear 

of aught ? Stand then in just awe of such majesty 

and ye shall possess a bulwark to safeguard your 

country and your government, such as none of mankind 

hath either among the Scythians or in Pelops* 

realm. This tribunal I do now establish, inviolable 

by lust of gain, august, quick to avenge, a guardian 

of the land, vigilant in defence of them that sleep. 

I have thus dwelt at length in exhortation to my 

people for time yet to be ; but ye must needs now 

because he had carried off Antiope, their queen : or because 

he did not enclose the hill within the confines of his newlyfounded 

city, which included the Acropolis. Aeschylus 

apparently rejects the legend whereby the Hill of Ares had 

its name from the fact that Ares was here tried for the 

murder of Halirrothius, a son of Poseidon, and acquitted by 

â tie vote of the gods, his judges. 

339


Kal iprj(f}ov aipeiv /cat hiayvcovac hiKr^v 

710 al8ovfjL€vovs^ rov opKov. elpiqraL Xoyos. 

X0P02 

/cat {xr^v âpelav riyt'S' ofxiXiav ^(dovos 

^vp,ôvX6s et/xi fjbrjhafMwg OLTiixdaat. 

AnOAAHN 

Kaycoye^ Xprja/xovs rovs efxovs re /cat Ato? 

rapêlv KeXevco /at^S' OLKapncoTovs /cTt'aai. 

X0P02 

715 aAA' alixarrjpa TTpdyfJuar' ov Aap^cui' crejSets', 

fxavreXa 8' ovKed^ dyvd fxavTevcrr] vefiiov.^ 

AnOAAXlN 

i^ Kat TTarrjp ri aâXXerai ôvXevfjLarwv 

TrpoiTOKTovoiai TTpoaTpoTTaZs ^l$Lovos; 

X0P02 

Aeyei?" eycb 8e /u-t) rvôvaa rrjs St/CTj? 

720 /Sapeta X^P'?' "^T?^' 

o/îAt^ctcd TraAti'. 

AnOAAflN 

dAA' €1/ re Tot? vioLOL /cat vaXaLTepOLS 

dcols aTLfxos el crv- vtKrjaoj 8' e'yco. 

' 

aldovfi^voii MGAug. Paris. 28H6, alpovfievois N : 

* Kayu} (Kayuj M) re: Porson (Kayuye Rob.). 

' fi^vwv : Herm. 

840 

Canter.

EUMENIDES 

rise, take each his ballot, and decide the cause under 

the sacred obligation of your oath. I have done. 

[^Tke Judges rise from their seats 

and cast their ballots one by one 

during the following altercation 

Chorus 

And hark ye ! I counsel ye irf no wise to dishonour 

us, whose visitation can oppress your land. 

And for my part, I 

Apollo 

charge ye to stand in fear of 

the oracles, not mine alone—for they are also from 

Zeus—and not to render them fruitless. 

Chorus 

Nay, thou hast respect for deeds of blood that 

exceed thy office. The oracles thou dispensest shall 

no more be oracles undefiled. 

Apollo 

And was then the Father in aught mistaken in 

his purposes, when Ixion, he who first shed blood, 

made suppliance unto him for purification ? 

Chorus 

Thou art for argument ! But if I fail to win the 

cause, I will visit this land hereafter as a burdensome 

guest. 

Apollo 

Nay, among the younger and the elder deities 

alike, thou hast no honour. I shall gain the victory. 

341


X0P02 

Totaur' iSpaaas koI êprjTos iv So/xots" 

Motpas €7T€t,aas a^dirovg Qelvai ^porovs. 

AnoAAnN 

725 ovKOVV^ St/caior rov aiôvr evepyerctv, 

dXXcos T€ TTOvrcxis x^"^^ Sed/xero? rvxot; 

730 ^H'fj 

X0P02 

EUMENIDES 

Chorus 

Such was thy style of action also in the house of 

Pheres, when thou didst move the Fates to make 

mortals free from death .^ 

Apollo 

Is it not then right to befriend a votary, above all 

in his hour of need ? 

Chorus 

Thou it was in truth who didst beguile with wine 

those ancient goddesses and thus abolish the dispensations 

of eld. 

Apollo 

But thou, cast in thy suit, anon shalt spew thy 

venom—no whit an ill to thy enemies. 

[The balloting is now ended 

Chorus 

Since thou, a youth, would'st override mine age, 

I wait to hear the verdict in the case, for that I am 

still in doubt whether or not to be wroth against 

the town. 

Athena 

My office it is now to give final judgment ; and 

this, my vote, I shall add to Orestes' side. For 

An ancient story, adopted by Aeschylus, reported that, 

when the time came for Admetus to die, Apollo, in gratitude 

for the kindness shown him by the prince, plied the 

Fates with wine (1. 728) and thus secured their consent that 

Admetus should be released from death on condition that 

some one should voluntarily choose to die in his stead, 

Euripides, in his Alcestis, tells how, when both the father 

and the mother of Admetus refused to give up to him 

the remnant of their days, his wife Alcestis died for him. 

343


IJ''qrr)p yap ovng iarlv rj /x' eyetvaro, 

TO S apaev alva> Trdvra, TrXrjv ydfiov TV)(€iv, 

aTravTL dvfxcp, Kapra S' elpX rod Trarpog. 

oxJTix) yvvaLKOs ov irpoTLfMrjao) jxopov 

740 dvSpa Kravovcrrjs SojfjidTCov eTriaKOTTOV. 

viKa 8' 'Opearrjs, Koiv lor6iJj-q(j)os Kpidfj. 

e/câAAe^' cu? rdxtara revxecov TrdAovs, 

oaois SiKaardJv rovr eTrearaXraL reXos. 

OPE2TH2 

o) Ooi^ "AttoXXov, 7TWS dyajv Kpidrjaerai; 

X0P02 

746 cS Nvf fieXaiva fxrjrep, dp' opas rdhe; 

OPE2TH2 ^ 

vvv dyxov-qs p-oi repfjiar , rj dos ^XencLV. 

X0P02 

Tjfuv yap eppeiv, t] Trpoaco TLfxds ve/xeLv. 

AnOAAXlN * 

TTep^TTa^CT 6p6cx)s CKôXag iff-q(f)cov, $€Vol, 

TO fiT] 'SiKelv a€ôvT€s iv StaLpeaet. 

750 yvcvfiTjs S' aTTOvar]? Trrjpia yiyvcrai^ /êya, 

paXovad r oXkov iprj(f)os copdojaev fxla. 

A0HNA 

avrjp o8 * €K7r€€vyev alfxaros SiK-qv 

laov ydp iari rdpLdp^rj/xa rwv TrdXcov. 

' 11. 745-7 ETM, 748 wapdypa09 : Abresc-h. 

: Vict. » yiverai: Porson. * 

6y M, 

* 

S5' FV3N. 

344

EUMENIDES 

mother have I none that gave me birth, and in all 

things, save wedlock, I am for the male with all my 

soul, and am entirely on the father's side. Wherefore 

I shall not hold of greater account the death 

of a wife, who slew her lord, the lawful master of the 

house. Orestes, even with equal ballots, wins. 

Quick ! Cast forth the ballots from the urns, 

ye of the jury to whom this office hath been assigned. 

[The ballots are turned out and separated 

Orestes 

O Phoebus Apollo ! How 

will the verdict go ? 

Chorus 

O Night, our Mother dark, seest thou this ? 

Orestes 

The end has come—either I am to live or perish 

by the noose. 

Chorus 

Aye, and ruin for us, or henceforth to maintain 

our honours. 

Apollo 

Count fairly, my friends, the ballots now cast 

forth ; and as ye make division pay due heed to 

do no wrong. Error of judgment is the source of 

much distress, and the cast of a single ballot hath 

restored the welfare of a house. 

[The ballots are shown to Athena 

Athena 

This man stands acquitted on the charge of murder. 

The numbers of the casts are equal. 

[Apollo disappears 

34.5

, 


OPE2TH2 

c5 rTaAAa?, c5 aoioaaa tovs ifiovs SofMovg. 

755 yaias^ TrarpcLas iareprjfievov av rot 

Kar(x)KLads /xe* /cat ns 'EAAi^vcov ipeZ, 

" Âpyeios dvrjp^ avdis ev re XPVI^^^''^ 

oi/cei TTarpcpoLs, ITaAAaSo? /cat Ao^lov 

e/cart, /cat tou Travra Kpaivovros rpirov 

760 crcDTTJpos," OS Trarpcoov alSeaOels p,6pov 

aa)^€L^ fi€, pLTjrpos racrSe crup'St/coi'S' opcbv. 

iyo) Be X^P9- 'Tfj^c /cat rto crcp arparw 

TO XoiTTov els aTTavra TrXe lar'qprj )(^p6vov 

opKcofxoT'qcrag vvv aTret/zt irpos Sofiovs, 

765 p^rjroL Ttv' dvSpa Sevpo TTpvp.vqrrjV )(dov6s 

eXdovr* eTToiaeiv ev KeKaafxevov Sopv. 

avTol yap rfpLels ovres ev rd(j>OLS rore 

roZs rapid Trapâivovat, vvv opKcjpiara 

dp.rjxdvoiac'^ rrpdôpêv SvaTrpa^lais 

770 oSovs a6vp,ovs /cat TrapopvtOas TTopovs 

Tidevres, (1)9 avTolcn p,erap.eXrj ttovos' 

6p9ovp,€Vcov be, /cat ttoXlv rrjv ITaAAaSo^ 

Tt/xcoCTtv atei^ T'qvSe (Tvp,p,dx(p Sopl, 

avrolaiv rjfjiets eap-ev evp,evearepoL. 

775 /cat -)(aLpe, /cat av /cat ttoXlctctovxos Xecos' 

TTCtAatCTyu,' d(f)VKTOv Tot? IvavrtoLS exots, 

aoiriqpiov re /cat Sopos" VLKr]

! 

EUMENIDES 

Orestes 

O Pallas, O Savioui' of my house ! 

I was bereft 

of fatherland, and it is thou who hast given me a 

home therein again. And it shall be said in Hellas : 

" The man is an Argive once more, and dwells in 

his father's heritage by grace of Pallas and of Loxias 

and of that third God, the all-ordaining one, the 

Saviour '—even ' he who hath had respect unto my 

father's death, and preserveth me, seeing that my 

mother's cause has advocates such as these. 

And now I depart unto my home, first unto this 

thy land and folk ^ having pledged mine oath to 

hold for the future, even to the fulness of all time, 

that verily no chieftain of my country shall come 

hither to raise against them the embattled spear. 

For I myself, then in my grave, will bring it to pass 

by baffling ill-success, even by visiting their marches 

with discouragement and their ways wdth evil 

omens, so that they who violate my present oath 

shall repent them of their enterprise. But while the 

straight course is preserved and they hold in everlasting 

honour this city of Pallas with their confederate 

spears, I shall be the more graciously 

disposed unto them. 

And so farewell—thou and thy people that guard 

thy city. May thy struggle with thy foes let none 

escape and may it bring thee safety and victory in 

war 

[Exit 

Chorus 

Shame ! Ye younger gods, ye have ridden down 

the ancient laws and have wrested them from my 

^ The passage points to the league between Athens and 

Argos, formed after Cimon was ostracized (461 b.c.) and 

the treaty with Sparta denounced. 

347


780 cyto S' artfios a raAatva PapvKOTOs 

iv yd raSe, (f>ev, 

lov lov dvTLTTevdrj^ 

/xedelaa Kaphias, araXayfJLOv xôvi 

d(f)opov'^ €/c Se Tov 

785 Aci^V oi^ôs, dreKVOS, 

lo) StVa, Trihov eTnavnevog'^ 

Bporo(f>d6povs KTjXlBa? iv X^P^- jâAet.'^ 

aTevaL,o}' n pegct); 

yeAcu/xat' 

TToAtVais'. 

790 SvcroiaO* diradov.^ 

loj fjLeydXa tol Kopai Svarvx^^S 

Nu/cTo? 

drtfioTrevdels- 

A0HNA 

ifiol TTiOcade^ p-T] âpvarovois

EUMENIDES 

grasp.* And I, bereft of honour, unhappy that I am, 

in my grievous wrath, in requital for my griefs 

discharge from my heart upon this land (and woe 

unto it !) venom, yea venom, in drops its soil can 

not endure. And from it a canker, blasting leaf, 

blasting child (ah ! just return !), speeding over the 

land shall cast upon the ground infection ruinous 

to human kind. I groan aloud. What shall I do ? 

I am mocked by the people. Intolerable are the 

wrongs I have suffered. Ah, cruel indeed the 

wrongs of the woeful daughters of Night, bereft 

of honour and distressed ! 

Athena 

Let me prevail with you not to bear it with sore 

lament. For ye have not been vanquished. Nay, the 

trial resulted fairly in ballots equally divided without 

disgrace to thee ; but from Zeus was offered 

testimony clear, and he that himself uttered the 

oracle himself bare witness that Orestes should not 

suffer harm for his deed. And be ye no longer 

indignant, launch not your grievous wrath upon 

this land, nor visit it with unfruitfulness by discharging 

drops whose wasting influence will devour 

the seed. For I do promise you most sacredly that 

ye shall occupy a cavernous seat in a righteous land, 

^ To avoid the collision of metaphors, Abresch assumed 

the loss of a line in which some qualification of Orestes 

would have been named as object of the second verb. 

Verrall thought the object was designedly omitted to indicate 

the passion of the Erinyes. 

» irelOecree: Turn. "» 5' 

M\ " 6*d-i]aai M: Turn. 

^'^ 

6vnov

. 


Xirrapodpovoiaiv rjfxevas eV iaxoipcLi'S 

€^€iv V7T* aaTOJV roJvSe TifJiaX(j)ovfi€vas. 

XOP02 

ICO deol veoirepoi, iraXaiovs vopiovs \avr. a, 

KadiTTTTaaaade kolk ;(epa»v elXeadi fxov. 

810 eyco 8' drifios a rdXaiva âpvKoros 

iv yd TaSe, (f>ev, 

lov lov avriTTevdrj 

pbeOeXaa KapSias, araXayfxov xô^^ 

dcf)opov' CK he rod 

815 XeLxrjv d(f)vXXos, dreKVOS, 

Id) 8i/ca, irihov iTTiavfxevos 

^poro(f)d6povs KTjXXSas iv X^P9- jâAet. 

aT€vaL,a)' tl pegoj; 

yeXdJfxaL 

TToXirais' 

820 SvoolgO^ diraOov. 

Id) fjueydXa roi Kopat Svcrrvx^^s 

Nu/CTo? 

drtfMOTTevOeis 

A0HNA 

ovK ear* drifxoi,, jmt^S' VTTcpdvfJicos dyav 

825 Oeal ^pordjv Kricrr^re^ SvcrKrjXov ;j^^di'a. 

Kdydj TTeiTOiOa 'Zt]vi, Kal ri Set Xeyeiv; 

/cat KXfjSas otSa Sd)fj,aros^ pbovt] ded)v, 

€v (L Kepavvos iartv iacjipayiafxevos' 

aAA' ovBev avrov Set* crv 8' evTTiOrjs^ ep.ol 

830 yXu)aarjs /xarata? /jltj ^K^dXr^g cttt) ;!^0ovt/ 

KapTTOV (j)epovra irdvra pur] Trpdacreiv KaXcjs. 

/cot/xa KeXaLvov Kvpuaros iriKpov p-evos 

d)s aepvoripog Kal ^vvoiKrjrcop ipuoL' 

350

EUMENIDES 

where by your hearths ye shall sit on radiant thrones, 

worshipped with honour by my burghers here. 

Chorus 

Shame ! Ye younger gods, ye have ridden down 

the ancient laws and have wrested them from my 

grasp! And I, bereft of honour, unhappy that I am, 

in my grievous wrath, in requital for my griefs 

discharge from my heart upon this land (and woe 

unto it !) venom, yea venom, in drops its soil can 

not endure. And from it a canker, blasting leaf, 

blasting child (ah ! just return !), speeding over the 

land shall cast upon the ground infection ruinous 

to human kind. I groan aloud. What shall I do ? 

I am mocked by the people. Intolerable are the 

wrongs I have suffered. Ah, cruel indeed the 

wrongs of the woeful daughters of Night, bereft 

of honour and distressed ! 

Athena 

Bereft of honour ye are not ; wherefore, goddesses 

though ye be, do not in excess of wrath 

blight past all cure a land of mortal men. I, too, 

rely on Zeus—what need to speak of that ?—and 

know, I alone of the gods, the keys of the armoury 

wherein his thunderbolt is sealed. Yet thereof there 

is no need. But yield thee to my persuasion, and let 

not a froward tongue utter threats against the land 

that all things bearing fruit shall fail to prosper. Lull 

to rest the black billow's bitter rage, since thou shalt 

receive proud honours and shalt dwell with me. 

^ (TTriar]Te : Liinvood. - du/xdnop Casaiibon. 

* evireiOrjs: Herm. * iirlxOova: Burges. 

351

; 


TToXXrjs 8e -xaypas rrjah^ er^ aKpoOtvia 

835 dvT) TTpo iraihoiv /cat ya/jbrjAiov reXovs 

e)(ova is o-lel rovS* eiraiveaeLS Xoyov. 

X0P02 

e/xe iradelv rdSe, ev, [p'^P' P- 

e/xe 7TaXai6j)pova Kara re^ yds^ oIkcZv, 

(f)€v, drUrov* [xvgos. 

840 TTveo) roL fxivos aTravrd re Korov. 

ot ol 8a, (f>€V. 

rls /a' yTToSuerat/ ^ ohvva nXevpas^ 

dvfxov ate, [xdrep 

845 Ny^" OLTTO yap p,e riixdv^ 

Savaidv^ decbv 

SvaTTaXafioL nap* ovSev rjpav SoAot.*" 

A0HNA 

opyds ^vvoiaoi aof yepairepa yap ei. 

/cat to) /Ltev ou" Kapr ipLov ao Herm. 

^ xXei/pdj (-as N) 68vva : Herm. 

S52

I! 

EUMENIDES 

And when the first fruits of this broad land are thine 

henceforth for evermore—offerings in behalf of 

children and of marriage rite—thou shalt then 

commend my counsel. 

Chorus 

I to be treated thus, oh shame ! I, sage in ancient 

wisdom, to dwell beneath the earth a thing dishonoured 

(oh shame !) and detested ! My spirit 

pants with fury and utter rage. Oh, oh, the shame 

of it ! What anguish steals into my breast ! O 

mother Night, give ear to the cry of my passion 

The gods, holding me a thing of naught, have reft 

me of mine immemorial honours by their resistless 

craft. 

Athena 

I will bear with thy wrathful mood since thou art 

mine elder. And in that respect thou hast no doubt 

wisdom greater than I ; 

yet Zeus hath granted to 

me, too, no mean understanding. But as for you, 

if ye depart to a land inhabited of other tribes 

of men, ye shall come to love this land— 

forewarn you that. For time, in his on-flowing 

course, shall bring yet greater honours to this my 

people. And thou, enthroned in dignity nigh unto 

Erechtheus' house, shalt obtain, from trains of men 

and women, more honours than thou could'st ever 

win from all the world beside. Upon this realm, 

* TLfxtcv M, with -a* over w m, Ti/aav FV3N. 

* 8afiai-u}v with -av over cov M {Safxiav in 1. 879), dafiâv 

L. Dindorf. 

i» 56\w M (ot over w m) FV3, SoXcfj N. 

FV3N : 

^^ KairoL /x^v (ri> M, Kalroi. ye fxr^v

, 

, 


ai) 8' ev roTTOiai rots ifiolat firj paXr)s 

fiijd^ alfxaT-qpas drjydvas, aTrXdyxvaJv ^Xdâs 

860 vicov, doivois^ ifju/jiavels dvjXixyjJLaaiv 

yi'riT ,^ iêXova (Ls KapSlav dXeKropcuP, 

iv TOLS i/xoXs^ daroiatv Ihpvcrrjs " Kprf 

ifxcfivXiov re /cat npos aXXr^Xovs Opaavv. 

dvpoLos earco TToXefxos, ov jjloXls napiov, 

866 iv

! 

EUMENIDES 

my realm, do thou cast no keen incentives to bloodshed, 

injm'ious to young hearts, maddening them 

with a fury not of wine ; nor yet, plucking as it 

were the heart out of fighting-cocks, implant in my 

people the spirit of intestine war in mutual recklessness. 

Let their warring be with foreign foes—and 

in no stinted store for him in whom there lives a 

strong passion for renown ; but of birds' batthng 

within the home I will have naught. 

Such blessings from my hand are thine to choose 

—bestowing good, receiving good, in goodly honour, 

to have a portion in this most god-beloved land. 

Chorus 

I to be treated thus, oh shame ! I, sage in ancient 

wisdom, to dwell beneath the earth a thing dishonoured 

(oh shame !) and detested ! My spirit 

pants with fury and utter rage. Oh, oh, the shame 

of it ! What anguish steals into my breast ! O 

mother Night, give ear to the cry of my passion. 

The gods, holding me a thing of naught, have 

dispossessed me of mine immemorial honours by 

their resistless craft. 

Athena 

Nay, I will not weary of telling of my boons to 

thee, that thou mayst never say that thou, an 

ancient goddess, wast by me, a younger goddess, 

and by the mortal guardians of my city, dishonoured 

and strangered cast from out this land. No 

But if thou boldest sacred the majesty of Suasion, 

^ dolfovs : Rob. ^ fi-qd' : Dindorf. ^ efx-oiciv M, iixoii FV3N. 

* Idpixry KOLpa {Kdprj ? M^) : Stephanus. 

® Ttj icTTL with at over i M, n's ^crrat FV3N. 

355


yXcoacrqs ifJirjs fxeiXiyâ koL deXKTiqptov, 

av 8' ovv fxevoLS av el 8e fir) deXcLS fxeveiv, 

ov Toiv^ Si/catoJS" T^S' eTTtppeTTOtg ttoXcl 

fjiijviv riv ^ Korov riv r) ^Xd^rjv arpara). 

890 eêart, yap aoi rrjaSe ya/xopco^ x^^^^s 

elvaL Stfcatco? is ro irdv TLpLOJfjLevrj. 

X0P02 

avaaa *Addva, riva jxe (f)r]s ^xîv eSpav; 

A0HNA 

TTacrrjs dTnqfjLOV ol^vos' Sexov 8e av. 

X0P02 

Kal 8r) 8eSey/xaf tls 8e [xol TL/xr) fxevet; 

A0HNA 

895 (JOS p-Tj Tiv' oIkov evOeveZv^ dvev aedev. 

X0P02 

av TOVTO rrpdêcs, ware fxe aOeueiv roaov; 

A0HNA 

to) ydp aiôvTi avp,(j)opds 6pdcoaop,ev. 

X0P05 

/cat /not TTpoTTavros* iyyvrjv diqarj xpovov; 

* ofSr' Af : Wellauer. * r^Se (and rfjSe) y' ifiolpov : Dobree 

* eOffOeveiv : Scaliger. * irpoiravrbs : Abresch. 

856

— 

EUMENIDES 

the soothing appeasement and spell of my tongue 

then thou wilt, perchance, abide. But if thou art 

minded not to abide, then surely it were unjust for 

thee to make to descend upon this city any manner 

of wrath or rage or harm unto its folk. For it lieth 

with thee to hold an owner's portion in this land 

justly enjoying full meed of honour. 

Chorus 

Queen Athena, what manner of abode is it thou 

sayest is to be mine ? 

Athena 

One free from all pain and annoy. 

accept it. 

Chorus 

And do thou 

Say that I have accepted it, what honour is in 

store for me ? 

Athena 

That without thee no house shall thrive. 

Chorus 

Wilt thou gain for me the possession of such 

power ? 

Athena 

Aye, for we will prosper the fortunes of our 

votaries. 

Chorus 

And wilt thou give me a pledge for all time to 

come ? 

3.57


A0HNA 

Ifeart^ yap /xot fxrj Xcyetv a [mt] reAco. 

X0P02 

900 64\^€LV II eoLKas Kal ixedcarafiaL kotov. 

A0HNA 

roiyap Kara -xBov* ova iinKr'qcrr) (jiiXovs. 

X0P02 

ri ovv fx avcoyas tt^S' €(f)Vfivi]aa(, xôvl; 

A0HNA 

OTToia VLK7]S fJ'r) KaKTJS iTTLCTKOTTa, 

Kal ravra yrjdev €K re TTOvriag Bpoaov 

905 €^ ovpavov re' KavefioiV aripiara 

evTjXicos TTveovT einareixeLV xôva' 

KapTTov re yaias Kal ôrojv^ ejnppvrov 

aaroLOLV evdevovvra^ fir] Kapivetv p^poiô), 

Kal rGiv Pporeiwv aTrepfxarayv acorrjpLav. 

910 rwv evaeôvvrcov* 8' eK(f)opcor€pa rreXois. 

arepyo) yap, dvSpos (f)t,rv7TOLfji€vog^ Slktjv, 

ro rcov St/catojv rcovB^ drrevO-qrov yevos. 

roiavra aovari.^ roJv dpenjidrcxiv 8 eyoj 

TTpcTTrcov dycovojv ovk dveôpiai ro fir] ov 

916 r'qvS* darvvLKOv iv ^porols rifidv rroXiv. 

N*). 

4 

S.i8 

fêffTiv MN, ^êffTi FV3. * ^porwv : Stanley, 

edOevovvrai {i.e. -to) M, eiiffrevovvra FVSN^ {fvaOevovfra 

dvffff(ôi''vru>v : 

Headlam.

EUMENIDES 

Athena 

Yea, for I may not promise what I 

shall not fulfil. 

Chorus 

Methinks thou wilt win me by thy spells ; my 

anger departs from me. 

Athena 

Abide then in the land and thou shalt gain thee 

other friends. 

Chorus 

What blessings dost thou then bid me invoke 

upon this land ? 

Athena 

Such blessings as have regard to no evil victory. 

I implore blessings from the earth and from the 

waters of the deep and from the heavens ; and that 

the breathing gales may pass o'er the land in radiant 

sunshine, that the increase of the earth and grazing 

beasts, teeming with overflowing plenty, may not 

fail my citizens in after time, and that the seed of 

man may ever be kept safe. May it be godly men 

whose increase thou prosperest the more ; for, like 

him that careth for the growing plant, I cherish 

the stock of these just men (pointing to the audience) 

that bring no blight of sorrow. 

Such boons are thine to give ; and for my part, 

I will not suffer this city to be unhonoured among 

men, this city victorious in the glorious contests of 

deadly war. 

•• 

^Ttv iroifiifos M, (furvTroifxivo^ FV3N ! Lobeck. 

• advffTi M, covarl N : Person. 

S59

. 


X0P02 

SeÔfjLai, naAAaSos" ^vvoiKiav, 

[p'^P- « 

ovh drifjidara) ttoXiv, 

rav /cat Zei)? o TrayKparr^s "Aprjs re 

* oXedpos 

/cat pbeya covovvT^ 

exdpais opyals dpiadvvei. 

XOP02 

S€vSpo7n]p,(ov Se pir) Trveot ^Xdâ, [dvr. a. 

rav ipudv )(dpiv Xeyoj- 

940 (f)Xoyp,6s t'® opbpiaroareprjg (f>vTiov, to 

fJ-7] 7T€pdv OpOV rOTTOJV, 

fXTjo aKaprros alavrjs iêpiriTCO voaos, 

860

EUMENIDES 

Chorus 

I will accept a home wherein to dwell witli Pallas, 

and I will not visit with dishonour a city which she, 

with Zeus, the omnipotent, and Ares, holds as a 

fortress of the gods, the bright ornament that guards 

the altars of the gods of Hellas. For that city it 

is my prayer, with propitious auguries, that the 

radiant splendour of the sun may cause to burgeon 

from the earth, in bounteous plenty, blessings that 

give happiness to life. 

Athena 

In loving zeal towards these my burghers I act 

thus, installing here among them divinities powerful 

and hard to please. For to their office it hath 

fallen to hold dominion over all things mortal. Yet 

he who hath not found them grievous, he knoweth 

not whence come the blows of life. For it is tlie 

sins of his fathers that hale him before them, and, 

for all his loud boasting, Destruction, in silence and 

dread wrath, levelleth him to the dust. 

Chorus 

May no hurtful wind blow to the destruction of 

the trees — 'tis thus I declare my grace—and may 

no scorching heat, blasting the budding plants, pass 

the borders of its proper clime ; may no deadly 

blight draw nigh to kill the fruit ; may the earth 

^ eâ,u/3/)6(rat M, iâfivpocrai FV3N : Pauw. 

^ âpeoov : H. L. Ahrens. 

361

. 


firjXd r evdevovvra^ yd} 

tiAK ^vv SiTrXoXaLV^ iiiBpvoLS 

rpecf)OL XP°^V rerayiievcp- yovos 

irXovToxdojv ipfxatav 

SaLfjiovojv Socrtv noi. 

A0HNA 

Tj raS* OLKOvere, TrdAeco? (fypovpiov, 

950 oV eTTLKpaivev^ ; 

[xeya yap Svvarai 

TTorvC Êpivvs napd r ddavdrois 

rols ^' V7t6 yalav, irepi r dvdpcoTTWv 

avepcos reAeco? BiaTTpdaaovaiv, 

rols fiev aotSas", rot? 8' olv baKpvojv^ 

955 j8tov djJi^XcoTTov irapixovaai, 

XOP02 

dvhpoKfiYJras 8' dcop- [aap. p. 

ovs dtrevveTTOi rvxo.9, 

veavihcov t' eTrr^parcov 

dvSpoTvx^'iS ^lorovs 

960 8oT6, KvpC exovres, 

deal T CO® Mot/oai 

IxarpoKaaiyvrjrat, 

Saifjioves opdovofxoi, 

navrl h6p,cp pLeraKoivoi,^ 

966 Travrl xpovo) 8' em^piOels 

ivhtKOLS o/xiAtats', 

TTcivTa" Tt/xttoraTat êwv. 

362 

^ «i)êvoOi/T' M, everjPoOvT FV3N. 

* (i7aj' : 

Dobree. 

» StirXotj M, dnrXo'iaiv FV3N, * < > Musgrave. 

» ^TTi/cpa/vei M1FV3N, -Kpavel M*.

EUMENIDES 

foster the teeming flocks with twin increase at the 

appointed time, and ever may the rich produce of 

the earth pay the gods' gift of lucky gain.^ 

Athena 

Do ye hear, ye v»'arders of my city, what blessings 

they would bring to pass ? For mighty is the 

potency of the revered Erinyes both with the deathless 

high gods and with the powers of the world 

below ; and in their dealings with mankind, visibly, 

perfectly, they work their will, unto some giving 

song, unto others a life bedimmed by tears. 

Chorus 

And I ban deadly and untimely fate for men. 

ye that have the rightful power, grant that lovely 

maidens may live each to find her mate ; and grant 

it, O ye Fates divine, our sisters by one mother, 

ye divinities whose award is just, who have a common 

part in every home, and whose righteous visitations 

are grievous at every season, O ye most honoured 

everywhere among the gods ! 

^ Because the god's gifts of precious metals (the Athenians 

have especially silver in mind) must be found, as it were, 

by luck ; and Hermes is the god of lucky finds, ep/miov is 

an '• unexpected find." 

O 

363


A0HNA 

970 

975 

980 

985 

raSe rot X'^P^ '^VH'fJ TTpo(f)p6vo)9 

eTTiKpaivoixevcov 

yavvfiaL' arepyoj 8' o/A/xara YieiOovs, 

OTL fjiOL yXcoaaav Kai arop, eTTCUTra 

TTpos TctaS' aypiiog aiTavrjvapiivas' 

aAA' eKpdrr]ae Têvs dyopalos' 

VLKO. 8' dyaOcov 

epcs rjpêrepa 8ta Travros. 

X0P02 

rdv 8' dnXriarov kukcov 

/XTJTTOt' eV TToAet (TTCtCTtV 

ra8' i7T€vxop,aL ^p€p,€LV. 

p,7]S€ TTLOVaa KOVLS 

jLteAav at/Att ttoXltSLv 

8t' opyav TTOtvas'^ 

dvTL(f)6vovs dras 

dpiraXiaai TroXecosxdpp,aTa 

8' duTiSiSoXev 

KOLvo(f)tXel^ 

BiavoKiy 

/cat aryyeit' /xta (f)pevi' 

TToXXoJv yap To8' ev ^porols aKOS. 

A0HNA 

5pa' (f>povovaLV yXojcrcrqs dyaOrjs 

oSoV €Vpi.aK€LV ;* 

990 e/c TcDv (f>o^€pa)v rdJvSe TrpoaiOTTCov 

364 

fjieya KepSos opco roZaSc TToXirais' 

^ Troivds M, TToii/fis FV3N. 

" Koivo(\e7 MS Kotj/wêXe? M'FVSN : Herm.

EUMENIDES 

Athena 

It gladdens me that with loving zeal they promise 

to confirm these blessings for my land ; and I am 

grateful to Suasion that her glance kept ever watch 

o'er my tongue and lips when I encountered their 

fierce refusal. But Zeus, he that sways men's 

tongues/ hath triumphed. Victorious is our rivalry 

in doing good for evermore. 

Chorus 

May faction, insatiate of ill, 

ne'er raise her loud 

voice -within this city—this I pray ; and may the 

dust not drink the black blood of its people and 

through passion work ruinous slaughtering for 

vengeance to the destruction of the State. ^ Rather 

may they return joy for joy in a spirit of common 

love, and rnay they hate with one accord ; for 

therein lieth the cure of many an evil in the world. 

Athena 

Are they then not minded to find out the path 

of a propitious tongue ? From these appalling 

visages I foresee great profit in store for these my 

^ Zeus presides over the assemblies of citizens and directs 

the speech of public men. 

^ The expression of the thought " take reprisals in a civil 

war," is overloaded and the grammatical relation of the 

words is involved. More exactly " 

: seize greedily (as a wild 

beast seizes his prey) upon calamities—of vengeance—to the 

State, calamities in which blood is shed in requital for 

blood." 

3 &pa M, dpd. m, S,pa FV3N. 

* evpL(TK€i ; Pauw (; Herm.).


995 

raaSe yap ev

EUMENIDES 

burghers. If kindly, even as tliey are kindly, ye 

pay them liigh worship evermore, ye shall surely 

be pre-eminent, guiding your land and your city 

in the straight path of righteousness. 

Chorus 

Fare ye well, fare ye well, amid the wealth vouchsafed 

by fate. Fare ye well, ye folk of the city, 

ye that are seated nigh unto Zeus, ye beloved of 

the beloved Maiden, learning at last the way of 

wisdom. Nestling beneath the wings of Pallas, 

the Father holdeth ye in reverence. 

Athena 

Fare ye well likewise. But I needs must lead the 

way to point out your dwellings by the sacred light 

of these, your escorts.^ Do ye now depart, and sped 

beneath the earth with these solemn sacrifices, 

restrain whate'er is to our country's bane, but 

whate'er may profit her, send forth to win her 

victory ! Ye children of Cranaiis ^ that hold this 

city, lead on their way these new dwellers therein. 

And may the citizens cherish good will in requital 

for the good done unto them ! 

^ The Chorus are now to be solemnly conducted to the 

cave beneath the Hill of Ares, the seat of the worship of the 

Venerable Ones {'Leixval, I. 1041), with whom the poet here 

identifies the Erinyes, the Angry Ones, the Avenging Spirits. 

The identification seems also to include the Eumenides, the 

Kindly Ones, who were worshipped at Sicyon, at Argos, and 

m Attica at Phlya and Colonus (see Sophocles' Oedipus 

Coloneun). The procession is formed by Athena (at its 

head), the Chorus, the Areopagites, torch-bearers, the women 

who guard the Palladium, and various others. In the rear 

came the Athenian public. 

^ Cranaiis was the mythical founder of the " rocky city " 

{Kpayaos " rocky "), a favourite name of Athens. 

367 

'/,

, 


X0P02 

Xatpere, x'^'-P^'^^ §' o.vdi'S, eVavStTrAa^co/ [avr. y. 

1015 TTOLvre^ ol Kara tttoXlv, 

Saifjioves re Kal ^poroi, 

IlaAAaSo? TToAtv vefjiovres' 

fxeroLKLav S efxr^v 

ev aeôvres^ ovri fMefi- 

1020 iffeaOe avix(f>opas jSiou. 

A0HNA 

alvo) T€^ fivOovs Tc5i/Se twv KarevyixaTCDV 

TrlfxiffOi re (f)eyyeL XafJLrrdSwv aeXa(T(j)opoiv 

ets Tovs evepde Kal Kara} ;(0ovos" roTTOVs 

^vv TTpoGTToXoLaiv, aire (ftpovpovcriv Operas 

1025 rovjjiov St/caico?. 6p,p,a yap Trdarjs xôô? 

QrjafjSos^ eîKOLr av evKXerjs Xoxos 

TTaihcav, yvvaiKoiv, Kal uroXos Trpea^vrihoiv. 

— 

— 

! 

EUMENIDES 

Chorus 

Fare ye well, fare ye well again, I repeat, all ye 

in the city, gods and mortals both, who inhabit 

Pallas' burgh. Reverence duly my sojourn among 

you and ye shall not have cause to blame in aught 

your lot in life, 

Athena 

I approve the words of youi* invocation, and will 

escort you by the light of gleaming torches to your 

nether home beneath the earth, attended by the 

ministrants who in duty bound keep watch over 

mine image ; for the very eye of the whole land of 

Theseus shall come forth, a glorious train, maidens 

and matrons, and a throng of ancient dames. 

Apparel them honourably in festal robes of scarlet, 

and let the torches' flare move on, that the kindly 

disposition of this company of visitants to our land 

may henceforth make its presence manifest in blessings 

that bring prosperity unto its sons. 

Chorus of the Processional Escort 

Pass on your way to your abode, O ye mighty 

children of Night, children, yet aged, lovers of 

honour, under kindly escort 

Hush ! Good words, ye dwellers in the land 

Under the primeval caverns of the earth, portioned 

with the high honour of worship and oblation 

Hush ! Good words, all ye folk ! 

' TTpoTro/xirol Schol. M, Schol. F ; and N. 

* ^dr' {ôLT M) î* SoMCfj : Wellauer. 

' evOi'icppovi : L. Dindorf. ^° x'^P^'^'^ 

' Herra. ^^ [ ] Herm. 

^^ TrepKreiTTai rijxai. re M, Treptcr^Trrg tvxV- t^ FN (-ra Trjxa, 

T€ V3) : Herm, i* wavdafii M, Trav8r)/xel FV3N. 

VOL. II 2 B 36Q


1040 tAaot 8e /cat avfX(f)poves^ ya [""^P- ^ 

Sevp^ Ire, 2e/Avat, ^ TTvpihaTTrco 

Aaju-TTttSt repTToixevai /ca^' ohov.^ 

oXoXvâre vvv iirl ixoXttols. 

aTTOvSal 8' is ro rrdv e/c pberoiKCov*^ [dvT. ^. 

1045 riaAAaSos" dcrrots". Zeu?^ TravoiTTas^ 

OVTCD MoXpd re avyKareâ. 

oXoXvâre vvv im /xoATrats". 

^ €v9ij Herm. " 656j' 5' : Boissonade. 

* irav ^vdaides {^vSaSes FV3N) oiKoiv : Wilam. 

^ daToTtcn fei>s : Musgrave. * iravT6irTas : Aldina. 

870

EUMENIDES 

Gracious and propitious to the land, come hither, 

ye Venerable Goddesses, attended by the flame-fed 

torch, rejoicing as ye go. 

Raise a glad shout in echo to our song ! 

Peace endureth for future time between the 

citizens of Pallas' burgh and them that have come 

to dwell therein. Zeus, the all-seeing, and Fate 

have lent their aid unto this end. 

Raise a glad shout in echo to our song ! 

[Exeunt omnes 

371

FRAGMENTS

SELECTED FRAGMENTS 

This selection includes those fragments of which at 

least one entire verse, or two connected half-verses, 

is preserved. The numbers in parentheses, unless 

otherwise designated, are those of the second edition 

of Nauck's Tragicorum Graecorum fragmenta (1889). 

Fragments not included in Nauck's collection are 

numbered according to the arrangement adopted in 

" Unlisted Fragments of Aeschylus," American 

Journal of Philology, xli. (1920) 101-1 14. Unidentified 

fragments assigned to Aeschylus by modern scholars 

are indicated either by " Anon.," followed by the 

numbers of Nauck's ' A^ka-Trora, or by the numbers of 

Wecklein's edition, or by both. 

374

THE PLAYS OF AESCHYLUS 

Seventy-three of the under-mentioned titles appear in the list of the 

dramas that is found in the Medicean manuscript. 

'Aya/xe/xvwv. 

'ABd/jLas. 

AiyvTTTLOi.^ 

Bao"cra|Dat. 

TkavKOoi.y^' ^ 

'KXevcrivioi. 

'Apyui rj Kw7rao-T7ys.'' 'Kiriyovoi. 

'AraXavTrj.^ 20 'Etttoi ctti 07j/?as. 

BdiK^âi. 

Ev/ACVtSe?. 

^ 

Not mentioned in the KardXayos tQv AZcrxi^ôv Spa/tidrwc. 

^ No identified fragment is extant. 

^ No identified fragment forming an entire verse is 

extant. 

* The two plays of this name are not to be distinguished 

in the extant fragments. 

® Alternative titles are due to Alexandrian scholars whose 

explanatory designations sought to avoid confusion between 

dramas of the same name. Where such alternative titles 

occur, that denoting the Chorus is presumably older than 

that denoting a principal personage or the subject matter of 

the play. 

* The descriptive epithet added after a title may be due to 

Alexandrian scholars, who sought thereby to distinguish 

dramas of the same name. 

375

FRAGMENTS 

'HAiaSes. 

'HpaKAetSat. 

25 QakafioTTOtoL. 

Qpyacrai. 

^lepeiai.^ 

*lK€Tt8€S. 

30 'Iîwv. 

'liti/ia6. 

'^ 

Not mentioned in the KaTdXo7os tmv Alaxiyfôv dpafjidruv. 

* No identified fragment is extant. 

' No identified fragment forming an entire verse is 

extant. 

' Alternative titles are due to Alexandrian scholars whose 

explanatory designations, sought to avoid confusion between 

dramas of the same name. Where such alternative titles 

occur, that denoting the Chorus is presumably older than 

that denoting a principal personage or the subject matter of 

the play. 

• The descriptive epithet added after a title may be due 

to Alexandrian scholars, who sought thereby to distinguish 

dramas of the same name. 

S76

: 

FRAGMENTS 

î(rv(jiO

: 

FRAGMENTS 

By reason of the myth or of other indication of 

connexion between their several members, the 

following groups may be assumed with some 

probability. (The order within the group is often 

uncertain.) 

'I/ceTtSes, Aiyi'TTTiot, AavatSes, 'AfxvfJicovr) (satyric). 

^vxo-y

FRAGMENTS 

Tlevdevs, or for Bavrpiai (not satyric), or even for 

Baa-crdpai. 

3. To make BaKxat the title of the group Sf/xeAr/ 

ij YSpoijjopoL, UevOev's, Hdi'Tpiai. 

4. To make Uev6ev

A0AMAS 

Athamas, a hero localized in Boeotia and Thessaly, 

was the son of Aeolus according to the genealogy 

commonly adopted in antiquity. By his divine wife 

Nephele he had two children, Phrixus and Helle ; 

by his second wife Ino, daughter of Cadmus, he had 

two sons, Learchus and Melicertes. Apollodorus, 

Library, iii. 4. 3 (cp. i. 9- 2) narrates that Zeus 

entrusted the newly-born Dionysus to Hermes, who 

conveyed him to Ino and Athamas, and persuaded 

them to rear the babe as a girl. In consequence of 

madness brought upon them by Hera in her indignation, 

Athamas hunted his elder son as a deer 

and killed him ; Ino threw Melicertes into a boiling 

cauldron, and then, carrying it, together with the 

dead body of the child, leaped into the sea. The 

Argument to the first Isthmian Ode of Pindar reports 

a different version : that the corpse of Learchus was 

thrown into the cauldron by Ino, who then, having 

become mad, plunged into the sea. The Isthmian 

games were instituted by Sisyphus in honour of 

MeUcertes. 

1 (1) 

_ _ 

rov fMev rpiiTovs ihiâr oIk€los Xe^rjs 

aiei (j>vXdaacxiv Tr]v vnep nvpog crrdaiv' 

Athenaeus, Deipnosophists, ii. (i. p. 37 f ; cp. vii. 100. 

p. 316 B. 

880

AlTvalai] 

FRAGMENTS 

The one was cast into the three-legged cauldron 

of the house, that ever kept its place above the fire. 

2 (2) 

XoXKeoiaiv eâvcrrrjpcriv iâipovfxevoL^ 

Etymologicum Florentinum 116 (Miller); cp. Etymolofficum 

Magnum 346. 56. 

^ iâvcTTijpes x«/3oi;ywef ot : Dindorf. 

Taking out with bronze flesh-hooks 

AITNAIAI 

A Sicilian maiden named Thaleia or Aetna, having 

been embraced by Zeus, in fear of Hera's wrath 

prayed that the earth might open and swallow her 

up. Her prayer was granted, but when the time of 

her delivery was at hand, the earth opened again 

and twin boys came forth, who were called PalTci, 

because they had " come back " (aTrb toi" irdXiv 

lukcrOaL) from the earth. The Palici were worshipped 

(originally with human sacrifices) in the neighbourhood 

of Mount Aetna (Macrobius, Saturnalia, v. 19- 

17 ; cp. Servius on Virgil, Aeneid, ix. 584). 

" Having arrived in Sicily, as Hiero was then (476 

B.C.) founding the city of Aetna, Aeschylus exhibited 

his Aetnae as an augury of a prosperous life for those 

who were uniting in the settlement of the city " 

(Life of Aeschylus). 

The play is named AlrvalaL, The Women of Aetna, 

in the Medicean Catalogue, and so apparently in 

Frag. 9 and Frag. 10 (Nauck). The title has the 

form AiT»/a6 in the Life and in Nauck's 7 and 8 ; 

381

; 

FRAGMENTS 

A. ^ /cat IlaXtKcov evXoyojs jJbevel^ (fxxTLS 

[Alrvaiat 

AiTi'a in Nauck's 11, Aetna in Macrobius. Alexandrian 

scholars thought to distinguish a genuine 

from a spurious play of this name. See p. 375. 

A. TL Si^T eTT* avroig 6vofj.a drjoovrat ^poroi; 

B. aefivovs IlaXtKovs Zei)? i(f)L€raL^ KaXetv. 

B. TTaXiv yap rjôvcr' €K gkotov^ toS' els (f>dos. 

Macrobius, Saturnalia v. 19. 24. 

1 E't>TTAI P\ KTETAI P": Stanley. 

^ fiivei edd. before Schneidewin. 

3 HK0T2EKST0TS P : ijôva' Burges, ^k (tkotov Hermann. 

A. What name, then, shall mortals put upon them ? 

B. Zeus commandeth that they be called the holy 

Palici. 

A. And shall the name " Palici " abide as rightly 

given ? 

B. Aye, for they shall " come back " from darkness 

to this light. 

LI. 3-4 form the motto of Bridges' Palicio. 

AMYMl^NH 

" But the land of Argos being waterless, since 

Poseidon had dried up even the springs because of 

his anger at Inachus for testifying that it belonged 

to Hera, Danaiis sent his daughters to draw water. 

One of them, Amymone, as she was searching for 

water, threw a dart at a deer and hit a sleeping 

satyr. He, starting up, desired to force her ; but 

Poseidon appearing on the scene, the satyr fled, and 

S82

Apydoi] 

FRAGMENTS 

Amymone lay with Poseidon, and he revealed to her 

the springs at Lerna " (Apollodorus, Library, ii. 1. 4). 

The play was probably satyric. 

4 (13) 

crot iiev yafMelcrOai fMopaifjuov, yajMelv 8' iixoi} 

Ammonius, On Words of like Form hut different Meaning 

37 (Valckenaer), Bachmann, Anecdota Graeca, ii. 375. 8. 

^ 8k fj.i) Ammonius, 5' ifiol Bachm. Anecd, 

'Twas thy fate to be my wife ; mine to be thy 

husband. 

5 (14) 

Koiycoye rag aas âKKapeis re Kal fivpa 

Athenaeus, Deipnosophists xv, 41. p. 690 c. 

And for my part I 

[wish] thy nards and balsam too 

APFEIOI 

In the Medicean Catalogue and the Etymologicum 

Magnum (see under Fragment 7) the play bears the 

title 'ApyeioL, The Men of Argos. In the authors 

citing Fragment 6 and Nauck's 18 (Hesychius, 

Lexicon 1. 257) the name is 'Apyeiai, which suggests 

that the Chorus was formed of the mothers of the 

Argive commanders who fell in the attack on Thebes 

described in the extant play of Aeschylus. According 

to Welcker, the 'EXeva-tvcoi anticipated the first, 

the 'Apyetot the second, part of Euripides' Suppliants. 

M. Schmidt in Philologus, xvi. (1860) 161, conjectured 

that the drama was entitled 'Apyeta from the daughter 

383

FRAGMENTS 

[Apydot 

of Adrastus who married Polynices, and who, in 

Statius' Thehaid, was joined by Antigone in burying 

her father. 

Fragment 155 has been assigned to this play. 

6 (16)^ 

KoX TraXra KayKvXrjra Kal ;Â7^8ov ^cXcov^ 

Harpocration, Glossary of the Ten Attic Orators 306. 11. 

1 §a\iiiv: M. Schmidt. 

Both darts and looped javehns and heaped missiles 

• 

7 (17) 

'\}â7Tav€VS fMOL^ /caraAetTTerat 

AotTTois"^ a Kepavvos^ dpOpwv* 

ivrjXvcTLcov^ 

oiTTeXiTTev'f 

Etymologicum Magnum 341. 5, Lexicon Sabba'iticum 21. 

^ fjiov Et. Mag., fx.oi Lex. Sab. 

^ XoiTToU Et. Mag., Xonrbv Lex, Sab. 

* oLKipawos : Welcker (cp. Et, Mag. evrjXiKna Xiyerai els & 

Kepavvbs e'lcî^riKev'). 

* 6.pbpo3v : M. Schmidt. 

' iirrjXvffiui' : Stanley. 

Capaneus is left me with the remains of his 

lightning-smitten limbs that the thunderbolt had 

left behind (?) 

From a lament, probably by the Chorus, on the Argive 

chieftains who fell in the first attack on Thebes ; or possibly 

by Evadne over the body of her husband Capaneus, of whose 

destruction, by the lightning of Zeus, Eteocles is confident 

in Seven against Thebes 444. In Euripides' Suppliants the 

bodies of the other Argive champions were burned on a 

384

; 

BdKxat] 

FRAGMENTS 

single funeral pyre, that of Capaneus was burned apart as 

a consecrated corpse ; and upon his pyre his wife threw 

herself. 

Apro 

In the Medicean Catalogue the play is entitled 

'A/ayw rj KWTrao-r^s (so M) ; in the Aldine edition, 

'Apyw rj KW7rei)o-T7j?. Referring the sub-title to the 

rowers of the Argo, Welcker proposed Kcn-mva-Tai ; 

Hippenstiel, De Graecorum tragicorum principum fahularum 

nominihus, Kwiraa-rai. Hartung, approved by 

Dieterich, read Kw/Aacrrat " revellers." 

See Fragments 164, 221. 

8 (20) 

TTov 8' earlv Âpyovs lepov avhdev^ ^vXov 

Philo of Alexandria, On the Virtuous being also Free 20. 

143 (Cohn and Reiter vi. 41). 

^ aUSacTov edd., SaTref with o over v in M, ai'Sao-at G, aiidacre 

other Mss. : 

Cobet. 

Where is Argo's sacred speaking beam ? 

Apollodorus, Library i. 9. 16 : 

" and at the prow (of the 

Argo) Athena fitted a speaking timber from the oak of 

Dodona." 

BAKXAI 

See p. 378, Fragment 215 has been referred to 

the Bacchae^ 

VOL, II 2 c 385

''^ 

. 

FRAGMENTS 

[Bc^Kxai 

9(22) 

ro roL^ KaKov TToScD/ce? epx^rai ^porols 

Koi TdfJL7TXdK7]IJl,a^ TO) TTepCOVTl Tr)V defjLlV. 

Stobaeus, Anthology i. 3. 26 (Wachsmuth i. 57), Theophilus, 

To Autolycus 2. 37. p. 178. The verses are ascribed 

to the Bd/cxai only in the margin of the Farnesianus of 

Stobaeus (a^trxi'Xou kolkx^v). 

^ TO roi P, t6 Theoph. (without toC), tCi toi F. 

Kal T d/jLTrXaK-q/xa F, Kai t dv\dKrifxa (with fj. 

over tt by the 

first hand) P. 

Truly upon mortals cometh swift of foot their evil 

and his offence upon him that trespasseth against 

Right. 

BAS2APAI 

Eratosthenes, Legends of the Constellatiojis, 24. 

p. 140 (Robert), says of Orpheus that he paid no 

honour to Dionysus, but considered Helios to be the 

greatest of the gods and addressed him as Apollo ; 

that, by making haste during the night, he reached 

at dawn the summit of Mt. Pangaeus, and waited 

there that he might see the rising of the sun ; and 

that Dionysus, in his wrath, sent against him the 

Bassarides (as Aeschylus tells the story), who tore 

him to pieces and scattered his members, which 

were collected and buried by the Muses in Leibethra. 

To the same effect. Scholiast Germanicus, 84. 1 1 

The name Bao-trapat was given to Thracian (and to 

Phrygian and Lydian) bacchanals, who wore foxskin 

caps and long embroidered cloaks, pictured in 

Miss Harrison's Prolegomena to the Study of Greek Religion, 

458. The word (So-aro-dpa (possibly of Phrygian 

386

. 

Baxra-dpai] 

FRAGMENTS 

origin, but carried elsewhere) means "fox." Cp. 

Fragment 29. 

The play is entitled Bao-o-a/aiSes- in the Scholiast 

on Aristophanes, Thesmophoriazusae 135, and on 

Nicander, Tkeriaca 288. 

To the Bassarae have been assigned Fragments 

187, 215. 

10 (23) 

o ravpos 8' eoiKev Kvpiêiv^ ivopxav^ 

'\(f)dd

I 

FRAGMENTS 

[Baao-dpuL 

12 (25 a) 

Hayyacov yap apyvprjXarov 

TTpGiv darpaTTTJs^ ^ TrevKoiev CTcAa?. 

Scholiast (cod. Vaticanus Graecus 909) on Euripides, 

Rhesus 922. 

^ irpQves rb ttjs : Mekler. 

* < > Mekler. 

For his gleaming torch doth flood with flashing 

Hght Pangaeus' headland, silver-seamed. 

Probably from the Messenger's report to Dionysus concerning 

Orpheus' ascent of the mountain to behold the rising 

TAAYKOS nONTIOS 

Pausanias, Description of Greece ix. 22. 7 : "At 

Anthedon by the sea is what is called ' Glaucxis' 

Leap.' That Glaucus was a fisherman, who, because 

he had eaten of a grass, was changed into a daimon 

of the sea and foretells men the future, is believed 

by people in general, and especially do seafaring 

men every year tell stories about his prophetic art. 

Pindar and Aeschylus learned from the Anthedonians 

concerning him, but whereas the former did not 

have much to do with the legends in his poems, the 

latter worked them into a play." Plutarch, in his 

Life of Cicero 2, reports that there still existed in 

his time a short poem in tetrameters on Glaucus of 

the Sea written by the orator in his youth. 

In Fragments 17-19 Glaucus describes his wanderings 

by sea. To the play, which was probably 

satyric, have been ascribed Fragments 203, 230, 231. 

388

TXavKos TTov'Ttos] 

FRAGMENTS 

13 (26) 

[dvdpcoTToeibes drjplov vSari crvl,a)v] 

Phrynichus in Bekker, Anecdota Oraeca 5. 21, Photius, 

Lexicon 140. 22 (Reitzenstein). The line is a metrical 

attempt by a grammarian interpreting a verse of Aeschylus, 

which Nauck would restore as a.vdpuTr6fj.op(pov ktjtos vdan 

cTwvoixov, an improvement on Dindorf 's av0puir6fiop

FRAGMENTS 

[lUavKos ttovtios 

16 (29) 

/cat yevofiai ttojs ttjs dei^coou TToag. 

Bekker, Anecdota Graeca 347. 29, Photius, Lexicon 36. 16 

(Reitzenstein). 

And I taste, methinks, the ever-living grass. 

17 (30) 

EuôtSa KafMTTTjv^ dfji,(l)L Kr^vatou Ato? 

oiKTijv, Acar' avTov rvfiôv dOXiov Aixo. 

Strabo, Geography x. 1.9. p. 447. 

^ KaiJ.irr]v most MSS., Kafj-irri]!' Bkl. 

The bend at Eubois about the headland of Cenaean 

Zeus, close to the tomb of wretched Lichas 

Strabo says that EuboTs was a city that had been engulfed 

by an earthquake. The Cenaean promontory is situated at 

the end of the peninsula at the N.W. extremity of Euboea. 

Near by is a mountain (about 2800 feet high), on the top of 

which Zeus Cenaeus was worshipped. From the promontory, 

Lichas, the herald of Heracles, was hurled into the sea by 

his master because he had been the bearer of the poisoned 

robe sent by Deianeira. Cp. Sophocles, Women of Trachis 

237, 750. 

18 (31) 

KOiTTeir^ ÂOrivag AiaSa?^ TTapeKTrepcov^ 

Life of Aratus, Westermann's Lives of the Greeks 53. 

26, from Petavius, Uranologia 269 a (Paris, 1637). 

^ 5at5as : Valckenaer. ^ irap iK irepadv : Scaliger. 

And thereafter going out past Diad Athens 

From Dion, a city on the promontory of Cenaeum, a 

settlement of Athenians was called Athenae Diades. 

890

XadKOS UoTVLev

. 

FRAGMENTS [PAavKos Hotvu^s 

The Glaucus of Potniae was produced in 472 B.C. 

as the third member of the tetralogy ^nfevs, lTe/)frai, 

TkavKos (IIoTVLiv

. 

AavatSe^] 

FRAGMENTS 

23 (39) 

cIXkov

: 

FRAGMENTS 

[Aavaffies 

The fragment refers to the custom that, on the morning 

after the marriage, newly-wed couples were wakened by 

song (cp. Theocritus, Idyll xviii. 56). If the speaker was a 

servant (who was not privy to the intended murder), the 

verses may belong to a prologue, which was followed by the 

appearance of the Chorus of Danaids; but, so far as we 

know, the " wakening " was sung by friends of the bride 

and bridegroom, presumably the same as had, on the 

previous evening, sung the hymenaeus. If, as seems more 

probable, the speaker is Danaiis, he is describing what 

occurred either on the evening of the wedding or on the 

morning thereafter, before the discovery of the murder, and 

the lines form part of his defence before the court that tried 

him for his participation in the killing of his sons-in-law 

(Scholiast on Euripides, Orestes 872). The difficulty of 

interpretation is largely concerned with the application of 

the last five words of the text. 

1. avv KopoLs re Kai Kdpais is the stereotyped form of a wish 

that the marriage may be fruitful in children. These words 

were said to brides by the singers of the wedding-song 

according to the Scholiast on Pindar and Hesychius, Lexicon 

s.v. Kovpiôfxefoi, Hermann holds to the ms. reading 

" And then the radiant light of the sun is setting, while I 

call them forth, saying 'let them make their bridegrooms 

graciously disposed, as is the custom, with boys and " 

girls.' 

On this interpretation, Danaiis describes now, after the 

brides had departed to their new home, he addressed their 

companions ; but the situation is not clear, the meaning of 

(yelpw is strained, and the explanation of v6fj.0L

AavafSes] 

FRAGMENTS 

OeXyup is ironical; as is irpevfieveU, since Danaiis had 

married his daughters to suitors whom they, and he, detested, 

and whose murder he had planned. 

The situation is moving: when the waking-song was 

sung, the husbands—all save Lynceus, who was married to 

Hypermestra—were sleeping the sleep of death. But the 

scene, because reported, is less dramatic than that in 

Euripides' Phaethon, in which play (Frag. 781) Merops 

appears with a chorus of maidens who sing the nuptial 

song in honour of Phaethon at the very moment when 

Phaethon's corpse is being carried into the chamber of 

Clymene, the wife of Merops. In Wilhelm Tell the music 

of a wedding-procession is heard while Gessler is in the 

agonies of death. 

25 (44) 

epa fiev dyvos ovpavos rpojaai xôva, 

epcog Be yalav Xafx^dveL ydpiov rvêtv, 

opL^pos 8' (xtt' evvacrdevTos^ ovpavov Trecrcbv 

eKvaG yalav rj he TLKrerai, ^porols 

i fiT^Xcov T€ ôoKas /cat ^lov ArjfMrjrpLov 

8evSpa)Tts wpa^ 8' e/c votlôvtos ydfiov 

reXeios ecrrt. rcovB* iyoj TTapalrios, 

Athenaeus, Deipnosophists xiii. 73. p. 600 b ; Eustathius, 

on Iliad 978. 25 (omitting 11. 6-7), misled by the reference 

to Aeschylus of Alexandria in Athen. 599 e, ascribed 11. 1-5 

to that poet. 

^ ei/vaevTos Athen. A, with o over the second e in C, 

evvdovTos with e over the first o in E, evvdovros Eust. : Lobeck. 

^ devSpwv ris Copa : Hermann. 

The holy heaven yearns to wound the earth, and 

yearning layeth hold on the earth to join in wedlock ; 

the rain, fallen from the amorous heaven, impregnates 

the earth, and it bringeth forth for mankind 

the food of flocks and herds and Demeter's gifts ; 

and from that moist marriage-rite the woods put on 

their bloom. Of all these things I am the cause. 

395

FRAGMENTS 

['EAevo-tVtoi 

These lines—the Bridal of Heaven and Earth, imitated 

by Euripides, Fragment 898—were spoken, says Athenaeus, 

by Aphrodite herself; and probably in defence of Hypermestra 

at her trial for disobedience to her father's command. 

Cp. Lucretius i. 250 {imbres) pater aether in gremium mairis 

terrai praecipitavit, and Virgil, Oeorg. ii. 235. 

EAEYSINIOI 

Plutarch, in his Life of Theseus 29, states that 

Theseus, in conjunction with Adrastus, effected the 

recovery of the bodies of the Argives slain before 

Thebes (in the expedition against that city undertaken 

by the seven champions) ; that Aeschylus 

made the recovery the result of persuasion on the 

part of Theseus, whereas Euripides, in his Suppliants, 

ascribed it to a victory over the Argives ; and that 

Theseus appeared in Aeschylus' play, and out of 

kindness to Adrastus caused the leaders to be buried 

at Eleusis, the soldiery at Eleutherae, where their 

tombs were still shown in his day. 

To The Men of Eleusis have been assigned Fragments 

178, 199, 200, 214, 215, 241. 

25 A (54 a) 

copya TO TTpdy/jba, Sie/xvSatv* tJSt) vckvs. 

Didymus, Commentary on Demosthenes^ Philippic xii 

(xiii) in Berliner Papyrus 9780 {Berliner Klassikertexte 

i. (1904) 66). 

The matter pressed, rotting already was the corpse. 

EniroNOi 

Ten years after the unsuccessful attack on Thebes 

described in The Seven against Thebes, the sons of the 

396

'Ewlyovoi] 

FRAGMENTS 

fallen chieftains, called the After-Born, avenged the 

death of their fathers in a second expedition, which 

resulted in the capture of the city. At the end of 

Euripides' Suppliants (1. 1213) Athena prophesies 

the success of the sons in the war that formed the 

theme of the Aeschylean drama. The legend of the 

victorious issue of the second expedition is known 

to the Iliad, in which (A 406) Sthenelus, the son of 

Capaneus, boasts the superiority of the sons over 

their fathers. But the tradition that the seven 

champions had each a son (named in Apollodorus, 

Library iii. 7. 2) who joined in the war, is apparently 

later than Homer. In The Seven against Thebes, Aeschylus 

made both Eteocles and Polynices die childless 

; but Pindar knew of Thersander, the son of Polynices 

and successor to his claim to the throne ; and late 

writers report that Laodamas was the son of Eteocles. 

Fragments 176, 247, 248 have been referred to 

The Epigoni. 

26 (55) 

AoLâs Atos" //.ev TTpcoTOv (hpaiov yd/xov 

"YLpas re 

rrjv Sevrepav 8e' Kpaaiv TJpcocriv vefMO) 

rpirov Atos acurrjpos evKraZav AtjSa. 

Scholiast on Pindar, Isthmian 6. 10 (7). 

^ re : Schiitz. 

First, libations to Zeus and Hera for timely 

marriage 

The second cup of mixed wine I serve out to the 

Heroes 

Third, a libation for blessing to Zeus, the Saviour. 

397

FRAGMENTS 

['Hô 

HA^NOI 

Apollodorus, Library iii. 5. 1, gives the following 

version of the legend of Lycurgus and his rejection 

of the god Dionysus : 

" And afterwards he (Dionysus) arrived at Cybela 

in Phrygia, and there, having been purified by Rhea, 

and learning the rites of initiation, he received from 

her the costume, and hastened through Thrace 

[against the Indians]. But Lycurgus, king of the 

Edonians, who dwell beside the river Strymon, was 

the first to insult and expel him. And Dionysus 

took refuge in the sea with Thetis, the daughter of 

Nereus, and the Bacchanals were taken captive and 

the multitude of the satyrs that followed him. But 

afterwards the Bacchanals were suddenly released, 

and Dionysus brought madness upon Lycurgus. 

And he, in his frenzy, struck with an axe and killed 

his son Dryas, imagining that he was lopping off 

the branch of a vine ; and when he had cut off his 

son's extremities, he came to his senses. But since 

the land remained barren, the god made known by 

an oracle that it would bear fruit if Lycurgus were 

put to death. On hearing this, the Edonians took 

him to Mt. Pangaeus, and bound him ; and there, 

by the will of Dionysus, he died, destroyed by 

horses." 

Fragment 27 refers to the arrival of Dionysus and 

his worshippers, 28 to the house of Lycurgus ; to 

whom, or to one of his attendants, belong the 

satirical descriptions of the god in 29-32. 

To The Edonians have been ascribed Fragments 

173, 188, 193,201,202. 

398

. 

'H8m'oq 

FRAGMENTS 

27 (57) 

aefjiva Kotutous" opyC^ €)(ovre^ 

6 fjbev eV x^P^''^ ôfi^VKas^ ^X^^> 

Topvov Kd/xarov, 

SaKTvXoSiKTOv^ TrtfjbTrXrjaL fieXos, 

IJbavlas inapcoyov ojjbOKXdv. 

6 Se ;)(;aA/co8eTois"* KorvXais OTOêc^ 

. ipaXfxos S' dXaXdêi' 

ravp6(f>doyyoL 8' VTTOfMVKOJVTaL^ 

TToOev i^ dcf)avovs (fioêpol' fxi/jboi, 

Tvrrdvov^ 8' elKOJV^ (Zcrd' vrroyaiov^^ 

PpovTTJg (f)€p€Tai, âpvrap^rjg 

Strabo, Geography x. 3. 16. p. 470 (I. 6 Athenaeus, 

Deipnosophists xi. 57. p. 479 b, Scholiasts BT on Iliad ^ 34). 

^ ae/jiva K6tvs {Koirrova' Dh, kSittovs C) 6pia {6p€ia Dh) 5' 

6pyav' ^xocres {^x°^'''"-^ Dhinop) : Nauck. 

^ ô/ji^riKas Bkoxy. 

' daKTvXddeiKTOf : Pauw. 

* Xa\Ko8^roLs Athen., Schol. II., x^^^ô^ô's Strabo's mss. 

(except xaXKo^^TOis E). 

« droêl Ch, drrdêi D, vxei Schol. II. 

* VTTOfiriKQi'Tai Bkno. 

' o^€poi E, op.ipioL B^Ck, (poîpLOL Dhilnox. 

* rvfj-Trdvov. Kramer. 

* e^X'^" B^Llx, T7XW kno. 

1" vTToyelov Bk, viroyeov CDhims. 

Practising the holy rites of Cotyto. . . . One, 

holding in his hands the pipe, the labour of the lathe, 

blows forth his fingered tune, even the sound that 

Avakes to frenzy. Another, with brass-bound cymbals, 

raises a clang . , . the twang shrills ; and unseen, 

399

FRAGMENTS 

f'HSwvoi 

unknown, bull-voiced mimes in answer bellow fearfully, 

while the timbrel's echo, like that of subterranean 

thunder, rolls along inspiring a mighty 

terror. 

From the parodus of the play. In 11. 2-11 the Chorus 

of Edonians describe what Milton calls " the barbarous 

dissonance of Bacchus and his revellers." Cotys, Cotyto, 

or Cotytto, was a Thracian goddess, akin to Rhea-Cybele, 

whose worship became popular at Athens. Her rites 

resembled those of the Phrygian Sabazius, whose ritual was 

similar to that of Bacchus. The Orphic ceremonies had 

their origin among the Thracians. 

28 (58) 

evdovaia 8rj 8co/ia, âKx^vei areyrj. 

Pseudo-Longinus, On the Sublime 15. 6. 

Lo, the house is frenzied with the god, the roof 

revels, Bacchant-like. 

29 (59) 

ocTTLS^ Xi-rcbva? âcradpas re AuSiaj^ 

e;^ci 

TTohripeis 

Etymologicum Florentinum 62 (Miller), Lexicon SahhaUieum 

5. 

* Sns and AuSe/as Lex. Sab. 

One who wears Lydian tunics and fox-skin 

reaching to the feet 

cloaks 

Dionysus is described as wearing Lydian garments, which 

were famous for their luxuriousness. 

400

; ; 

'H8wot] 

fragmp:nts 

Ti? 7TOT 

ov adevei'f^ 

30 (60) 

ead* 6 fMovaofMavri? dXaXog^ "fd^parevs^ 

Scholiast on Aristophanes, Birds 276, Suidas, Lexicon 

S.V. /xovcrofiavTis. 

Aristophanes has rt's ttot' 

who 

^crd' 6 ixov(x6navTi% Utovo^ 6pvis 

a^po^dr-qs (mss. opeijSdr-qs) : 

' 

in the world is this poetprophet, 

extraordinary, dainty-stepping bird ? ' 

1 aXaXos RH Suid., &\\os V, dWo Ven. 475. 

^ dj3pareus R Suid., d/c/DaroOs V, d^pard F*. 

^ Sv crdivei om. Suid. 

Who in the world is this poet-prophet, speechless 

. . . 

Bothe read d^p6$, dudev-qs " dainty, weakling " ; Hermann 

dixaXbs d^po^drrjs adevei " soft, a dainty stepper in his 

strength." 

31 (61) 

TToharros 6 yvvvLs ; ris Trdrpa; ris rj aroXrj 

Scholiast on Aristophanes, Thesmophoriazusae 135. 

Whence hails this woman-man ? What's his 

country ? What's his attire ? 

32 (62) 

fMaKpoaKeXrjg p,ev dpa^ p,r) )(Xovvrjs ris rjv^ 

Scholiast B on Iliad I 539 ; cp. Eustathius on Iliad 772. 

53. 

^ &pa : Hermann. ^ ^ : Hermann. 

Long-legged indeed ! Was he not a xXovvrjs ? 

The sense of xôiî/tjs is here obscure. In Iliad I 539 the 

word was explained by the ancients as meaning " entire " 

(not castrated) or " couching in the grass " ; elsewhere, as 

" rascal," " thief," or " clothes-stealer." Hermann thought 

it was a designation of a locust. See Wilamowitz, Aischylos : 

Interpretationen p. 217. 

VOL. II 2d 401

FRAGMENTS 

['HAtaSes 

HAIAAES 

The Daughters of Helios dealt with the legend of 

Phaethon, whose rashness in driving the chariot of 

the Sun, his father, caused the parching of the earth, 

and thereby his punishment at the hands of Zeus, 

whose thunderbolt hurled him into the river Eridanus. 

In pity for the unceasing grief of Phaethon's sisters, 

Zeus turned them into poplars, from which, it was 

believed, their tears oozed forth and became amber, 

the stone of light ; a poetic fancy due to the association 

of 7JAeKT/3oi' " amber " with rjXeKTMp " the 

beaming sun." 

The form assumed by the myth in Aeschylus is 

unknown ; but it is certain that Euripides in his 

Phaethon differed widely from the older poet. 

Aeschylus was in part dependent on Hesiod for the 

story ; but whereas Hesiod knew of seven daughters 

of Helios, Aeschylus recognized only three—Lampetie, 

Aegle, and Phaethousa—children of the Sun -• 

god and Rhode. Furthermore he transferred to 

Iberia the scene of the fall of Phaethon. 

Fragments 172, 177, 185 have been ascribed to 

the play. 

33 (69) 

€771 hvafxalai reov^ 

TTarpos *}i.(f)aLcrrorvK€S^ 

SeTras", iv rw SiaâAAet 

402 

TToXvv olS/jLaroevra TreplSpofMov^ TTOpov crvdels* 

^ Sva/j-a'ts Lcrov: Hermann. " ijcpaiaTorevx^s: Hermann. 

"

HAtciSes] 

FRAGMENTS 

fjbeXavLTTTTov 

rrpo^vyajv 

lepds vvKTos d/jboXyov. 

Athenaeus, Deipnosophists xi. 38. p. 469 f. 

Where, in the west, is the bowl wrought by- 

Hephaestus, the bowl of thy sire, speeding wherein 

he crosseth the mighty, swelling stream that girdleth 

earth, fleeing the gloom of holy night of sable steeds. 

To explain the rising of the sun in the east after it had 

set in the west, Greek fancy invented the myth that the 

Sun-god possessed a golden bowl, in which he, together 

with his steeds, was carried during the night across the 

ocean to the place of his rising. When Heracles was 

journeying to Erythea to capture the oxen of Geryon (Frag. 

37), Helios lent his bowl to the hero; who, in Gerhard's 

Auserlesene griechische Vasenbilder, pi. 109, is pictured 

sitting therein. In the Veda and in Germanic and Lettic 

myths the sun appears in the form of a golden bowl. 

34 (70) 

Zey? eWtv alOrjp, Zeuj 8e yrj, Zei)? S' ovpavos, 

Zeuj Tot Tct TTOLvra ;;^6tJTi rojvS^ VTreprepov. 

Clement of Alexandria, Miscellanies v. 14. p. 718 ; cp. 

Philodemus, On Piety 22. 

Zeus is air, Zeus is earth, Zeus is heaven, yea, 

Zeus is all things and whatsoever transcendeth 

them. 

35 (71) 

ÂSpLavai re yvvalKes rpoTTOv eôvai, yocov. 

Bekker, Anecdota Graeca 346. 10. 

And Adria's daughters shall learn a (new) way of 

mourning. 

Phaethon was hurled into the Eridanus, which Aeschylus, 

according to Pliny, Nat. Hist, xxxvii. 31, placed in Iberia and 

403

FRAGMENTS 

['HAic(8es 

identified with the Rhone, a river confused with the Po, on 

the banks of which was the city of Adria. Polybius, History 

ii. 16 and Plutarch, On the Delay of Divine Vengeance 12. 

p. 557, report that the inhabitants along the Eridanus wore 

black in mourning for Phaethon. Knaack, Quaestiones 

Phaethonteae 18, refers " the way of mourning " to the tears 

of amber from the poplars into which the maidens had been 

transformed. 

36 (72) 

ojpovae^ Kprivrjs a^dovearcpa Atâ?. 

Etymologicum Oenuinum (cod. Vaticanus Graecus 1818) 

s.v. atpOoviaraTov ; cp. Athenaeus, Deipnosophists x. 24. p. 424 

D, Eustathius on Iliad 746. 45, Lexicon Sabba'iticum 2. 

^ 6pa ae : Reitzenstein. 

Gushed from the spring a more abundant stream. 

HPAKAEIAAI 

Of the personages, action, and scene of The 

Children of Heracles nothing is known. It is, however, 

probable that Aeschylus in part anticipated 

Euripides, who, in his same-named play, represented 

Athens as the refuge of the fugitives from the persecution 

of Eurystheus, the willingness of Macaria, 

the daughter of Heracles, to sacrifice her life as the 

price of victory over the Argive invaders of Attica, 

and the triumph of the children under the leadership 

of the aged lolaiis, the nephew of Heracles. 

The play is entitled 'HpaKAet&x/, except in the 

Catalogue in the Medicean ms., which has "^HpaKXeiSris. 

37 (74) 

opfievos opOoKepcxis §ovs TjXaa oltt ea)(aTcov 

404

. 

, 

'UpaKXetSat] 

FRAGMENTS 

yaias, oiKeavov Trepdaas iv Sena )(^pvarjXdrco 

ôrrjpd? t' olSlkovs /care/era SecnTorrjv re rpt.- 

7TTV)(OV 

rpia Soprj TraXXovra )(€paLV 

rpia 8e Xaialg craKT) TrporeLVOJV rpels t €7nacreLCov 

X6(l>ovg 

€

FRAGMENTS 

©AAAMOnOIOI 

[eaAa/.io7roiot 

A play of this name is unknown to the Catalogue 

in the Medicean ms., and is mentioned only by 

Pollux, citing P'ragment 39- Some suppose that it 

is an alternative title of the AlyvirTioi, and that 

the name is derived from the carpenters who constructed 

the bridal chambers in which the Danaids 

killed their husbands. Hartung proposed to read 

6aAa/x7;7roAot " attendants on the bridal chambers." 

Welcker rejected connexion with the Danaid-myth 

and made the play precede the 'IcfnyeveLa and 'Upetai. 

To the play have been referred Fragments 162, 163, 

178, 189, 206, 238. 

39 (78) 

aAA' KeV >^ 6 fiev tls Aeaîov (/iarvcofiari^ 

KVfj, ev rpiycxivois iKirepaLviro/ pvdfMols. 

Pollux, Vocabulary 7. 122. 

^ < > Nauck. ^ (paTvu/j-d t'l : Pauw. 

' ifjLirepaiviTw: Jungermann. 

Come ! 

Let some one work out in the ceiling a 

Lesbian moulding in triangular rhythms. 

A ceiling-compartment was formed, at its lower part, 

by *' ladders " (KXifMaKiSes) laid across the " main beams " 

{(xeXiSes). Below the former, in the present case, ran a moulding 

with sweHing above and hollow below (a cyma reversa) and 

ornamented with a leaf-and-tongue pattern that approximates 

a triangle. The Lesbian cyma appears in the Tholos at Epidaurus. 

0EDPOI ^ 

I20MIASTAI 

The original title was probably Quapol, The Spectators 

; to which was added that defining the scene : 

The Spectators at the Isthmian games. 

406

Qpyja

Fragments 

[Opya-a-ai 

41 (83) 

e/ca/XTTTe, roôv cos rts" ivreivcuv, î

nîcov] 

FRAGMENTS 

42 (86) 

crreXXeLv orrcos rdxi'Cn'O-' ravra yap Trarrjp 

Zei)? iyKadUi} Ao^la deaTTLa/jbara. 

Macrobius, Saturnalia v. 22. 13, Scholiast on Sophocles, 

Oedipus Coloneus 793. 

* eyKadiet Schol. Soph., omitting OecriricrnaTa. 

Send with all speed ; for these are the oracles that 

Father Zeus doth entrust unto Loxias. 

43 (87) 

ev(f>ap,eZr€' fMcXiaaovofioi So/xov ^ AprefxiSos jreXas 

otyetv. 

Aristophanes, Frogs 1274, with Scholiast. 

Hold your peace ! The bee-keepers are at hand 

to open the house of Artemis. 

From 'Icpiy^veia according to Vater. 

The Scholiast on Pindar, Pythian 4. 104 (60) says that 

" /x^Xiaaai is a term used primarily of the priestesses of 

Demeter, and by a misuse of language applied to all 

priestesses because of the purity of the animal." Coins of 

the Ephesian Artemis as early as the sixth century, and a 

Vatican statue of the same goddess, show the bee as an 

emblem. 

ISIDN 

Ixion was famous in Greek tradition as the first 

man to shed kindred blood (Pindar, Pythian 2. 31, 

cp Eumenides 718), and as the first to receive purification 

from the crime of murder. His father's name 

is variously reported, usually as Phlegyas, but Aeschylus 

made him the son of Antion. His mother 

was Perimela, the daughter of Amythaon. Under 

promise of rich wedding-gifts to Ei'oneus (or 

Deioneus), the father of Dia, he married her, and 

409

; 

FRAGMENTS 

['Iîm' 

On his refusal to make 

by her had a son, Peirithous. 

over to his father-in-law the wedding-gifts due to him, 

Ei'oneus took Ixion's horses as a pledge of payment 

whereupon Ixion, pretending that he would submit 

himself to his good pleasure, sent for Eioneus and 

caused him to fall into a fiery pit. For this offence 

he could obtain purification from neither man nor 

any god, until Zeus, showing himself a " gracious 

avenger " (Frag. 92 N.), took compassion on his 

suppliant, cleansed him of bloodshed, and even raised 

him to Olympus. There Ixion conceived a mad 

passion for the Queen of Heaven, and having besought 

her to yield to his desires, Zeus fashioned a 

cloud in the semblance of Hera. Ixion lay with the 

cloud, and from this union sprang the centaurs. In 

punishment for this impious crime, Zeus bound him 

to a wheel on which he whirls in an eternity of 

torment. To the above effect, in the main, Diodorus 

of Sicily, Historical Library iv. 69 3. 

The play probably followed the Perrhaebides, 

which took its name from the Chorus of women of 

Perrhaebia in Thessaly, which district, or the city 

of Gyrton in the same, Ixion had subjected to his 

rule. The theme of the first play may have been 

the deception and murder of Eioneus ; that of the 

Ixion, the purification of the murderer. The third 

member of the trilogy is unknown. 

Fragment 182 has been referred to the Ixion. 

44 (90) 

jSiou TTOvrjpov ddvaros evKXeecrrepos. 

Stobaeus, Anthology iv. 53. 15 (Hense v. 1101), Munich 

Anthology 134 (cod. Augustanus-Monacensis 429). 

Death hath a fairer fame than a life of toil. 

410

— 

'I Elmsley. 

it? 

Surely it befits not women to revile. 

How should 

411

FRAGMENTS 

[Kd/3€ipoi 

KABEIPOP 

This drama, which has its name from the Chorus, 

is the earUest hterary witness to the Cabiri, more 

often called the Great Gods in Samothrace and 

Lemnos, the most ancient and famous seats of their 

worship in the Aegean. Originally pre-Hellenic 

chthonian divinities, whose primal home was Phrygia, 

Phoenicia, or among the Pelasgians of Greece, their 

cult gradually accommodated itself to the religion of 

the peoples with which it came into contact ; until, 

in the historical period, the Cabiri appear as daimones 

who foster vegetative life and protect seafaring folk, 

and whose Mysteries in course of time spread over 

the greater part of the Greek world. 

Athenaeus, Deipnosopkists x. 33. p. 428 f, declares 

that it was Aeschylus, not Euripides (in the Alcestis), 

who first introduced drunken people to the sight of the 

spectators of " tragedy " ; and that this evil eminence 

was displayed in his Cabiri, in which play he represented 

Jason and his companions as drunk. Fragment 

48 would seem to refer to the hospitable 

reception of the Argonauts by the Cabiri, who 

furnished them with an abundance of wine upon 

their landing at I>emnos, the first stopping-place of 

the Argo on its eastward voyage. The introduction 

of a drunken orgy has caused many scholars to regard 

the play as satyric rather than tragic. Whether 

pure tragedy may thus relax its gravity is a question 

that has been raised also in connexion with the 

'Oa-ToXnyoi. of Aeschylus and the "^vvSeLTrvot of 

Sophocles. 

* Inscriptions and manuscripts vary between Kd/Set/joi and 

4,12

Kd/Seipoi] 

FRAGMENTS 

The Scholiast on Pindar, Fythian 4. 303 (171), states 

that the names of the heroes of the Argonautie 

expedition were set forth in the KafSetpoi, as also in 

the Arj/jLViai, of Sophocles. 

Fragment 164 has been referred to this play. 

47 (95) 

opviOa 8 ov TTOLO) ere rrjs ifMTJs oSoy. 

Athenaeus, Deipnosophists ix. 15. p. 373 d. 

But I am not taking you as an omen of my journey. 

fjb-qre 

48 (96) 

Kpojcrcrovg 

fiTjr olvripovs jj-tjO^ vSarrjpovs^ 

AeiTretv^ acfyvedlai SofMoiaiv. 

Pollux, Vocabulary 10. 23 ; cp. Antiattacistes in Bekker, 

Anecdota Graeca 115. 3. 

^ v5p7]povs Antiatt. ^ Xnrecp : Blomfield. 

Jars neither of wine nor of water shall fail in the 

houses of the rich. 

Or Xeiireiv may be used imperatively (" leave jars," etc.). 

49 (97) 

oôvs a7Tavit,€iv Sajfia ^. 

Plutarch, Table Talk ii. 1. 7. p. 632 f. 

1 < > Stanley. 

We shall make the house to be scant of vinegar. 

The Cabiri jestingly threaten to produce so excellent, or 

so abundant, a vintage that either the Argonauts will drink 

so much that no wine will be kept to make vinegar ; or that 

vinegar shall be poured out from the casks to give place to 

wine. If 6ôvs means " ordinary wine," the meaning is that 

it will have to be thrown away for the better quality. 

413

FRAGMENTS [Kapes ->} Evpioiry 

RAPES ^ 

ETP^nH 

Europe, the protagonist in the drama bearing her 

name as an alternative title, in Fragment 50 tells of 

her carrying-ofF by the bull, of the three sons she 

bore to Zeus (Minos, Rhadamanthys, and Sarpedon), 

and of her anxiety as to the fate of her youngest, 

Sarpedon, whose warlike spirit had incited him to 

leave his home for Troy in order to render assistance 

to the city now attacked by the Achaeans. 

The scene was Lycia, whither Europe had come 

from Crete together with her son. That the Chorus 

consisted of Carians, though Sarpedon was Prince 

of Lycia, may be due to the fact that (as Strabo, 

Geography xiv. 5. p. 675, informs us) the poets often 

included the Lycians among the Carians, who were 

the most famous of all the races in south-western 

Asia Minor. The confusion had the advantage of 

enabling the poet to reproduce the lamentations over 

the dead for which the Carians were celebrated. 

Popular tradition was inconsistent as to the name 

of Sarpedon's mother. Aeschylus followed the 

Hesiodic version in preference to that of Homer, 

who calls her Laodamia. Nor was he disturbed by 

the Homeric genealogy, by which Sarpedon was 

made the grandson of Bellerophon on the mother's 

side. In the poet's time no one had yet sought, 

as did the mythographers later, to remove the 

difficulty, either by assuming two Sarpedons (one 

the son of Laodamia, the other the son of Europe) 

or by the notion that there was one Sarpedon, who 

had been permitted by his father Zeus to live through 

three generations. 

4.14

Kapes i] KipioTDi] FRAGMENTS 

The drama probably dealt with the reception of 

the news of the hero's death at the hands of Patroclus 

and with the arrival of his body in Lycia, borne 

thither by Sleep and Death (cp. II 682). All other 

Homeric warriors who fell before Troy were buried 

in the Troad ; Sarpedon alone had burial in his own 

land. 

To this play have been ascribed Fragments 175, 

231. 

50 (99) 

ravpcx) re Xeificbv^ êvia TrdfiôTog^ TTaprjv. 

roLovS^ e/xe^ Ze?)? /cAe^/xa rrpea^vrov irarpos 

avTov fievcov dpioxdov* rjvvaev^ Xaêlv. 

TL^ ovv rd TToXXd KeZva; 8ta 'na.vpcov' Xiyojyvvrj 

deo)^ /xet;^êrcra irapdevov aeâs 

rjjjbculja,^ iraihcov 8' il,vyr]v^'' ^vvoivla}^ 

/cat rpls^^ yovaiai^^ rovs yvvaiKeiovs ttovovs 

eKapreprja '^*' dpovpa 8' ovk^^ epLefjuparo 

TO fjLrj geveyKeiv GTrepfia yevvaiov Trarpos. 

€K T(x)v fMeyiOTOJV 8' rjp^dfMrjv (f>vrevfji.drcov" 

MtVoo reKovaa .... 

}^ Khevrepov 8' iyeLvdfirjv >^' 

^ AIMfi. 2 HAMnOAOS. 

3 TOIONTEMEN (e^^ Schenkl). 

d/xoxSos Wilam. » HN020N : Blass. 

« TEI: Wilam. " IIATPfi. 

8 OEOT. » EMEIÂ. " ESTPH. 

" STNAHiNEI. " Tpj^ . 

gj^gg^ Bucheler. 

1* rfiNÊIS. " EKAPTEPH2A. 

'« AP0TPA2 KAI OTK: Wecklein. 

16 TENAI nATPOS. " EPÂMHN 'I'TAETMATON. 

1* 

" 

Lacuna, of some length, indicated by Bucheler. 

< > Blass. 

415

. 

FRAGMENTS [KSpcs »"/ EvpcoTrr/ 

'Pabd[Ji,av9vv, oaircp dcfydiros^ TraiSiov ijjicbv' 

dAA' ovK €V avyaZs^ rats i/jbals t,6rj a(/>^ 

TO fiTj TTapov* re repi/jiv ovk e^ct povrlcn,v^ ^êi/taô/AaJ, 

SapTTT^Sov' •* alxP''^ 8' î 

"Apecos^ KadiKero. 

/cAeo?^" ydp i^/cetv" 'EAAaSo? Xcoriajxara^^ 

Trdonrj^, v7T€p(f)epovras^^ olXklp^w adevei}^, 

avx^lv^^ 8e TpdyoiV^^ dcrrv nopdijaeLv ^^q}'' 

^X^''^> 

20 Trpos" ov SeSoLKO^^ fMij rt^® fxapyalvcov^^ Sopi^^ 

VTTeprarov^^ Spdaj] re /cat Trddrj KaKov. 

XeTTTT) ydp eATTi? t^'S' eVc ^vpov t e^rf^ 

fir) Trdvra TratSo?^* eKxâi^^ Trpos at/xart^^. 

Weil, f/« papyrus inedit de la bibliotheqtie de M. 

Ambroise Firmin-Didot (1879') ; cp. Weil, Revue de philologie 

nouv. Sen iv. (1880) 10-13, 145-150. 

The papyrus is relatively late and exceedingly corrupt. 

The verses are without word-division. The restorations are 

Weil's except where otherwise stated. 

1 PAAAMANeONOSnEPAêiAOS. 

2 AAAAKEMAFAIS: Gomperz, Kock. 

3 ZOAS EXEIN. * IIAP12N. " *IA0T2. 

« PONTIZEIN. 

' XEIMAZETAI: Bucheler. 

» SAAHAON. » AES APEOl. 

AIAXMHS 

10 KAEO ? 

" HKEIEN. 

i2 

AOTISAOTISMATOS. 

i» 

TIlEPnEPiiNTES : Wilam. 

1* AAKIMOT STENHS: Gomperz, Bergk. 

" ATXEI: Wilam. 

i« 

TPftAN. " nAPGHSH BION. 

18 AEAfiKA. " TEI. 

416 

20 MAPPAIA (with N over I). 

" AOPEI: Wecklein. 

22 

AISTTIIEPBAPTON: Herwerden. 

23 

IHAHEIIISTPHMENHI: Wilam. 

2* 1IAI2A2: BUcheler. 

2s 

EKXEO. 

"« AIMATEI.

Kap€s ^ Evpc!>Trr)] 

FRAGMENTS 

And a lush meadow gave friendly welcome to the 

In such wise, biding where he was/ did Zeus 

bull. 

succeed in his unlaboured theft of me from my aged 

sire.2 Why the whole tale ? In few words I recount 

it all. A mortal woman, united to a god I lost the 

holiness of maidenhood, but I was joined in wedlock 

with him who owned his children equally with me.^ 

Thrice in childbirth did I endure the pangs of womankind, 

and the field wherein he sowed complained not 

to bring forth the seed of a noble sire. First of these 

mighty implantings that I bare was Minos. . .* 

. 

Second, I brought forth Rhadamanthys,^ he who of 

my sons is free from death ; 

yet, though he lives, 

mine eyes behold him not—and to them that love, the 

absent bring no delight. Third was he for whom I am 

now sore distressed in heart, even Sarpedon ; for Ares' 

warhke spirit hath laid hold of him. For it is famed 

abroad that the choicest flower of all Hellas has come, 

preeminent in valorous strength, and makes loud boast 

Since Europe declares that Zeus remained " where he 

^ 

was " (namely in Crete), she implies that her carrying-ofF 

had been eifected by the bull as the agent of the god, and 

not (as in the ordinary version of the legend) by the god 

himself transformed into the animal. 

^ Phoenix. 

^ Since she bore no less than three children to Zeus, her 

relation to the god is conceived as that of formal marriage 

founded on his desire for offspring, ^wiavia Traidui', lit. jointownership 

of children. Cp. kolvclv t€kûv ri^xai', Euripides, 

Jon 1101. 

* In the lacuna were described the deeds, honours, and 

death of Minos ; but Minos, since Rhadamanthys alone is 

called immortal, was probably not made the judge of the 

dead. 

* Rhadamanthys had been translated either to the Elysian 

Field (5 563) or to the Islands of the Blest (Pindar, Olympian 

2. 73). 

YQL. II 2e 417

FRAGMENTS [Kapes r^ Ev^wttt; 

that it will perforce destroy the city of the Trojans. 

It is for my son I fear, lest, raging with his lance, he 

may do and suffer^ some surpassing ill. For slight 

is this my hope—and it standeth on the razor's edge 

—that by the bloody death of my child I may not 

lose my all. 

^ The desire to employ the favourite antithesis of 5pav and 

irdaxî-v is responsible for the condensed phrase, in which the 

emphasis rests on ivddri (I fear lest, as he may work some 

evil upon his foes, so he may suffer some evil at their hands). 

51 (100) 

aAA' "Apyjs îXei 

acL ra Xcoara iravr a7Tavdit,€LV^ arparov. 

Stobaeus, Anthology iv. 10. 24 (Hense iv. 333). 

^ irdi'Ta TavOpdoTTUv : Kidd. 

But Ares ever loves to pluck all the fairest flower 

of an armed host. 

KEPKYQN 

A satyric play dealing with the story of Cercyon, 

son of Poseidon and king of Eleusis, who forced all 

passers-by to wrestle with him. Bacchylides 17. 26 

says that Theseus " closed his wrestling-school." 

52 (102) 

a^tfxxirihes rot rols evcoTiot? veXas 


Ear-coverings close to his ear-rings 

dfi(f>uTld€s were worn to protect the ears of wrestlers. 

418

Kpô-crai] 

FRAGMENTS 

KHPYKES 

The Heralds or The Messengers was a satyric play 

on an unknown subject ; 

possibly connected with 

Heracles. 

See Fragments 168, 170, 171, 178. 

53 (109) 

Kara rijs aiarvpvrjg rrj? Xeovreias ^ 


^ XeovTâs : Xeovrelas dopds Toup from Hesychius' Xeovreios 

pa. 

Down over the skin-coat of lion's hide 

KPHSSAI 

The seer Polyidus of Corinth discovered the dead 

body of Glaucus, the lost son of Minos, and restored 

it to life by his skill in interpreting Apollo's oracle 

that had been made known to the father. The 

power to bring the child back alive—so the god 

declared—was to be given him who could find the 

most appropriate object to be compared to Minos' 

marvellous cow, which each day became in turn 

white, red, and black (cp. Frag. 54). The legend of 

Polyidus was the theme of Sophocles' Seers. 

To The Women of Crete have been ascribed Fragments 

165, 173. 

419

FRAGMENTS 

{Kpô-a-at 

54(116) 

XevKOLS r€ yap [Mopoiao /cat fxeXayxiP'OLs 

Kal fjbiXroTrpeTTroLS^ ^piOeraL ravrov xpovov^. 

Athenaeus, DeipnosopMsts ii. 36. p. 51 d ; cp. Eustathius 

on Iliad 1254. 25. 

^ 

mXroTrpiiroLs Athen. CE, fiiXToirpîTTOis Eust. 

* Xpoi-S. Eust. 

For at the same season [the branch] is weighed 

down by mulberries, white and black and red. 

AE^N 

The Lion was a satyric play of unknown subject. 

The title may be derived from the Nemean Hon 

overcome by Heracles. 

55 (123) 

oSoLTTopcov^ S'qXrjp,a, x(x)pirr]S BpaKCov 

Stephen of Byzantium, Lexicon 699. 13. 

^ oSoLiroplJbv : Salmasius. 

The bane of wayfarers, the serpent that haunts 

the place 

AYKOYPrOS 

The satyric play of the Lycurgean trilogy. 

56 (124) 

Ka.K Twvh^ €7Ta>€ ^pvTov l

Me>va)v] 

FRAGMENTS 

MEMNQN 

According to the story in the Aethiopis of the 

Cyclic poet Arctinus of Miletus, as summarized by 

Proclus in his Chrestomathy 458, Achilles is informed 

by his mother Thetis that Memnon, the son 

of Eos, clad in full armour fashioned by Hephaestus, 

has come to the aid of the Trojans. Antilochus, 

the son of Nestor, is slain in battle by the Ethiopian 

prince, who in turn is slain by Achilles, whose mother 

begs of Zeus the boon of immortality for her son. 

Achilles routs the Trojans, bursts into the city, is 

killed by Paris and Apollo ; his body is borne to the 

ships by Ajax, while Odysseus keeps the Trojans at 

bay. Thetis, attended by the Muses and her sister 

Nereids, arrives on the scene, bewails her son, whose 

body she takes from the funeral pyre and carries to 

the island of Leuce. 

The trilogy consisted of The Me/xvwv, ^vxoo-Tao-ta, 

Weighing of Souls (the order is disputed), and a third 

play unknown, but probably dealing with the death 

of Achilles. In the ^vxoa-raa-ia Zeus was represented 

as holding aloft the balance, in the scales of which 

were the souls of Achilles and Memnon, while 

beneath each stood Thetis and Eos, praying each 

for the life of her son. Comparing the passage in 

the Iliad (X 210), in which Zeus weighs the fates of 

Achilles and Hector, Plutarch (How a Young Man 

ought to hear Poems 2. p. 17 a) says that Aeschylus 

accommodated a whole play to this fable. 

Fragments 155, 161, 181, 183 have been referred 

to the Memnon. 

421

FRAGMENTS 

[Mc/xi/wv 

57 (127) 

/cat fMTjv TreAaêi /cat Karaiffvêi, ttvotj 

dpKeios^ ws vavTYjaiv da/ceuot?, jmoXojv. 

Eustathius on Iliad 1156. 18, Bekker, Anecdota Graeca 

445. 18 (/cai . . . a/)/cios) ; cp. Hesychius, Lexicon: diXKevocs' 

îXois, awapadKedoLS {Mcxx'^ôs 'Aya/j.ifjLvoi^L : }iUfj.vovi Bergk ; 

Hermann would insert da-KevoLs in a verse after Agam, 1324). 

^ dpKLos: Lobeck. 

And lo, he draws near and his advance fills us with 

chilhng fear, hke a blast from the North that falls on 

sailors unprepared. 

58 (128) 

XOi^Kov adepiarov^ acmihos M. Schmidt. 

Bronze, unshorn (?) and stretched over the shield 

Restoration and translation are wholly uncertain. The 

ancients were hopelessly confused between the words dOrjpr'js, 

a.dei.pris, dreLp-rjs, dr-qp-qs, ddip7]T0s, ddipiroi. Possibly the 

bronze of a shield may be said to be " unshorn," " unconquered," 

since a weapon " shears oif " what it strikes 

(cp. Euripides, Suppliants 716). Tovey, Journal of Philology 

V. (1878) 221, proposed to read, after Seven against 

Thebes 559, xa^'i'^" dd^piarov' dawldos 8' VTreprevTjs \ 

l^wdtv kt\. 

Blomfield would put the verse after Agam. 897. 

MYPMIAONES 

The Achilles-trilogy, the " tragic Iliad," consisting 

of the Mvp/iiSoves, ^TjpetSes, 4>pvy€S >) "E/cTopos Xirpa, 

dramatized (so far as this was appropriate by 

visible action or reported description) the chief 

422

; 

MvpixL86ves] 

FRAGMENTS 

events of the Homeric story of the death of Patroclus, 

the slaying of Hector, and Priam's ransom of the 

body of his son. 

See Fragments 155, 240, 263, 266. 

59 (131) 

TttSe fxev Xevaaeis, âtSt//,' 'A;>(;tAAey, 

BopiXvfjidvTovs AavacDv ixo^dovs, 

ovs ^ CLaco KXiaias 

;^ 

Harpocration, Glossary of the Ten Attic Orators 259. 11, 

explaining TrpoTreirwKdis as having the meaning of 7r/3o5e5w/ccos 

1. 1 Aristophanes, Frogs 992 with Scholiast. 

^ < > Heath. ^ < > Hermann. 

Beholdest thou this, glorious Achilles, beholdest 

thou the distress wrought by the destructive la'nce 

upon the Danaans, whom thou hast betrayed, yet 

sittest idle within thy tent ? 

From the parodus of the Chorus of Myrmidons. 

60 (132) 

O^tcoT A;^tAAeu/ TL ttot', dvSpoSdiKTOv aKovojv 

Irj KOTTOV^ ov TTcXddeis €7r' dpcoydv; 

Aristophanes, Frogs 1264 with Scholiast. 

^ dxtXeO inferior mss. ^ ir}Koirov : Heath. 

Lord of Phthia, Achilles ! Why, oh why, when 

thou hearest the man-slaying 

(Ah woe !) buffetings of war, dost thou not draw 

nigh to our rescue ? 

By the repetition of 1. 2 in Frogs 1266, 1271, 1275, 1277, 

after other high-sounding dactylic measures, Euripides is here 

423

FRAGMENTS 

[Mvpfii86ve^ 

seeking {inter alia) to ridicule Aeschylus for his iteration 

of the refrain and his strange use of interjections. In the 

present instance K6Trov yields an intelligible sense with 

dvdpoddl'KTov ; in the other cases the word (and the entire 

verse) has no connexion with what precedes, being solely 

designed to mark the obscurity of Aeschylus' choral lyrics. 

A later Scholiast on Frogs 1264 and on Prom. 441 ascribes 

the two verses to envoys, whose pleadings that Achilles enter 

the battle were received with inflexible silence. 

61 (134) 

eTTavSeros^ 8e ôvOos iTTTraXeKrpvcbv 

ardt,€i, x^devTOJv^ apfj,dKa)v ttoXvs ttovos. 

Scholiast Venetus on Aristophanes, Peace 1177; 1. 1 

Scholiast Ravennas on Frogs 932. 

^ dirb d' aUre Schol. Peace, iiri 5' aUrbs Schol. Frogs : 

Headlam. * Kijpodev rCiv or KrjpodevTwv V : Blaydes. 

The buff horse-cock fastened thereon, the laborious 

work of outpoured paints, is dripping. 

When the Trojans set fire to a ship of the Greeks (in 717 

Hector attempts to burn that of Protesilaiis), the heat caused 

the melting of the paint of the figure (or picture) of a horsecock, 

the emblem of the vessel. A horse-cock is pictured in 

Harrison and MacColl, Oreek Vase-Paintings pi. viii. 

62 (138) 

*AvriXox , dTTOijxcoôv jxe rod redvrjKoros 

rov ^covra {MaXXov rdfid yap SiOix^raL. 

Aristophanes, Women in Parliament 392 with Scholiast. 

The Scholiast ends the quotation with fidWov, but, since 

Gataker, the following words are also generally ascribed to 

Aeschylus. 

Antilochus, bewail me, the living, rather than him, 

the dead ; 

424 

for I have lost my all.

MvpfjLtSoves] 

FRAGMENTS 

63 (139) 

d)S ^ earl /jLvOcov rwv Al^vcttlkcov^ AcAeos^, 

TrATyyeVr' drpaKTCp to^lku) rov alerov 

enrelv ISovra iJi,'q)(avrjv'^ TTTepcofMaTos' 

raS' ovx VTT^ dXXojv, dXXd Tot? avrcov TrrepoZs 

dXcaKOfieada.^ 

Scholiast on Aristophanes, Birds 807, 808, Suidas, 

Lexicon s.v. rauTi ,aev ; 1. 1 Pseudo-Diogenianus, Proverbs 

{Paroemiographi Graeci i. 180) ; 11. 4-5 Birds 808 and often 

in late writers : Dionysius of Halicarnassus, On the Poxcer of 

the Style of Demosthenes 7, Philo of Alexandria, On the 

Incorruptibility of the World 14. 49 (Cohn and Reiter vi. 88), 

Galen, On the Opinions of Hippocrates and Plato iv (vol. v. 

395), Aristeides, On Rhetoric 15 (ii. 17), Athenaeus, Deipnosophists 

xi. 86. p. 494 b, Eustathius on Iliad 632. 35. 

^ Sid' Pseudo-Diogen., lis 5e Schol. Aristoph., 6 5" Suid. 

^ AijSuKwv TO Pseudo-Diogen. 

^ \6yos Schol. Aristoph., Suid. 

* T-qf ixrixo-vr}v rov Suid. 

* aXiaKo/j-eda in most citations. 

Even so is the Libyan fable famed abroad : the 

eagle, pierced by the bow-sped shaft, looked at the 

feathered device, and said, " Thus, not by others, but 

by means of our own plumage, are we slain." 

Achilles has lost his friend Patroclus, who, by his consent 

and clad in his armour, fought to rescue the Greeks only to 

lose his life. 

Compare Waller's " To a Lady singing a Song of his 

own Composing " : 

That eagle's fate and mine are one. 

Which, on the shaft that made him die, 

Espy'd a feather of his own. 

Wherewith he wont to soar so high. 

4>25

. 

FRAGMENTS 

[MvpfiiSoves 

64 (135) 

aeâs 8e fj.rjpct)V dyvov^ ovk iTrrjBeao)^, 

cS SvaxO'Pi'CrT€ raJv rrvKVcov^

MvcToq 

FRAGMENTS 

MTSOI 

According to the common version of the legend, 

Telephus, son of Heracles and Auge, daughter of 

Aleiis of Tegea, being ignorant of his parents, was 

directed by an oracle to seek for them in Mysia, of 

which country Teuthras was ruler. Aristotle (Poetics 

1460 a 32), however, referring to the fault that 

improbable incidents are sometimes set forth within 

a play (whereas they ought, if possible, to be external, 

as part of the fable) alludes to Telephus as having 

come speechless all the way from Tegea to Mysia, 

a taboo explicable only if he had incurred bloodguiltiness 

(cp. Eumenides 448). Telephus had, in fact, 

killed his maternal uncles. 

Fragment 208 has been referred to The Mysians. 

67 (143) 

tcu Kai'/ce Myatat t' eTTippoai 

Strabo, Geography xiii. 1. 70. p. 616 (wrongly ascribing 

the verse to the prologue of The Myrmidons, an error 

corrected by Pauw), Macrobius, Saturnalia v. 20. 16. 

Hail, Caicus and ye streams of Mysia ! 

68 (144) 

TTorafMov KatKou Xîpe npcuros opyecov, 

€V)(als Se aa)t,oLs^ SecTTroTas" Tratcoviais. 

Photius, Lexicon 344. 19, Suidas, Lexicon s.v. opyeQve^. 

^ (Tw'fois Phot., ai!i(T€Ls Suid. 

Hail, thou first priest of Caicus' stream, by thy 

healing prayers mayest thou preserve thy lords ! 

427

FRAGMENTS 

[Mi 

69 (145 a) 

* 

€l8ov KaXndôvras eV alxii'Ols. 

Photius, Lexicon 113. 15 (Reitzenstein). 

I saw them trotting (?) amid the spears. 

NEANISKOI 

The Youths, the third play of the Lycm-gus-trilogy, 

apparently has its name from the Edonians who 

celebrated the worship of Dionysus that had gained 

admission into the kingdom of Lycurgus despite the 

opposition of that prince. 

See Fragments 179, 187, 193, 210, 256. 

70 (146) 

avpas^ VTToaKLOicnv^ iv i/jvKrrjpioLS^ 

Athenaeus, Deipnosophists xi. 109. p. 503 c. 

^ aavpas: Valckenaer. 

* inrO(TKlot.

NrjpdS.s] 

FRAGMENTS 

NHPEIAES 

Thetis, accompanied by her sister Nereids, comes 

from the depths of the sea to enquire the cause of 

the lamentations of her son (cp. îl 53 ff.). She finds 

Achilles by the dead body of Patroclus and promises 

to procure from Hephaestus new armour that he 

may take vengeance on Hector, who has been 

exulting over the death of Patroclus. The play probably 

contained a description of Achilles' new armour, 

his reconciliation with Agamemnon, and his combat 

with Hector, whose corpse was dragged in at the 

close. 

See Fragments 158, I89. 

72 (150) 

heX(f)Lvo(f>6pov^ TTehiov ttovtov 

Siafien/jcifMevaL 

Scholiast on Euripides, Women of Phoenicia 209. 

^ 8e\

^jkoto^ 

riXos 

FRAGMENTS 

["SrjpetSes 

Hesychius, Lexicon s.v. iva.po6pos, states that ancient 

commentators compared % 412 " 

: for it is unholy to boast 

over slain men," and gives the meaning of the much mangled 

words as follows : 6 5e dvapoKTdvTas OdvarSs {ddvarov corr. 

Heinsius) /xot {/xrj corr. Musurus) i-rrtKavx^fJi-evos rb (k tuv 

6eQi> reXos viJ/oO (XTroXeti/'ei (aTroXî/'et corr. Musurus), rd tuv 

ddavdnav v^t], Kai iiri roiis ^x^poLT ^s^'* Sidgwick read 

ivapoKTdvra'i 5^ ^bvos Kdfnroii \ 

vij/ov kt\. 

\ 

" Death, the spoiler and slayer, angry at boastings, will 

quit the company of the immortals on high " (?). 

75 (152) 

/ca/Lta/cos" 8' lei?^ [/ca^/.a/co?]^ yXcoxtva BiKpovv^ 

Scholiast on Pindar, Nemean 6. 85 (53). 

^ elffi : Heimsoeth. * [ ] Hermann. 

^ BnrXddiov : Hermann. 

Hurling the shaft with forked point 

NIOBH 

The place and progress of the action of this famous 

drama cannot be determined with certainty. Apart 

from the title-heroine, the only person known to 

participate in the action is Tantalus, the father of 

Niobe—himself, like his daughter, destroyed because 

of evil pride engendered by great good fortune. 

Niobe, according to Homer (0 602 ff.), had vaunted 

herself a more prolific mother than Leto, whose two 

children, Apollo and Artemis, therefore slew her 

seven sons and seven daughters. From Fragment 81 

it has been inferred that the scene remained Thebes 

throughout the play. Since it is expressly reported 

that Sophocles in his Niohe made the mother return 

to her native Lydia after the destruction of her 

430

Nt^/?7,] 

FRAGMENTS 

children in Thebes, it is hkely that this transference 

of the place of action from Thebes to Lydia was not 

anticipated by Aeschylus.—The older poet gives no 

hint as to the reason for the calamity visited by Zeus 

upon Amphion, Niobe's husband and his own son. 

Sources other than the text inform us that 

Aeschylus gave Niobe fourteen children, a number 

adopted by Euripides and Aristophanes ; whereas, 

apart from other variations in the tradition, Homer 

states that they were twelve, Hesiod twenty, equally 

divided as to sex.—Until the third part of the play 

Niobe sat speechless upon the tomb of her dead 

offspring, apparently the most celebrated instance 

of the dramatic device of silence often employed by 

Aeschylus, and for which he is ridiculed by Euripides 

in Aristophanes, Frogs 911. 

It has been disputed whether the title refers only 

to the one play Niobe, or whether, like Prometheus, it 

was both a collective designation of an entire trilogy 

and also the name of a single drama ; in any case, as 

to the dramas presented at the same time we have 

no information. Welcker sought to estabhsh the 

group T/3o

FRAGMENTS 

[Nio/^vy 

76 (155) 

"larpos Toiavras irapdevovs^ iêvx^rai^ 

rplêiv 6 6^ ayvos Oacri?^. 

Choeroboscus (4 1 . 1 0) on Hephaestion's Handbook of Metres 

1 (Consbruch 3. 15). 

^ 

dtcrrpos ToiavTTjs irapOivov Heph. inferior mss. 

'' 

1. 1 is often cited by itself, generally with Xoxiverai, 

sometimes with iiaieverai or fxvr)x€Tat . . .

Nio/37j] 

FRAGMENTS 

79 (158) 

aTTeipu) 8' dpovpav SdoSex rjfiepcov oSov, 

BepeKvvra ;â»pov, evd^ 'ASpaoretas' eSos" 

"ISt)^ re fji.vKrjdfj.oi(n Kal ^pvxijp-o.cnv 

TTpeiTovai^ /jL'^Xiov, Trdv S' ope;\;êuet^ ttcSov. 

Strabo, Geography xii. 7. 18. p. 580 ; (xireipw . . . x^po*' 

Plutarch, 0% Banishment 10. 603 a, 7%a< a Philosopher ought 

chiefly to converse with Great Men 3. 778 b. 

^ r5r;s : Casaubon. 

^ Ppifjiova-i : H. L. Ahrens. 

^ opexêi ux, ipix^^f- Cglrvw, ipix^ôv Dhi : Headlam. 

sow a field twelve days' journey wide, even the 

I 

Berecynthian land, where Adrastea's seat and Ida 

resound with lowing oxen and bleating sheep, and 

the whole plain roars. 

Spoken by Tantalus. The words of Fragment 80 have 

regard to the overthrow of his house and followed close upon 

those of Fragment 79. 

80 (159) 

ovpLos Se TTorpLos^ ovpavw Kvpatv dvco 

epaê TTiTrTei /cat /xe TTpoa

FRAGMENTS 

[NkJ/Jt; 

81 (160) 

/cat SofMovs ' Afj,(/)Lovos 

KaratdaXwcrco rrvpcfyopoiaiv aterois". 

Aristophanes, Birds 1247-1248. 

And to ashes will I burn the house of Amphion 

by my fire-bearing eagles. 

The eagle is lovis armiger, minister fulminis. Amphion's 

death was variously explained, but apparently this is the 

only place where it is ascribed to Zeus. /caTTj^dXwue " burned 

to ashes " is a probable conjecture of E. A. J. Ahrens. 

82 (161) 

fx6vo9 deojv yoLp^ Sdvaros ov Scopcov ipa, 

»SJ»2 " Q ' 'S'2 ' '5 "3 

ovo av TV uvojv ovo eTnaTrevocDV avois , 

oyS' eoTt ^cofiog* ovSe rraiajvi^crai' 

fjiovov Se Hcidoj Baifjbovwv aTrocfrarei. 

Stobaeus, Anthology iv. 51. 1 (Hense v. 1066) in cod. 

Sambuci ; 11. 1-3 Scholiasts AB on Iliad 1 158 (cp. Eustathius 

on Iliad 744. 3) ; 1. 1 Aristophanes, Frogs 1392, 

Scholiast on Sophocles, Electra 139, and on Euripides, 

Alcestis 55, Suidas, Lexicon s.v. OavarCbv, fibvos OeQv, irdyKoivos. 

^ yhp Oewv Schol. Soph. Eur., 6eQ}v ye Suid. s.v. irdyKoivo^^ 

yap om. Suid. s.v. fiovos dewv, Eust. 

* oxjt' . . . oSt' Stob., 01)5' . . . ovb' Schol. 11., Eust. 

* vaols Stob., Xdôis Schol. II., Eust. : Dobree. 

* ov û/jlSs i

HdvTptai] 

FRAGMENTS 

83 (162) 

OL Oecov dy)(La7ropoL 

OL 'Lrjvos eyyvs, djv /car' ÎSatov ndyov^ 

Aios TTarpwov ôj/jlos ear* iv aWepi, 

KOVTTCO a^LV i^lrrjXov alfia SaLfxovojv. 

Plato, Republic iii. 391 e ; cp. Strabo, Geography xii. 8. 

21. p. 580. 

^ (hv Kar 'Idalov Trdyov Plato, oh iv 'ISaiip Trdyif Strabo. 

The kindred of the gods, men near to Zeus, whose 

is the altar of Zeus, their sire, high in clear air on 

Ida's hill, and in their veins not yet hath ceased to 

flow the blood divine. 

Spoken by Niobe, says Strabo. 

SANTPIAI 

The subject of this play is the rejection of the 

newly instituted worship of Dionysus either by 

Pentheus or by the daughters of Minyas. The 

Scholiast on Eumenides 24 states that the death 

of Pentheus took place, in the Uavrpiuc, on Mt. 

Cithaeron ; and Philostratus (Images 3.18) describes 

a picture in which the mother and aunts of Pentheus 

rend asunder {âivova-L) the body of the unbelieving 

prince. On the other hand, Aelian {Historical 

Miscellanies 3. 42, cp. Ovid, Metamorphoses 14. 32 fF.) 

relates that Leucippe, Arsippe, and Alcithoe, the 

daughters of Minyas, out of love for their husbands, 

held themselves aloof from the orgiastic rites of 

Dionysus and attended to their weaving (in which 

435

84 (168) 

opeaaLyovoLat 

FRAGMENTS 

[Udm-piac 

case Havrptai might yield the meaning " Wool- 

Carders ") and to punish their obstinacy, the god 

brought madness upon the sisters, so that they 

tore to pieces the son of Leucippe ; in consequence 

of which deed of blood they were pursued by the 

Maenads.—Hera appeared in the play in the guise 

of a priestess begging alms (Fragment 84) ; and 

Bacchic frenzy was incorporated as Lyssa (Fragment 

85). By some the drama is regarded as satyric. 

See Fragments 184, 197, 210. 

vvfxcfyais KprjVLaaiv KvSpalai Oealaiv ayeipo) 

Îvdxov Âpyelov TTorajJiov Traicrtv ^LoSwpots. 

Scholiast on Aristophanes, Frogs 1344, Diogenes, Letters 

34. 2 ; I. 3 Plato, Republic ii, 381 d. 

vvfKpai dpecTiydviai {opecnyoviOL V) Oeaicriv dyelpo} 'Ivdxov 

'Afyyeiov virb noTa/xov kt\. Schol. Aristoph. ; 

{"Hpav) vOfiipat^ 

Kprjyaiaii' Kv5pa7s dyeipovcrai' 'Ivdxov 'Apydais . . . /StoSwpots 

Diog. : dpecffiydvoiai vdfKpais Kprjvidcrtv Meineke, Kvdpatci. 

Dindorf. 

For the nymphs of the springs, the glorious 

goddesses mountain-born, I beg a dole, even for the 

life-giving children of Inachus, the Argive river. 

85 (169) 

e/c TToScSv S' dvo) 

VTrepx^rat OTrapayixos els aKpov Kapa, 

K€vrr]p,a Avacrqs,^ aKopiriov êXos Xeyco. 

Photius, Lexicon 326. 22, Suidas, Lexicon s.v. dKTwnovv. 

1 y\

OlSiTTovs] 

FRAGMENTS 

From the feet up to the crown of the head steals 

a spasm, the stab of Frenzy, aye, the scorpion's sting. 

Spoken by Lyssa. 

86 (171) 

KafiaKes TrevKiqs ol TTvpit^XeKToi 


Shafts of pine ablaze with fire 

87 (170) 

as ovre 7T€iJ,(f)L^ rjXiov TrpocrSepKerac 

ovT aarrepcoTTOV ofifMO^ Kr^rtLas Koprjs. 

Galen, Commentary on Hippocrates'' Epidemics vi, vol. 

xvli. 1. 8.80. 

^ a,

FRAGMENTS 

[OlSlirovs 

88 (173) 

CTrfjjjLev^ rrj£ ohov rpo-)(rj\arov 

axtcrTrjs KeXevdov Tpiohov, evda avjxôXag 

rpiojv KeXevdcov^ Ylorviahcov rjfJLeLôjxev. 

Scholiast on Sophocles, Oedipus Tyrannus 733. 

^ eireirj/jLeu {iiryjeiixev G) : Brunck. ^ Ki\evdov : Brunck. 

We were coming on our journey to the place from 

which three highways part in branching roads, where 

we crossed the junction of the triple roads at Potniae. 

Oldiirovs Valckenaer, VXavKos IIotvuvs Hermann. 

OnA^N KPISIS 

The Award of the Arms, the first play of the Ajaxtrilogy, 

dealt with the contest between Ajax and 

Odysseus for the arms of Achilles after that hero's 

death. From Fragment 90 it appears that each of 

the chieftains set forth his pretensions and indulged 

in detraction of his rival. According to a verse of 

the Odyssey (A 547, rejected by Aristarchus) the 

Trojans were the judges ; according to the Aethiopis 

of Arctinus the award was made by Trojan captives ; 

according to Lesches' Little Iliad the decision in 

favour of Odysseus resulted from the fact that a 

Trojan, overheard by Achaean scouts under the walls 

of the city, pronounced that warrior more redoubtable 

than Ajax. The constitution of the Chorus is 

uncertain. Fragment 89 is cited as addressed to 

Thetis by some one who called upon the Nereids to 

make the award. Welcker held that Trojan captives 

formed the choral group. 

Fragment 189 has been referred to the play. 

438

"OttXojv Kpiais] 

FRAGMENTS 

89 (174) 

SeanoLva TrevrrjKovra Nr^/oiyScuv Kopdv 

Scholiast on Aristophanes, Acharnians 883. 

Queen of Nereus' fifty daughters 

90 (175) 

dAA' 'Ai/Ti/cAeta? acrcrov rjXOe Hiavf/yos, 

rrjs aijs Xeyco roc /jLTjTpog, rj a eyeivaro. 

SchoHast on Sophocles, Ajax 190. 

But Sisyphus drew nigh unto Anticleia—aye, thy 

mother, I mean, her who bare thee. 

Ajax calls Odysseus a bastard of Sisyphus, the crafty 

knave. 

91 (177) 

ri yap KaXov 1,'fjv (L îos^ XvTras (f>€p€i; 

Stobaeus, Anthology iv. 53. 24 (Hense v. 1 104). 

^ ^Tjif ^lov as : Nauck. 

For wherein is hfe sweet to him who suffers grief ? 

Spoken by Ajax. 

92 (176) 

ttTrAa yap ean ttjs aXr]6€Las kirrj. 

Stobaeus, Anthology 3. 11. 4 (Hense iii. 431). 

For simple are the words of truth. 

93 (178 a) 

Kal 8ta TTVCVfMoirojv deppbov aiqaiv vttvov. 

Photius, Lexicon 39. 7 (Reitzenstein). 

And through his lungs he breathes fevered sleep. 

439

^FRAGMENTS 

pOo-roXoyoi 

OSTOAOrOI 

The Bone-Gatherers was a tragedy, if, as seems not 

improbable, the Chorus consisted of the relatives 

of the suitors of Penelope who came to exact 

vengeance from Odysseus for the slaughter of their 

kin and to collect their bones after their bodies had 

been burned on the funeral pyre (cp. w 417), On 

this supposition, Fragments 94 and 95 were spoken 

by Odysseus standing by the corpses of the suitors and 

recounting the insults he had received at their hands. 

A counter interpretation, regarding the play as 

satyric, derives the title from the hungry beggars in 

the palace at Ithaca, who collected the bones hurled 

at them by the suitors (cp. v 299, o- 394). 

94 (179) 

^vpv[iayps ovTos aXXos^ ov8ev rjaaovas^ 

v^p^C v^piapiovs ovK ivaiaiovs^ ep.oir)v 

fxev yap avroj ct/cottos'* aet rov/jiov^ Kapa, 

rov 8' ayKvXiqrois Koaadôis^ eTriV/coTros"' 

|eKTe/Lta>v^ rj^cbaa )(elp e(f)Uro. 

Athenaeus, Deipnosophists xv. 5. p. 667 c. 

^ OVK &\\os A : Hermann. * ijaaov A : Musurus. 

' alvecrlov^ A : Person, Coray. * Kdrraôs : Dobree. 

* Tod ixh A : Petit. • d7/ci/\7jroO KoaaAîb^ : Dobree. 

' icTTLv cTKoirbi A : Kaibel. 

* Headlam conj. ws iKrofiQiv " as of javelins " : o6 iKrevus 

Schweighiiuser. 

Eurymachus here, another, brought no less unseemly 

outrage upon me ; for he continually made 

my head his mark, and at it, with bent-armed casts, 

his vigorous hand kept aiming true. 

440

: 

XOipt-? 

, 

UaXaix^Sy]^] 

FRAGMENTS 

The poet has in mind that form of the cottabus-game 

(/corra/Sos or KdaaajSos) in which each of the players so bent 

his arm and turned his wrist as to aim the wine left in the 

bottom of his cup at the head of a small bronze figure {/xdvrjs) 

placed in a saucer (TrXdcmy^). 

95 (180) 

oo eoTLV 09 TTor afX(p e/xot peAog 

yeXwTOTTOLOv , rr]v KOLKOcrfiov ovpdvrjv, 

cppufjev ouS' rjixapre- Trepl 8' e/xa> /capo. 

TrATyyeta' ivavdyrjoev 6crrpaKovfj,evrj 

pbvprjpayv^ revxccov TTviova* ip.OL. 

Athenaeus, Deipnosophists i. 30. p. 17 c; cp. Eustathius 

on Odyssey 1828. 28 ; rV KaKoa/xou . . . Kapqi Sophocles, 

Frag. .565. 

Ascribed to Aeschylus by Athenaeus, to this play by 

Welcker. 

^ fxvpapQv C. 

There is the man who once hurled at me (nor did 

he miss his aim) a missile that caused them all to 

laugh, even the ill-smelling chamber-pot ; crashed 

about my head, it was shivered into shards, breathing 

upon me an odour unlike that of unguent-jars. 

nAAAMHAHS 

Palamedes, son of Nauplius, was the human, as 

Prometheus was the divine, inventor or discoverer 

of arts and sciences useful to man ; and to both were 

ascribed the introduction of the alphabet, number, 

and the skill to know the periods of the stars. Later 

epic and the tragic drama were especially concerned 

with the manner of his death at Troy. According 

441

FRAGMENTS 

[HaXa/x^JST^s 

to the legend probably preferred by the tragedians, 

his violent end was due to the ancient enmity of 

Odysseus, whose feigned madness to escape participation 

in the Trojan war had been detected by the 

ingenuity of Palamedes. One account had him 

drowned by Odysseus and Diomedes ; another had 

him lured into a well in search of treasure and then 

crushed with stones. More famous was the story 

that Odysseus, in concert with Agamemnon (to 

whom Palamedes, as leader of the peace party, was 

opposed) concocted a plot to show that their adversary 

purposed to betray the Greeks : gold was hidden in 

his tent, likewise a letter purporting to be written 

to him by Priam, on the discovery of which by the 

people he was stoned to death by Odysseus and 

Diomedes. 

Nauplius, failing to obtain justice from the 

murderers of his son, took vengeance on the Greek 

commanders by raising deceptive fire-signals on the 

Capherean cliffs in Euboea at the time of their homeward 

voyage. 

Fragment 252 has been referred to this play. 

96 (182) 

/cat raîapyov? )(âKaTovrdpxovs:^ arparcp 

eraâ, alrov 8' elhivai Sicopiaa, 

dpLcrra, SetTrva, hoprra 6^^ alp^ladai rpira?. 

Kihtr\&e.\xs, Deipnosophists I. 19. p. 11 d; o'itov . . . Tpira. 

Eustathius on Odyssey 1791. 42 ; 1. 3 often in later writers. 

^ Taftdpxtts Ka.1 (rTparapxas Kal eKarovTdpX"-^ ' Person {-ovs 

for -aj Wilam.). ^ S' Athen. 

' rpla Schol. on Iliad in Cramer, Anecdota Graeca 

Parisiensia ill. 7. 15, Eustathius on Iliad 1358. 4, on Odyssey 

1432. 5, 1791. 42. 

442

evê^s] 

FRAGMENTS 

Both commanders of regiments ^ and centurions 

did I appoint for the host, and I determined their 

knowledge of different foods ,2 and for them to take 

breakfast, dinner, and supper third. 

Spoken by Palamedes (Athenaeus). 

^ At Athens ra^lapxoi commanded the troops raised from 

each of the tribes. 

^ It is uncertain whether the mention of food refers to 

soldiers' rations or has regard to a distinct invention on the 

part of Palamedes. Possibly eidevai is corrupt. 

97 (181) 

rlvos KareKras eveKa vratS' iôv ^Xd^-qg; 

Scholiast A on Iliad A 319. 

By reason of what injury hast thou slain my son ? 

Nauplius reproaches Odysseus for the death of his son. 

nENGEYS 

The Pentkeus anticipated Euripides' Bacchae, in 

which play Dionysus, angered at the refusal of 

Pentheus, ruler of Thebes, to recognize his godhead, 

inspired with frenzy the prince's mother Agave and 

her sisters. In their madness the women tore 

Pentheus to pieces, and Agave bore his head in 

triumph in the delusion that it was that of a lion. 

See Eumenides 26, and cp. Fragment 197. 

98 (183) 

fjuTjS^ aifMaros 7T€fj,(f)i'ya Trpos Trehco ^dXrjS. 

Galen, Commentary on Hippocrates^ Epidemics vi, vol. 

xvii. 1. 880. 

Nor do thou cast a drop of blood upon the ground. 

443

FRAGMENTS 

[Hep/aat/SiSeS 

nEPPAIBIAES 

The Women of Perrhaebia belongs with the Ixiori 

(see p. 410). Compare Fragments 182, 192, 222. 

99 (184) 

7TOV fjboi ra TToXXa Sojpa KaKpodivia; 

7TOV xP^(^^r€VKra Kapyvpd aKVôiixara; 

Athenaeus, Deipnosophists xi. 99. p. 499 a, Eustathius on 

Odyssey 1T75. 22. 

Where are my many promised gifts and spoils of 

war ? Where are my gold and silver cups ? 

Eioneus here, as in Frag. 100, demands the bridal-gifts 

promised him by Ixion. 

100 (185) 

apyvpriXdroL? 

KcpaaL XP'^^^ arofMia Trpoaê^XrjixivoLS 

Athenaeus, Deipnosophists xi. 51. p. 476 c, Eustathius on 

Iliad mi. 63. 

With silver-mounted drinking-horns, fitted with 

golden mouthpieces 

101 (186) 

redvrjKcv oiKrpcos^ XPVP'^'^^^ dTraioXirj. 

Eustathius on Iliad 352. 34, Favorinus, Lexicon s.v. 

^ ali Eust., aio-xpwj Fav. : F. W. Schmidt. 

He has perished piteously, defrauded of his own. 

444

UpofirjOei^] 

FRAGMENTS 

nHNEAOnH 

102 (187) 

eyo} yevog fiev elfiL K/)t)s" apx^crrarov. 

Etymologicum Oenuinum s.v. aoidoiea-TaTov ; cp. Etymologicum 

Magnum 31. 6. 

I am a Cretan of most ancient lineage. 

Odysseus, on the occasion of his first conversation with 

Penelope after his return, fabricates the tale that he is a 

Cretan, the grandson of Minos (r 180). In f 199 he tells 

Eumaeus that he is a Cretan, the son of Castor. 

nPOMHGEIS 

The Medicean Catalogue of Aeschylus' plays 

names three entitled li.pofirjOev'i (Sea-fjiMTrj^, Xv6- 

fxevo'i, Trvp

npoixrjdeh Xv6fi.] 

FRAGMENTS 

FRAGMENTS 

[UpofiyÔeits Avo/x. 

land of the peoples in the farthest north (Frag. 109- 

1 1 1) and the perils to be encountered on his homeward 

march after slaying Geryon in the farthest west (Frag. 

112,cp. 37). Frag. 113-114refer to Heracles' shooting 

of the eagle that fed on the vitals of the Titan. 

See Fragments 204, 208, 209, 230, 261. 

104 (190) 

rJKOfJI,€V . . . 

Tovs crovs dOXovs rovaSe, Upofjirjdev, 

Seafiov re Trddos rohi* eTTd/toyLtevot^. 

Arrian, Voyage in the Euxine 99. 22, Anonymous in 

Miiller, Fragmenta Historicorum Graecorum v. 184. 

^ iao\l/6fj.€voi. Arrian. 

We have come to look upon these thy ordeals, 

Prometheus, and the affliction of thy bonds. 

105 (192) 

(jiOiVLKOTTehov t' ipvOpds Upov 

êvfjia 

daXdaarjS 

'\XO.XKOKipavv6v re Trap' 

^Q.Keava) 

Xtp,v7]v^ 7Tavrorp6(f)OV AWlottcov, 

tv' o TTavroTrrrjs^ "HAto? alec 

XpdjT'^ dddvarov Kdp,ar6v 6^ Itttto^v 

vSaros 

depfMots 

fMaXuKov TTpo-)(ooA,s [t']* ava7Tav€L. 

Strabo, Geography i. 2. 27. p. 33. 

^ Xifiuav : Dindorf. 

* TravTeiroTTTas : iravrowTas Tyrwhitt, iravTowTtji Dindorf. 

3 

[ ] 

Editors. 

[Leaving] the Erythraean Sea's sacred stream red 

of floor, and the mere by Oceanus, the mere of the 

Aethiopians . . . that giveth nourishment unto all, 

447 

where the all-seeing Sun doth ever, in warm outpourings 

of soft water, refresh his undying body and 

his wearied steeds. 

Cited by Strabo as proof that the ancient Greeks 

designated as Aethiopia all the southern countries toward 

the ocean. In 1. 3 xaX/co/c^pauTOc is credited with the meaning 

" flashing like bronze." But Kepavv6% is not used for (TTepoTrrj 

(xaXfoo-r^poTTo;' Weil, x«^'

Upofjir)deus Xvoix.] 

FRAGMENTS 

FRAGMENTS 

[npofirjeevs Xvofx 

tristi advolatu adiincis lacerans linguibus 

lovis satelles pastu dilaniat fero. 

turn iecore opimo farta et satiata adfatim 

clangorem fundit vastum, et sublime avolans^ 

15 pinnata cauda nostrum adulat sanguinem. 

cum vero adesum inflatu renovatum est iecur, 

tum riirsum taetros avida se ad pastiis refert. 

sic hanc^ custodem maesti cruciatiis alo, 

quae^ me perenni vivum foedat miseria, 

20 namque, ut videtis, vinclis constrictus lovis 

arcere nequeo diram volucrem a pectore. 

sic me ipse viduus pestis excipio anxias, 

amore mortis terminum anquirens^ mali, 

sed longe a leto mimine aspellor lovis. 

25 atque haec vetusta saeclis glomerata horridis 

luctifica clades nostro infixa est corpori, 

e quo liquatae solis ardore excidunt 

guttae, quae saxa adsidue instillant Gaucasi. 

Cicero, Tusculan Disputations ii. 10. 23-25 ; 11. 14-15 

siibli7ne — sanguinem in Nonius Marcellus, Compendiosa 

Doctrina 17. 9 M. 

^ advolans : Lambinus. 

* hunc : Bentley. 

^ 

qui : Bentley. 

* inquirens : Victorius. 

Ye race of Titans, offspring of Uranus, bloodkinsmen 

mine ! Behold me fettered, clamped to 

these rough rocks, even as a ship is moored fast bytimid 

sailors, fearful of night because of the roaring 

sea. Thus hath Zeus, the son of Cronus, fastened 

me, and to the will of Zeus hath Hephaestus lent his 

hand. With cruel art hath he riven my limbs bydriving 

in these bolts. Ah, unhappy that I am ! 

By his skill transfixed, I tenant this stronghold of 

the Furies. And now, each third woeful day, with 

VOL. II 2 G 449 

dreadful swoop, the minister of Zeus with his hooked 

talons rends me asunder by his cruel repast. Then, 

crammed and glutted to the full on my fat liver, he 

utters a prodigious scream and, soaring aloft, with 

winged tail fawns upon my gore. But when my 

gnawed liver swells, renewed in growth, greedily 

doth he return anew to his fell repast. Thus do I 

feed this guardian of my awful torture, who mutilates 

me living with never-ending pain. For fettered, as 

ye see, by the bonds of Zeus, I have no power to 

drive from my vitals the accursed bird. Thus, 

robbed of self-defence, I endure woes fraught with 

torment : longing for death, I look around for an 

ending of my misery ; 

but by the doom of Zeus I 

am thrust far from death. And this my ancient 

dolorous agony, intensified by the dreadful centuries, 

is fastened upon my body, from which there fall, 

melted by the blazing sun, drops that unceasingly 

pour upon the rocks of Caucasus. 

108 (194) 

iTTTTOJV ovoiv T* o;êta^ /cat ravpcov yevos^ 

hovs dvriSovXa^ /cat ttovojv iKSeicropa*. 

Plutarch, On Fortune 3, 98 c (cp. On the Craftiness of 

Animals 7. 965 a), Porphyry, On Abstinence 3. 18. 

1 dxdav Plut. 965 a, Porph. 2 yovas : Wilam. 

» ivrlSupa Plut. 98 c. * AvSdKTopa Plut. 965 a. 

Giving to them stallions—horses and asses—and 

the race of bulls to serve them as slaves and to 

relieve them of their toil, 

450

, 

UpofMiê€h Hermann. 

' 8LKi\\r]s : Holsten. 

* avTocTTTopoL R, avTOdTTopoi. othcr MSS. 

Thereafter thou shalt come unto a people of all 

mortals most just and most hospitable, even unto 

the Gabians ; where nor plough nor mattock, that 

cleaves the ground, parteth the earth, but where the 

fields, self-sown, bring forth bounteous sustenance for 

mortals. 

451 

111 (198) 

oAA' LTnrdKrjs ^pcorrjpes evvofMOL HkvOul 

Strabo, Geography vii. 3. 7. p. 301. 

But the well-ordered Scythians that feed on mares' 

milk cheese 

' 

In Iliad N 5 Homer mentions lirirrifjioXyol, who drink 

mares' milk. 

112 (199) 

'q$€is 8e Atyvcov els drdp^rjrov arparov, 

evd^ ov p,dxf]S, ad(f>' oiSa, Kal dovpos rrep a>v, 

îiprj -^ TTeTTpiorai ydp ae Kal êXrj XiTrelv 

ivravd^' iXeaOai 8' ovtiv* e/c yaias Xidov 

eêi?, eVei irds x^P^^ 

^^^'' /-tctAâ/cds"' 

tScbv 8' dfjbrjxavovvrd a^ ocKripel TTaTTjp,^ 

vecfieXrjv 8' VTrepaxo^v^ vis oiKTepei irarrip : Cobet {olKTipei Nauck). 

^ i'7ro(rx'»"' 5 Casaubon. * arpoyyvXajv nog^k*. 

^ av/iâXwv : Salmasius. 

* drid}(Tei (57ju)(reis s") : Stwtrei Dobree, dtwarj Wilam. 

Thou shalt come to the dauntless host of the 

Ligurians, where, full well I know, thou shalt not be 

eager for battle, impetuous though thou art ; for it is 

fated that even thy arrows shall fail thee there ; and 

thou shalt not be able to take from the ground any 

stone, because the whole place is smooth. But the 

Father, beholding thy helplessness, shall pity thee, 

and, holding above thee a cloud, shall overshadow 

the land with a shower of round stones. Hurling 

these, thou shalt easily drive back the Ligurian host. 

452

. 

! 

UpoiM-qdevs TTvpK.] 

FRAGMENTS 

According to Strabo, Prometheus here gives directions to 

Heracles concerning the road he is to take on his journey 

from the Caucasus to the Hesperides. 

Strabo states that the place was called the Stony Plain, 

and was situated between Marseilles and the outlets of the 

Rhone, about a hundred stades distant from the sea. It is 

now identified with " la plaine de la Crau " near Aries. 

113 (200) 

dypevg 8' 'AttoAAcoi^ opdov Wvvot êXog. 

Plutarch, On Love 14. 757 e. Ascribed to this play by 

Schiitz. 

May Hunter Apollo speed my arrow straight 

The prayer of Heracles as he bends his bow against the 

eagle that rends Prometheus (Plutarch). 

114(201) 

ixdpov TTarpos p-oi tovto ^(.Xrarov reKVOV 

Plutarch, Life of Pompey 1 

Of his sire, mine enemy, this dearest son 

Prometheus addresses Heracles as the author of his 

deliverance (Plutarch). 

nPOMHeETS nTPKAEYS 

To Prometheus the Fire-Kindler has been referred 

Fragment 156 ; to the " satyric Prometheus," 169j 

170, 171, 172. 

115 (205) 

Aim 8e^ TTeaaa} K(l>p.oXivov fiaKpol rovoi 


^ XtJ'dSes P, \iva de other mss. : Dindorf. 

^ vlaffa : Wilam. 

And linen-hnt and long bands of raw flax 

453 

FRAGMENTS 

116(206) 

eêvXaôv Se fi-q are TrpoaâXrf arrofjua 

7T€fj,i^' TTiKpa yap KovXiaôets drpboi^. 

[llpo/xr/êi^s TrvpK- 

Galen, Commentary on Hippocrates' Epidemics vi, vol. 

xvii. 1. 880. 

^ TrpoapdWr) : Casaubon. 

^ Kov 8ici i^drjs drfjLoi : Headlam. The Fragment was 

referred to the UvpKaei!'^ by Conington. 

And do thou guard thee well lest a blast strike 

thy face ; for it is sharp, and deadly-scorching its 

hot breaths. 

117 (207) 

rpayOS yevetov dpa TrevOrjaeis av ye. 

Plutarch, How to Profit by our Enemies 2. 86 f, Eustathius 

on Iliad 415. 7. 

will. 

Like the goat, you'll mourn for your beard, you 

Spoken, says Plutarch, by Prometheus to the satyr who 

desired to kiss and embrace fire on seeing it for the first time. 

Eustathius took rpdyos to be the nominative used for the 

vocative ; and the passage thus interpreted has been regarded 

as a proof that the satyr of the satyr-play was addressed as 

" goat." The translation assumes the existence of a proverb 

about a goat that burnt his beard (Shorey in Classical 

Philology iv. (1904) 433). 

nPOMH0ET2 nXPOOPOS 

Apart from Fragment 118, the only extant reference 

to Prometheus the Fire-Bearer is contained in 

the scholixmi on Prom. 94-, where the statement is 

made that, in the lJvp(f)6po

npwrei's] 

FRAGMENTS 

but without naming the play). On the assumption 

that the IIvpôpos preceded the Aecr/xwr^^s and that 

the Titan was prophesying the diu-ation of his 

bondage, Hartung conjectured SeSijcrea-daL^ Cobet 

8e0-))(re(r6at. Welcker proposed to refer the utterance 

of Prometheus to the Av6fjLevo

! 

; 

; 

2/o-v

2/(n;

TÂecôs] 

FRAGMENTS 

16. p. 674 d) states that Aeschylus, in the Prometheus Unbound, 

distinctly says " 

: In honour of Prometheus we place garlands 

on our heads as an atonement for his bonds." 

iK npo/j-T^deajs \6yov may signify either (1) that in rtp 5^ 

^^cy . . . \6yov the (unknown) speaker is simply referring 

to the " story of Prometheus " ; or (2) that the words decrfiQv 

dpiffros were spoken by the Titan in the Prometheus Unbound 

as an indication of his satisfaction with the form of retribution 

imposed on him after his release from the torture of his 

bonds. The latter explanation would dispose of the inconsistency 

thought by Athenaeus to exist between the utterance 

of Prometheus quoted above (674 d) and Fragment 128 : 

namely, that a garland, which in later times was worn as a 

symbol of the agony of Prometheus, could not have been 

praised by the suiferer himself. If the second interpretation 

is correct, the Prometheus-trilogy is earlier than 467 b.c, 

the date of the production of the Sphinx. 

The "stranger" is probably Oedipus ; but the situation 

is unknown. 

129 (236) 

Ti(f>iyya hvaafxepidv^ npvraviv Kvva 


^ dvcra/xepiav : Dindorf. 

The Sphinx, 

evil days 

the Watch-dog that presideth over 

FRAGMENTS 

[TÂ€

. 

To^(^Tt8es] 

FRAGMENTS 

FRAGMENTS 

[ToônSes 

Cp. Cicero, Tusculan Disputations i. 43. 104 undique enim 

ad inferos tantundem viae est, referring the sentiment to 

Anaxagoras : iravraxoOeu ofxoia eariv 17 ei's "Aidov Kardâais 

(Diogenes Laertius ii. 3. 11). 

TOHOTIAES 

Actaeon, the hunter, turned into a deer, was torn 

asunder by his dogs, who did not recognize their 

master. The common version of the legend—that 

he was thus punished by Artemis for having seen 

her bathing— seems to have been adopted by 

Aeschylus. The Chorus of " Archer-Maidens " were 

nymphs, attendants of Artemis in the chase. 

132 (241) 

OVTTO) TLS 'A/cratcot' dOrjpos ruiepa 

K€v6v TTOVOV TrXoVTOVVT €7T€fJ,lp€V 6? SoUOVS. 

Bekker, Anecdota Oraeca 351. 9 ; cp. Photius, Lexicon 

41. 10 (Reitzenstein) s.v. Adripos i]ixipa. 

Not yet has any day, without its game, sent 

Actaeon homeward empty-handed, rich in toil only. 

133 (242) 

alhol ayvals^ TrapOevois ya/Jb'qXLOjv 

XeKrpojv OLTTeLpoLS^ ^\e[Mpbar(jov plirei ô\r^ 

Antigonus of Carystus, Incredible Tales 115. 

^ dSwc rais d7J'ars : Bothe. 

^ \4KTpuv aarei fij] : Heath. ' peTriôvXr] : Salmasius. 

For in pure maidens, knowing not the marriagebed, 

the glance of the eyes sinks from shame. 

463 

134. (243) 

vias yvvaiKos ov fi€ /jutj Xddr) (^Xeycov 

6(f)6aXiJ,6g, tJtl^ dvSpos fj 

yeyev/xevrj' 

e;^co^ Se tovtcov Ovjjlov LTTTToyvcxiixova. 

Antigonus of Carystus, Incredible Tales 115; 11. 1-2, 

Plutarch, On Love 21. 767 b ; 1. 2 Plutarch, On Progress in 

Virtue 10. 81 d. In Antigonus these lines follow Fragment 

133 after a short interval. 

^ '• 

^X'^" Salmasius. 

The burning gaze of a young woman, such as hath 

tasted man, shall not escape me ; for I have a spirit 

keen to mark these things. 

135 (244) 

Kvves hi7]fj,d9vvov dvSpa SeaTrorrjv. 

Scholiast A on Iliad I 593. 

The dogs destroyed their master utterly. 

(DIAOKTHTHS 

The story of Philoctetes, king of Mahs, touched 

upon in Iliad B 721, was narrated at length in two 

Cyclic epics—the Little Iliad by Lesches and the 

Destruction of Ilium by Arctinus, On their expedition 

to Troy, the Greeks abandoned Philoctetes on 

the island of Lemnos because, having befen bitten in 

the foot by a poisonous snake, his screams of pain 

and the odour from his wound rendered his presence 

intolerable. In the tenth year of the war, when the 

Greeks were despairing of victory, they learned from 

the seer Helenus that Troy could not be taken 

without the aid of Philoctetes and his bow and 

464

—; 

îXokWjtijs] 

fragments 

FRAGMENTS 

[*iAoKT>^Tr/s 

arrows, weapons given him by the dying Heracles, 

who had himself received them from Apollo. 

Diomedes was accordingly sent to Lemnos, and 

fetched thence the hero and his arms. 

In his fifty-second Discourse (4-10), Dion of Prusa, 

surnamed the " golden-mouthed," gives a brief comparison 

of the Philoctetes of Aeschylus, Sophocles, 

and Euripides. In the Aeschylean play, instead 

of the noble Diomedes, the " shrewd and crafty " 

Odysseus was the envoy. Unchanged in aspect and 

voice by Athena, he appeared before Philoctetes, but 

was unrecognized because the powers of the sufferer 

had been impaired by his disease, his hardships, and 

his solitary life. The Chorus consisted of men of 

Lemnos, who had left Philoctetes unvisited until 

then—a more tragic and a simpler device (says Dion) 

than the excuse proffered by them according to 

Euripides—so that the hero could with good reason 

set forth to them, as something new, the story of 

his desertion by the Greeks and the cause of his 

distress. Odysseus sought to cheer Philoctetes and 

to gain his confidence by a false tale—disaster had 

befallen the Greeks ; Agamemnon was dead 

Odysseus had been put to death by reason of some 

shameful crime ; and the Greeks at Troy were in 

desperate case. Dion omits to tell how Odysseus 

secured the arms—whether this was done first by 

treason (as was done by Neoptolemus in Sophocles) 

and then by persuading the hero that his bow was 

necessary to the success of the Greeks. But 

Odysseus' deception and his pleas were seemly 

(Dion says), suited to a hero, and convincing 

it needed no great skill or plot to contend against 

a sick man and that a simple bowman. 

VOL. II 2 H 465 

The drama of Aeschylus was distinguished, according 

to Dion, by simplicity, absence of complicated 

plot, and dignity ; by its antique air and its rugged 

boldness of sentiment and diction, so that it was well 

suited to express the nature of tragedy and to body 

forth the ancient manners of the heroic age. 

Aspasius on Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics 1150 

b 6 states that in Aeschylus, as in Sophocles, Philoctetes 

endeavoured to conceal his agony but was 

finally forced to give it utterance. 

See Fragments 163, 180, 185, 190, 191, 198. 

136 (249) 

JjTTepx^t'^ TToraixe ôvvofioi r' €7TLcrrpo(f)aL 


O Spercheus' stream and cattle-grazing haunts ! 

137 (250) 

€vd^ ovre ^.L/MVCLV avefjbos ovr* CKTrXeXv^ id. 

Cited as a proverb by Suidas, Lexicon s.v. ^vd' oOre, 

Plutarch, On the Tranquillity of the Mind 18. 476 b, Aristaenetus, 

Letters i. 27, Pseudo-Diogenianus, Proverbs iv. 88, 

etc. 

^ 

oih' iKirXetv Suid., Pseudo-Diogen., oCre irXdv the rest. 

Where the wind suffers neither to remain nor to 

sail forth. 

138 (251) 

Kf>€fjbdaras' TO roôv^ mrvog e/c fxeXavBpvov 

Scholiast on Odyssey ^12, Eustathius on Odyssey 1748. 

57. 

466 

> 

* Kp€/id(ra

^tXoKTi'irrjs] 

FRAGMENTS 

FRAGMENTS 

[^Lvevs 

139 (252) 

ov yap SpoLKCuv dviJKev, aAA' evwKtaev 

Plutarch, On . the Impossibility of living happily by 

following Epicurus 3. 1087 f. 

^ \a§€2v or \aêv : Schneidewin. 

For the snake let not go its 

its dreadful . . ., the ruin of my foot. 

hold, but fixed in me 

Hermann would read ctto/jlutov ^Kcpvaiv, which is supposed 

to mean " hard outgrowth," " outgrowth with a mouthshaped 

cavity," " sharp projection." But we expect something 

like odovriov (Nauck) Ikwtvcflv (Herwerden), " venom 

spat from its teeth." 

140 (253) 

(jidyehaiv* dei^ fiov adpKas icrdUi ttoSos. 

Aristotle, Poetics 22. 1458 b 23. 

^ (pay^daifa tj : Boissonade. 

The ulcer ever feeds on my foot's flesh. 

141 (255) 

c5 davare Traidv, fiij /x' aTifxdarjs pôXelv 

fiovog ydp^ el av rcov dvrjKecrrwv KaKcov 

larpos, dXyos 8' ovoev aTrrerat veKpov. 

Stobaeus, Anthology iv. 52. 32 (Hense v. 1082). Attributed 

to this play by Maximus of Tyre, Dissertations 7. 5. 

^ yap om. SA. Plutarch, Consolation to Apollonius 10. 

106 D, has £> Odvare waidv, I'aT-pos fidXois 

and 15. 109 f &\yos yap 6vTios ovdev awTerat veKpov, Theodorus 

Metochita, Miscellan. 347 cD davare iraidv, larpos /xdXe. 

O death, the healer, refuse me not, but come ! 

For thou alone art the mediciner of ills incurable, 

and no pain layeth hold on the dead. 

467 

On death as the deliverer cp. Sophocles, Philoctetes 797, 

Trachinians 1209, Oedipus Culoneus 1220, Ajax 854, Frag. 

698, Euripides, Hlppolytus 1373, Heracleidae 595, Diphilus, 

Frag. 88. With 1. 3 cp. Sophocles, Oedipus Coloneus 955, 

Euripides, Alcestis 937, Women of Troy 642. 

OINEYS 

The Phineus preceded The Persians in the tetralogy 

produced in 472 b.c. (see p. 377). 

Apollodorus, Library i. 9- 21, relates the story of 

Phineus as follows " : Thence the Argonauts put out 

to sea and landed at Salmydessus in Thrace, where 

dwelt the seer Phineus, who had lost the sight of his 

eyes. . . . The gods also sent Harpies against him. 

These were winged female creatures, and when a 

table was spread for Phineus, they flew down from 

the sky and snatched away most of the food, but the 

little they left smelled so foul that no one could come 

near it. 

And when the Argonauts wished to learn 

about their voyage, he said that he would advise 

them about it if they would free him from the 

Harpies. So the Argonauts placed beside him a 

table of eatables, and the Harpies with a cry flew 

down and snatched the food. Seeing this, Zetes and 

Calais, the sons of Boreas, who were winged, drew 

their swords and chased them through the air. . . . 

Being freed from the Harpies, Phineus revealed their 

course to the Argonauts, and advised them concerning 

the Clashing Rocks on the sea." 

468

4>o/3Kt'5e?] 

FRAGMENTS 

FRAGMENTS 

[ôpKcSe^ 

142 (258) 

/cat iJjevSoScLTTva ttoAAo, /j.apytoarais yvdOois^ 

eppv(7iat,ov^ OTOfMaros eV 7rpa)rrj x^P§-^' 

Athenaeus, Deipnosophists x. 18. p. 421 f. 

^ fiapywffTjs yvadov : Hartung. 

^ ippvcnas otov A : Lobeck. ^ irpuTioxapai A : 

Musurus. 

And many a deceitful meal with greedy jaws did 

they snatch away amid the first delight of appetite. 

143 (258 b) 

. . dvrjOTis S ovK aiTOCTTaTel yoog. 

Etymologicum Genuinum s.v. dv-qcxTis. 

Hungry wailing standeth not aloof. 

144 (259) 

TTcAAurp' exovaiv evderots iv ap^vXais. 

Pollux, Vocabulary 7. 91 ; cp. 2. 196. 

They wear socks in their well-fitting shoes. 

Perhaps from a description of the sons of Boreas. 

OOPKIAES 

The Daughters of Vhorcys was a part of the trilogy 

containing The Net-Draggers (AiktvovAkoj) and 

Polydectes. In the first of these plays, fisher folk of 

Seriphus rescued Danae and her infant son Perseus, 

who had been placed in a chest and cast into the sea 

by her father Acrisius. In the second, Polydectes, 

469 

king of Seriphus, in order the better to effect his 

purpose of marrying Danae, sent her son, now grown 

to manhood, to fetch the head of Medusa, the one 

of the three Gorgons who was mortal. In pursuit of 

this quest, Perseus encountered the three daughters 

of Phorcys, old women from their birth, who possessed 

between them a single eye and tooth, which they 

passed to each other in turn, and also the cap of Hades. 

These women, the Graeae, were sisters and guardians 

of the Gorgons, who dwelt in a cave by the ocean. On 

his return, Perseus changed Polydectes into stone 

by displaying Medusa's head, which he had cut off 

with an adamantine sickle that he had received 

from Hephaestus. In Poetics 18. 1456 a 2, Aristotle 

regards as a distinct species of tragedy such plays 

as The Phorcides, Prometheus, and those whose scene 

was laid in the lower world. The Phorcides may be 

a satyr-drama. 

145 (261) 

. . €ov o €S avrpov aaxôoipos ojs". 

Athenaeus, Deipnosophists ix. 65. p. 402 b, Eustathius 

on Odyssey 1872. 5. 

Into the cave he rushed like a wild boar. 

Perseus enters the cave of the Gorgons. dffx^Swpos is 

called by the ancient grammarians a Sicilian word for (rvaypoi. 

a)PYrES ^ EKTOPOS AYTPA 

The scene of The Phrygians or The Ransojn of 

Hector was the tent of Achilles, as in the twenty-fourth 

book of the Iliad, which the poet here dramatized. 

470

1 /cat 

^pvye^] 

FRAGMENTS 

Hermes, the divine guide of Priam and his escort of 

Phrygians, preceded the entrance of the embassy to 

regain the body of Hector. Except at the beginning, 

and then only in few words, Achilles refused to speak 

to the god, but sat in silence, his head veiled in 

token of his grief for Patroclus. The gold brought 

as ransom was actually represented as weighed out 

in sight of the audience (Scholiast on Iliad X 351). 

To the peculiar dance-figures designed by the poet 

for the Chorus, allusion is probably made in a passage 

of a lost play of Aristophanes (Frag. 678) "I 

: 

remember seeing the Phrygians, when they came in 

order to join with Priam in ransoming his dead son, 

how they often danced in many postures, now this 

way, now that." 

See Fragments 155, 158, 180, 255, 267, 268. 

146 (263) 

aAAo, 

vav^drrjv 

ôprrjyov , oarig pcorrov e^dyei "xBovos 


[Not a king,] but a trafficker by sea, one who 

takes petty wares from out a land 

FRAGMENTS 

148 (266) 

Kal Tovs davovras el deXeis^ evepyerelv 

ctV oSv^ KaKovpyelv , a^^tSe^tcos' e;iêt 

to)' fxrire ;ât/9eir î^re XvueZadai (f)dLTOVs*. 

Tj/jicov ye /jievTot Ne/Aeat? ecr^' VTreprepa, 

Tou davovTos rj AIkt] Trpdaaei Korov. 

[4>/Di5y€9 

Stobaeus, Anthology iv. 57. 6 (Hense v. 1138). 

^ e^ 6i\eii SM, om. A. ^8 yoOv : Hermann. 

^ (cat : Salmasius. * ^porous : Hermann. 

And if unto the dead thou art fain to do good, or 

if thou wouldst work them ill— 

'tis 

feel not or joy or grief. Nevertheless our righteous 

resentment is mightier than they, and Justice 

executeth the dead man's wrath. 

all one, since they 

Elsewhere Aeschylus declares that the dead possess consciousness 

and are wroth with those who have done them 

injury (Libation-Bearers 324, 41). Here, where Hermes has 

in mind the outrage done by Achilles to Hector's corpse, his 

utterance is intended to console Priam and rebuke Achilles 

with the thought that, though the dead are insensible and 

cannot avenge themselves, their cause is in the divine keeping. 

It is the gods alone who have power to do that which is 

commonly ascribed to the spirits of the dead. 

147 (264) 

dvrjp 8' eKCLVOS rjv TreTraLrepos jJbopcov. 

Athenaeus, Deipnosophists ii. 36. p. 51 c, Eustathius on 

Iliad 211. 16. 

But that man was gentler than mulberries are soft. 

The verse refers to Hector and was probably spoken by 

Priam. 

471 

149 (267) 

*AvSpaLfj,ovos yivedXov ^ Avpv-qaalov, 

oOev TTep "Ektcdp^ aAo;ôv rjyayev Hermann. ^ 

^^^ ^KTwp M, Trap' ^KTopos GT. 

Hail, offspring of Andraemon of Lyrnessus, whence 

Hector brought his dear wife. 

472

I 

^t-Xaywyot] 

FRAGMENTS 

FRAGMENTS 

[^vxaywyoi 

The statement of the Scholiast that Andromache is addressed 

is the sole warrant for the interpretation of the action 

that supposes her to have accompanied Priam to the tent of 

Achilles. Since her father was Eetion from Hypoplacian 

Thebe according to Homer, and since Chrysa and Lyrnessus 

were both in the plain of Thebe, the Scholiast seems to have 

confused Andromache with Briseis, though he properly 

remarks on the strangeness of the name given to her father. 

TYXAroroi 

The ancients, says Phrynichus (Bekker, Anecdota 

Graeca 73. 10), used the word \pvxa.y(oy6

. 

'npeidvia] 

FRAGMENTS 

153 (281) 

. . /cat Kajxivov axîXJi' naKiarov creXas' 

el yap riv* €crrLOV)(ov oiftofxaL ipoXov^ 

jxtav Trapeipag TrXeKTdvrjv X€ip,dppoov 

ardyrjv Trvpcuaco /cat KaravdpaKajaop.ai. 

vvv 8 ov K€Kpayd ttoj to yevvalov /x.eAos". 

Pseudo-Longinus, On the Sublime 3. 1 (after a lacuna of 

two leaves) ; cp. John of Sicily, On Hermogenes'' " Kinds of 

Style " in Rhetores Oraeci vi. 225. 

^ ixbvov : Salmasius. 

. . . and check the oven's soaring blaze ; for let 

me but behold some soot, the tenant of the hearth, 

weaving in a single wreath of torrent flame, I'll fire 

the roof and cinder it. But now—not yet have I 

blared my noble strain. 

154 (281 a) 

rat? hvalv aiayoat 

pvy€s Rogers. 

The " eager hounds " are eagles or vultures. Who or 

what is their booty is unknown. 

SeBoLKa fMcopov^ 

156 (288) 

Kapra TTvpavarov fMopov. 

Aelian, On Animals xii. 8, Zenobius, Proverbs v. 79, 

Suidas, Lexicon s.v. Trvpaârov fidpov. 

^ 

fiupbv Aelian, y-bpov Suidas. 

Verily I do fear the stupid death of the moth. 

475 

Tlpoixr)devs irvpKaev^ Bothe, XefJL^Xrj i) 'Tdpo(p6poi Hartung. 

irvpavffTov /xdpoi was a proverbial expression for the brevity 

of life (Rustathius on Iliad 1304. 8, etc.). 

476

. 

, 

FRAGMENTS OF UNCERTAIN PLAYS 

157 (289) 

ôas TotovSe Trpdyfjuaros decopos Oiv. 

Ammonius, On Words of like Form but different Meaning 

59 (Valckenaer). 

Thou criest 

of such a deed as this. 

'TxpLTDjXrj 

aloud, thou who art but a spectator 

Valckenaer, I,a\aiJ.iviai Hartung. 


160 (299) 

ovT^ elfx OLTTeLpos^ TTJaSe rrjs TrpoacoBias. 

Cramer, Anecdota Graeca Oxoniensia iv. 315. 28. 

^ oOti ix diretpov : Herwerden. 

Neither am I without experience of this manner 

of address. 

157 A (291) 

dprjvel 8e yoov rov drjSovcov'^ 

Bekker, Anecdota Graeca 349. 7. 

' a.7]5bveiov : Blomfield. 

She waileth the nightingale's lament. 

Compare ^(/om. 1146. 

158 (296) 

TTaaa ydp Tpoia SeSopKev^ "EiKTopos Tvxy]S Stat 

Cramer, Anecdota Graeca Oxoniensia i. 119. 12. 

^ 

For d^dopKev conjectures are d^doLKev, diovKsv, diBovrrev. 

For all Troy hath beheld by reason of Hector's fate 

'NTjpddes, or a connected play, Welcker, ^puyes Hermann. 

159 (298) 

irovdopvê^ ravpos ^ v€ocray'^s 

Cramer, Anecdota Graeca Oxoniensia ii. 414. 13. 

^ iTovOibpvê : Cramer. ^ < > Cramer. 

He bellowed like a bull whose throat has just 

been cut. 

Qpâaai. Hartung. 

477 

161 (300) 

yevo? ixev atvelv cKfjuadcov eTTiora/xat 

AWlottlSos y^S, NetAos' eV0'^ eTTrappoos^ 

ydvos* /cuAtVSet^ TTvev/xdrcov eTTOfi^pLa^ 

iv 8'^ TÂto? TTvpcoTTOs^ e/cAa/Ai/fa? x^^^''^ 

TT]K€i rrerpaiav^^ ;îdp'a" rrdaa S' evdaX'^s 

AtyvTTTOs dyvov vdfiaros TrXripovpLevq 

(jyepdcrîov A-^fMrjrpos dvreXXcL^^ ardûv. 

Anonymous, On the Swelling of the Nile, quoted from cod. 

Laurentianus Ivi. 1 (f) by H. Stephanus in Appendix ad 

Aristotelis et Theophrasti scripta quaedam, and inserted in 

Parisinus C in the Epitome of the second book of Athenaeus, 

Deipnosophists (Dindorf i. 165) ; cp. Aristeides, Or. 48, On 

Egypt (vol. ii. 443, 460). 

^ KoX naOiiv F, iKkoidCov C : Schweighauser. 

« ivda F (^j-rdSe C) veiXos : Dindorf. 

' iwappovs F, eirrdppovs C : Dindorf. 

* yaiav : Hermann. 

* kvXIvSicv F. 

"> 

* iiro/x^piais F. 

iv ^ Hermann. 

: 

* TTvpuirbs ^Xtos C, trvpuTbv firivos F : Hermann. 

* iKXdnâv (pXbya F. 

" TreTpairjv F. 

*^ dyy^Wei F. 

Knowing full well, I can laud the race of the 

Aethiopian land, where seven-channelled Nile rolleth 

its refreshing tide, fed by abundant, wind-born rain, 

478


and therein the fire-eyed sun, beaming forth upon 

the earth, melteth the snow amid the rocks ; and all 

luxuriant Egypt, filled with the sacred flood, maketh 

to spring up Demeter's life-giving grain. 

M^/jLvuif Butler, 'iûxoaTacria Welcker. 

162 (301) 

oLTrdTT]? SiAcata?^ ovk cLtrocrrarei deos. 

Anonymous in Orelli, Opuscula Oraecorum veterum 

sententiosa et moralia ii. 222, Stobaeus, Anthology iii. 3. 13 

(Hense iii. 195), Scholiast on Iliad B 114, Eustathius on Iliad 

188. 43, 480. 43. 

1 dyadijs Eust. 480. 33. 

From righteous deception God standeth not aloof. 

Aavatdes Hermann, Aly(/irTLot Hartung, Qa\a/jioiroiol 

Oberdick. 

163 (302) 

xfjevhojv 8e Katpov ead' ottov ri/jbo} Oeos. 

Anonymous in Orelli (as under Frag. 162). 

^ 6rroi Ti/xfj (Doric) so Gale's ms. (?) : Swov Nauck, ring. 

Orelli. 

But times there are when God honoureth the 

season for untruth. 

AacatSes Hermann,

1 

; 


This hoopoe, spectator of his own distress, hath 

Zeus bedecked in various hue and showed him forth 

a bird courageous in his full armour, tenanting the 

rocks. With the new-come spring he will ply the 

pinion of the white-feathered hawk—for he will display 

two forms from a single egg, his offspring's and 

his own— 

; but when the grain is threshed in early 

harvest-time, a parti-coloured wing will direct his 

course to this side or that. But ever quitting these 

haunts in loathing he will seek a new home amid 

the solitary woods and hills. 

Now generally referred, with Welcker, to the T-qpeus of 

Sophocles (Frag. 581 Jebb-Pearson) ; Kpija-ffai Hartung. 

When Procne had served to Tereus the flesh of their son 

Itys in revenge for his violation of her sister Philomela, 

Tereus pursued them with an axe ; and when the sisters 

were overtaken, the gods in pity turned Procne into a nightingale 

and Philomela into a swallow. Tereus became a 

hoopoe, or a hawk, according to a variant version of the 

legend. The poet seems to have assimilated the two legends 

by making the young hoopoe resemble a hawk. 

Before speaking of the hoopoe's change in colour and 

appearance, Aristotle remarks that the cuckoo changes its 

colour. "On the zoological side," says D'Arcy Thompson, 

" the myth is based on the similarity of note in the hoopoe 

and cuckoo, and on the hawk-like appearance of the 

latter bird." In 1. 1 the ?iro\p is called iiroirTTjs "spectator" 

by word-play ; and similarly Tereus was " the watcher " 

(TTIpiu). 


167 (307) 

a(f)vpas Sexâdai /caTnpâA/ceuetv^ fivSpovs, 

OS darevaKTi dvwos cSj^ rjveLX^ro* 

dvavSos^. 

Athenaeus, Deipnosophists vii. 66. p. 303 c. 

1 < > Blaydes. 

^ Kainxa\Ke}j€t. \4yuv A : Jacobs. ^ ws : Dindorf. 

* TjvixfTo A : Hermann. ^ clv \vd6s : Musurus. 

An anvil to receive the hammer's blows and to 

forge the red-hot ore, he, without a groan, endured 

in silence, Hke a tunny-fish. 

Tunnies, when netted, were killed by blows (Pers. 424). 

As fish, they are " mute " (cp. Pers. 575). 

âXafiiviai Hartung. 

168 (308) 

TO QKaiov oix/uta^ TrpoaâXwv dvvvov Slk7]u 

Athenaeus, Deipnosophists vii. 66. p, 303 c, Plutarch, 

On the Craftiness of Animals 29. 979 e, Aelian, On Animals 

jx. 42, Scholiast on Oppian, On Fishing iv. 504, Eustathius 

on Iliad 994. 52. 

^ oStos Kai 6vo/j.a Athen. A {6fjLfj.a C). 

Squinting his left eye, hke a tunny-fish 

K-^pvKes Droysen. 

166 (305) 

TO avyyeves yap /cat 

Aristotle, Rhetoric ii. 10. p. 1388 a 7 with Scholiast. 

For kinsfolk know well to envy too. 

VOL. II 2 

481 

482 

169 (309) 

€yu) Se x^'^pov koL [xaX cvdrjXovficvov 

TovS eV poOovvTL^ Kpi^dvcp drjau). rl yap 

oi/jov yivoLT av dvSpl rovSe îXrcpov"^ 

Athenaeus, Deipnosophists ix. 17. p. 375 e. 

» vorovvTi : Dindorf. 2 

BaTiov : Burney.


But this pig—and a well-fatted pig it is—I will 

place within the crackling oven. For what daintier 

dish could a man get than this ? 

KipKT] E. A. J. Ahrens, llpo,u.T]9ei>i 

170 (310) 

aarvpLKos Hartung. 

XevKos, TL 8' ovxl; Kal KaXcbg r}(/)€Vfi€Vos 

6 )(oipo?. eipov, fjLrjSe Xvnrjdijs TTvpi. 

Athenaeus, Deipnosophists ix. 17. p. 375 e ; cp. Eustathius 

on Iliad, 1286.21. 

White, of course, and rarely singed, the pig. 

him and don't be troubled by the fire. 

KrjpvKes E. A. J. Ahrens, llpofj-yjOevs aarvpiKos Hartung. 

Boil 


172 (312) 

at S' eW "ArXavros TraiSe? (hvofMaafxevai 

TTOTpos fMeytcrrov ddXov ovpavoareyrj 

KXaieoKov, evOa vvKrepcov (f)avraoiJ.dro}V 

e)(ovai fMop(j)ds aTrrepoL TreXetdheg. 

Athenaeus, Deipnosophists xi. 80. p. 491 a ; cp. Scholiast 

A on Iliad 2 486, Eustathius on Odyssey 1713. 4. 

And they who bear the name of Atlas' daughters 

seven oft bewailed their sire's supremest labour of 

sustaining heaven, where as wingless Peleiades they 

have the form of phantoms of the night. 

'HXidoes Butler, Jlpo/xridevs crarvpiKSs Hartung. 

The daughters of Atlas and Pleione, transformed by Zeus 

into the constellation of the llXeidSes, were often regarded 

as doves (weXfiddes) by poetic fancy and popular mythology. 

The epithet " wingless " is corrective, because the maidens 

are not real birds. 

171 (311) 

6vaa


Kovpd, properly " clipping " of the hair ; now from Kovpos 

" boy " or Kovprj " girl " (the Homeric forms of Kopos and Kopr)), 

and with reference either to hair or to dress. The historian 

Phylarchus (third century b.c.) declares that Aeschylus here 

says that the KovpTJTes got their name from their luxury ; and 

the Fragment certainly implies that, like girls, they wore 

their hair long (cp. Scholiast on I 529 irapd. to nrj Keipeadai 

ras Kdfias, Scholiast L ?) iwel K6p.as Kopav dxov). But in 

Agathon's Thyestes certain suitors say that they wore their 

hair long {Kop-uvres) until they had been rejected by their 

lady-love, when they cut oif their locks, " the witnesses of 

their luxury," and by reason of their shorn hair {KovpLp.os 

Opi^) gained the glory of being KovprjTes. Archemachus of 

Euboea (see Strabo) had the notion that the KovpyjTes, before 

they removed to Aetolia, wore their hair long behind, but 

cut it short in front in order that their enemies might not 

seize them there. Strabo himself attaches no little probability 

to the opinion of those who sought to reconcile the different 

accounts of the name; for he says that the application of 

art to the hair consists in attending to its growth and Kovpd, 

and that both are the peculiar care of Kopai and K6poi. To 

render Kovpd by "hair-dressing," "coiffure," with the implication 

that the reference is to long hair, is opposed to the 

etymology (from Kelpw "cut"). Relationship between Kovpd 

and Kovpr;, Kopri, accepted by Curtius, is altogether improbable. 

Kpâaai Butler, 'Hduvoi Hartung. 

174 (314) 

e'lr ovv arocjitcrTrjg KaXa Trapijv Traloiv^ x^Xvv 

Athenaeus, Deipnosophists xiv. 32. p. 632 c. 

^ Trapairaicjp : traprjv traiwv Herwerden. 

Or the master of his craft was present, deftlystriking 

the lyre 

Athenaeus says that cro


178 (318) 

Toaavra, KTJpv^, ef ifiov SidpTacrov. 

Etymologicum Magnum 149. 57. 

So much, Herald, do thou set forth from me point 

by point. 

'iKeriSes 1. 953 a Burges, 'îKevaivioi Hartung, Kij/jwej 

Droysen, QoKanoTvoiol Wecklein. 

179 (319) 

e.'i ovv daraX^s Oeodev jxavia^ 

Etymolof/icum Oenuinum s.v. daaX-qs {Etymologicum 

Magnum 151. 49 s.v. daa\T]^ /xnvia). 

1 TovvaaXTJi debOev fxaviao : e'ir oZ'v Nauck, the rest Reitzenstein. 

Or reckless madness from the gods 

Neai'iV/cot Hartung. 

180 (322) 

Kd7Tr]Xa 7rpoacf)€pa>v re)(y'fjP'0,ra 

Etymologicum Magnum 490. 12, Etymologicum Oudianum 

298. 9, Cramer, Anecdota Graeca Oxoniensia ii. 456. 6, 

Suidas, Lexicon s.v. KawrjXos. 

Applying knavish tricks 

! 



185 (332) 

e'Aa, Slwk€, ixrj ri^ /iaA/ctcov^ ttoSL 

Harpocration, Glossary of the Ten Attic Orators 198. 3. 

'^ 

eXXadiiji (eXaSi'w AQ) KeKfjJqri : ^\a Valesius, 5iw/ce 

Lobeck. ^ /xaXuKtuv BCN. 

/îj tl 

Push on, pursue, in no wise faint of foot 

Adlos Gronovius, 'HXtdSes Gataker, îXoktt^ttis 

186 (337) 

aTTrrjva^, rvrdov, dpri yvixvov oarpaKcov 

Hermann. 

Hesychius, Lexicon s.v. oarpaKuv ; cp. Photius, Lexicon 

353. 17. 

^ oLTTTriv drvrOoi' : Salmasius. 

Wingless, tiny, but just now bare of the egg-shell 

Oidiirovs 

Hartung. 

187 (341) 

o Kiaaevs 'AttoAAcdi', o ûkx^vs,^ 6 fxavris 

Macrobius, Saturnalia i. 18. 6. 

^ Ka/3tas P, âKffios B : Nauck. 

Apollo, the ivy-crowned, the reveller, the seer 

lêavlffKOL Hartung, Baa^dpat Nauck. 

The ecstatic mantic art of Apollo assumes a Bacchic 

character. 

188 (342) 

Searroiva vvfjb^rj, Svax^fJi-cov^ opcov^ dva^ 

Orion, Etymologicum 26. 5. 

^ dv


"iruxoffraaia Butler, Welcker (or from another play of the 

same group), "OirXcî^ Kpiais Em. Schneider, QaXafMowoiol 

Wagner, 'Nijpetdes Hartung. 

Thetis contrasts Apollo's prophecy of her happy motherhood, 

uttered at her ijiarriage to Peleus, with his deed in 

guiding the shaft of Paris that killed her son. 

190 (352) 

daparei- ttovov yap raKpov^ ovk e'xei XP^^^^' 

Plutarch, How a Young Man ought to hear Poems 14. 36 b. 

^ &Kpov : Burges. 

Courage ! 

not long. 

tXo;c7-^7?;s 

Suffering, when it climbs highest, lasts 

Hartung. 

191 (353) 

CO? ov SiKaccos ddvarov exdovaiv ^poroi, 

ocTTTep fMeyiarov pvfxa raJv ttoXXojv KaKchv. 

Plutarch, Consolation to Apollonius 10. 106 c. 

Since men unjustly hate death, which is the 

greatest defence against their many ills. 

îXoKTrjTTis Hartung. 

192 (354) 

OLTTOTTTvaat Set Kal Kad-qpaadai aropba} 

Plutarch, Of Isis and Osiris 20. 338 e ; cp. Etymologicum 

Genuinum and Etymologicum Magnum s.v. diroLpyfiara. 

^ TO (TT6/ji.a: Reiske. 

Thou needs must spit it out and make clean thy 

mouth. 

Ileppaiîdes or Adibs Etymologicum Genuinum. 

Those who committed murder by treachery sought to 

purify themselves by tasting, and then spitting out, the 

blood of their victims. 

491 


Bidvpajxôv 

avyKOijxov^ 

193 (355) 

ofiaprelv 

Aiovvtra). 

Plutarch, On the E at Delphi 9. 389 a. 

1 fii^dôav : Nauck {Suppl.). 

^ aiyKoivov : Tyrwhitt. 

'Tis meet that the dithyramb, his fellow-reveller, 

half song, half shout, attend on Dionysus. 

Near/o-Koi Hermann, "B.5wvol Hartung. 

Xa^wv yap avrodrjKTOV 

194 (356) 

Kvôlkov îos 

Plutarch, On the Cessation of Oracles 43. 434 a. 

For seizing a self-sharpened Euboean sword 

0p5

awwOev 

bpav 

FRAGMENTS OF UNCERTAIN PIAYS 

196 (358) 

foySe OLTTO. . . avrov ov yap iyyvdev 

. . . yepuiv Se ypapLfxarevs yevov aa^Ty^t 

Plutarch, Table Talk i. 8. 1. p. 625 d. 

. . . But when old show thyself a clear scribe (?) 

'LaXajxlviat. 

Hartung. 

Cited by Plutarch to illustrate his remark that old men 

can read only when a book is held at a distance. The 

mangled passage eludes satisfactory emendation : av Se (so 

Heath) elSej avroV ou yap iyyvdev yipojv ktK. 

| \ 

Dindorf ; and so E. A. J. Ahrens, but reading bpq.i. av 5' 

4^ awdiTTov (cp. Sophocles, Philoctefe.i 446) Headlam. The 

second line seems to mean " when old, write a large, clear 

hand," remembering that the aged read with difficulty. 

197 (359) 

ov roi fj,^ 

€(f)vaas,^ ov fie^ Kara^depelv^ Sokcls. 

Plutarch, On Monarchy, Democracy, Oligarchy 4. 827 c. 

Life of Demetrius 35. 

^ fxe 4)V(Tqis 827 C, Dem. PtjRV, fi' ^(pvaas vulg. 

^ (TV fx.€ 827 c, Dem. PLDA^, d€peiv Wecklein. 

Thou indeed didst give me life, thou dost think to 

destroy me. 

Nt6/3?j 

Wevdivs Anonymous reported by Stanley, Sdvr/siat Stanley, 

Hartung, a satyr-play Gomperz. 

The reading (tli tol fj.e (pvcrq.^, au fxe Karaideiv So/cets, adopted 

by Perrin, means " Thou fannest indeed my flame, methinks 

thou dost quench me too." 

Demetrius PoUorcetes quoted the verse in addressing 

Fortune, 

493 


198 (361) 

i^ 6a(f>vaX'yovs KioSvvoaTrdSos^ Xvypov 

yepovTog 

Plutarch, That the Stoics speak greater Improbabilities 

than the Poets 2. 1057 f. 

^ (cot 65vvo(nrdSos : Diibner. 

[Changed from] a piteous old man with a stitch in 

his back and cramped by pain 

TiJXeôs Schutz, 4>tXo/cr^r7js Butler, Aiovvjov rpoipol Hartung. 

199 (362) 

dAA' ovre ttoXXgl rpavfMar^ iv aripvoig Xa^cov 

dvrjaK€i Tig, el firj repfjua ovvrpex^L ^lov, 

OVT iv areyr) rt? rjfjievos Trap ecma 

(f)€vy€L rt, fjbdXXov rov 7TeTTpcop.ivov p,6pov. 

Plutarch, Life and Poetry of Homer 157 (Wyttenbach 

V. 1196). In 1. 2 Wecklein read ixoipa for ripfia. 

A man dies not for all the many wounds that pierce 

his breast, unless it be that life's end keep pace with 

death, nor by sitting on his hearth at home doth he 

the more escape his appointed doom. 

'EXtvalvioi Hartung. 

This is perhaps the nearest approach to pure fatalism in 

Greek tragedy. Cp. Demosthenes, On the Crown (18. 97) 

iripa% fjL^v ykp &,wa


Cited from Aeschvlus by Aristophanes, Fragment 610 

(Pollux, Vocabulary 6. 80). 

Truly then thou shalt pick the seeds from out the 

bitter-sweet pomegranate. 

'EXeutTiVtot 

Butler. 

201 (364) 

At^vpviKTJs fMLfjbTjfia fiavBvrjs XiTCtSv 

Pollux, Vocabulary 7. 60 ; cp. Stephen of Byzantium, 

Lexicon 415. 10. 

A frock that copies the Libyrnic cloak 

'Hduvoi Hartung, Oldlirovs others. 


204 (369) 

e/c^ TTrjXoTTXdcrrov aTrepfxaros 6v7]Tr] yvvq 

Proclus, Commentary on Ilesiod's Works and Days 156. 

^ 

U cod. Casanatensis, rod vulg. 

A mortal woman from out a seed moulded of clay 

npofirjOeiis \v6/j.evos Butler, a Upo/jLTjda'/s Hermann. 

After Prometheus had stolen fire, Zeus in revenge bade 

Hephaestus fashion Pandora out of earth. 

205 (372) 

ôpds^ Pporecas ippvrj koto} arrofia. 

202 (365) 

av Se aTTadrjroLs Tpifxirivois vcfxxarfiaaLV 


And thou in a well-woven robe of drill 

'Hduvoi Hartung. 

Tpi/j.(.Tos, "three-threaded," having three threads in the 

warp. 

203 (366) 

dAA' €K ixeyioTCov evfjuapcJos XovTrjplojv 

IPollux, Vocabulary 7. 167, cp. 10. 46. 

Scholiast Ravennas on Aristophanes, Lysistrata 1257. 

^ poppas Put., ôprji K. ^ ippv-qKoTa : Porson. 

Froth from human food streamed over their jaws. 

Y\a.vKos lloTvuv's Hartung. 

206 (373) 

ZiLVol tt\Ik€lv roi /Jbrixoivas AlyvTTTLOi. 

Scholiast on Aristophanes, Clouds 1130, on Theocritus, 

Idyll XV. 4:B ; and in collectors of proverbs : Zenobius iii. 37, 

Pseudo-Diogenianus iv. 35, Gregory of Cyprus (cod. Leid. 

1. 88, Mosq. 2. 84), Macarius, Rose-bed iii. 21, and other late 

writers. 

But easily from baths exceeding large 

rXavKos irdvTios Hermann. 

495 

Truly at weaving wiles the Egyptians are clever. 

AavaWej Hermann, QaKaixoiroiol Oberdick. 

496

— 



207 (375) 

dfM'qxcwov TexvrjfjLO^ /cat Sucre/cSuTOV^ 

Scholiast on Euripides, Orestes 25. 

^ TevxvfJ'-^ • Nauck. ^ 5v(T€k\vtov : Dindorf. 

A device, irresistible and inextricable 

In place of Xo7]


With bright flashes, the torches' might 

'EXevffivioi Pauw, Oldiirovi Lobeck, 'Jior€pog. 

Scholiast on Sophocles, Oedipus Coloneus 1049. 

^ (pus di : Jacobs, Brunck. 

rite. 

He was transported with longing for this 

'EXevcrivioi Pauw, Bd(cx«' ( = Bacrcrdpai) Hartung. 

216 (388) 

mystic 

Stobaeus, Anthology iii. 3. 14 (Hense iii. 195) MA, om. S. 

1 TOL A, Tl M. 

Truly even he errs that is wiser than the wise. 

220 (392) 

1^ âpv (f>6p7]fM' dvdpcoTTOs CVTVXOJV dcfypcov. 

Stobaeus, Anthology iii. 4. 18 (Hense iii. 223). 

Verily a prosperous fool is a heavy load. 

Tojv âaiXcLcov TrpoSofios^ ficXddpojv 

Scholiast on Theocritus, Idyll ii. 36 ; cp. Aristeides, 

Athena 17 (vol. i. 27). 

^ TT/joSoôjTheocr. (cod. Canon. 86), 7r/)u5/)0/uosTheocr.vulg., 

Arist. 

Lady Hecate, before the portal of the royal halls 

KlyviTTioL Tittler, ^lov^ctov rpoipoi Hartung. 

217 (389) 

KOLVov^ rvx^], yv(Lp.rj 8e rcbv KeKrrjfievcov. 

Stobaeus, Anthology ii. 8. 10 (Wachsmuth ii. 155), 

Menander, Single-verse Maxims 679. 

^ Kaivbv Stob. P. 

Fortune is for all, judgment is theirs who have 

won it for themselves. 

499 

221 (393) 

KO/TOTTrpov etSou? ;)âA/cds' ear'/ olvog 8e vov. 

Stobaeus, Anthology iii. 18. 12 (Hense iii. 515) ; cp. 

Athenaeus, Deipnosophists x. 31. p. 427 f omitting tiie source. 

^ iar' Athen., itrri Stob. 

Bronze is a mirror of the face, wine of the mind. 

'Apyui 

Hartung. 

222 (394) 

OUK avSpO? OpKOL mCTTlS"/ aAA' OpKOJV dvTJp. 

Stobaeus, Anthology iii. 27. 2 (Hense iii. 611), Arsenius, 

Violet-bed in Paroemiographi Graeci i. 579. 25. 

> -n-la-Tis Stob. LA, nlareis Stob. SM*!, Ars. 

Oaths are not surety for a man, but the man for 

the oaths. 

500 

JlepfKupiSei 

Hartung.

. 



223 (395) 

(jiiXel 8e ro) Kafj-vovrc avaTTcvSeiv deo?.^ 

Stobaeus, Anthology iii. 29. 31 (Hense iii. 630). 

^ (piXel {(piXoi first hand) 5^ roL Sai/xovie . . . deoh M. 

God loves to help him who strives to help himself. 

From Euripides, according to Arsenius, Violet-bed in 

Paroemiographi Graeci ii. 712. 13. 

224 (396) 

KoXov 8e /cat yipovra^ ixavddveiv ao^d. 

Stobaeus, Anthology iii. 29. 24 (Hense iii. 632), Menander, 

Single-verse Maxims 297. 

^ yipovTi Men. 

'Tis seemly that even the aged learn wisdom. 

227 (399) 

TO yap ^poreiov aTrlpjx' e0' rj/Jiepav^ (f>pov€'L, 

Kai TTiOTOV ovSev puaXXov t) Kairvov OKta. 

Stobaeus, Anthology iv. 

34. 44 (Hense v. 838), Apostolius 

in Paroemiographi Graeci ii. 686. 3. 

1 ii}IJ.ipLa Stob. S, Apost., ecprifxepa Stob. MA : 

Dindorf. 

For mortal kind taketh thought only for the day, 

and hath no more surety than the shadow of smoke. 

Ni6/3i; 

Hartung. 

228 (400) 

yfjpas yap ^^rjs iorlv ivStKiorepov 

Stobaeus, Anthology iv. 50. 7 (Hense v. 1022). 

For age is more just than youth. 

225 (397) 

vpo rwv ToiovTcov ^prj Xoycov SaKvetv arofjua. 

Stobaeus, Anthology iii. 34. 5 (Hense iii. 683) SM, om. A. 

Ere thou utterest words such as these, thou must 

bite thy lips. 

226 (398) 

KaKoi yap ev Trpdacrovres ovk dvaax^roL 

Stobaeus, Anthology iv. 4. 14 (Hense iv. 187). 

229 (401) 

Corjs^ TTOvrjpds ddvarog alpercorepos '^ 

TO 117] ycveadat S' iarlv t)' Treû/ceVat 

Kpelaaov KaKcos Trdaôvra.* 

Stobaeus, Anthology iv. 53. 17 (Hense v. 1102) SA, om. 

M, Menander, Single-verse Maxims 193. 

^ fw^s: Dindorf. 

' einropihrepoz Stob., aipeTwrepoi Men. 

' iarl pLciXXov fi : Grotius. 

* Kpf7(T(rov . . . TrdffxovTa A, om. S. 

Death is rather to be chosen than a toilsome life ; 

and not to be born is better than to be born to misery. 

For successful rascals are insufferable. 

501 

502 

OlSlvovi Hartung ; 

Euripides, L. Dindorf.


230 (402) 

. . d^' oS 'P'^yiov KLKXrjaKerai 

Strabo, Geography vi. 6, p. 258. 

Whence it shall bear the name Rhegium 

TXavKos irovTios Hermann, JIpofji.7]9evs Xvo/xevos Schiitz. 

At Rhegium Sicily was broken off {d-iroppriypviJ.i) from 

the mainland by an earthquake. 


TO. KVfJLâX^ VX^^ 

233 (451 g) 

aKfMTjv o oaa 

Anonymous Grammarian in Lexicon Vaticanum (cod. 

Vaticanus Graecus 12) s.v. clkh-qv. 

But as yet all the cymbals that raised a din 

231 (403, 403 a, 284) 

Bovpdv 6^ lepav /cat Kepavvia? *Pu77a? 

Avfj,7]v

DOUBTFUL OR SPURIOUS FRAGMENTS 

236 (456) 


234 (452) 

ov XP'^ XeovTos aKV/Jbvov ev TrdAet rpecfteiv^ 

[/xaAtCTra i^kv Xeovra fMrj V TroAet rpeêtvY 

7]v 8' iKrpa(f)fi TLs, rols rpoTTOis VTrrjpeTelv. 

Aristophanes, Frogs 1431, Palatine AntJiology x. 110, 

Suidas, Lexicon s.v. ov XPV and aKv/xvos ; 1. 1 Macarius, 

Rose-bed vi. 71 ; 11. 2-3 quoted by Plutarch in reference to 

Alcibiades in his Life 16. 

^ 

^ 

Rejected by Dindorf. 

Rejected by J. H. Voss (the verse is absent in Aristoph. 

Ven. ACD). 

One must not rear a lion's whelp in the State [best 

of all not to rear a lion in the State] ; but if one be 

reared to his full growth, we must humour his ways. 

Compare Agam. 717 fF. 

LI. 1 

and 3 Aai/atSes Hermann. 

235 (453) 

KaXcos Tedvdvai} koWlov av fxdXXov ^ creacoardaL. 

Thomas Magister, Collection of Attic Nouns and Verbs 

238. 8. 

" Tedvavai GB. 

Nobly to die were better than to save one's life. 

"EwTo. iiri Qr)âs Thomas Magister, but naWov ivdiKurepos 

(cp. 1. 

673) is lacking in his citation. 

505 

1 

Kal 

SpdaavTi yap roL^ Kal iradelv oêtAerai. 

Stobaeus, Anthology i. 3. 24. (Wachsmuth i. 56), Theophilus, 

To Autolycus ii. 37. p. 176. 

1 Ti Stob. A. 

For, of a truth, the doer is "bound to suffer. 

Probably from Sophocles (Fragment 229 Jebb-Pearson), 

but ascribed to Aeschylus because of Choeph, 313. 

237 (462) 

ifwxois exovrcs Kv/xdrcov iv dyKoiXai? 


With our lives in the clasp of the waves 

Archilochus 25, but ascribed to Aeschylus by Didymus. 

238 (463) 

KvTTpov riaôu T* expvaa Trdvra KXrjpov 

Strabo, Oeography viii. 3. 8. p. 341, Eustathius on Iliad 

305. 34. 

Possessing as their allotted share all 

Paphos 

Cyprus and 

AavatSes or QaXa/irjirdXoi {sic) Hartung ; from Archilochus 

according to Meineke. 

239 (464) 

X(Lpil,G dvrjTwv rov Oeov Kal p.rj So/cet 

ofMOLOv avTOLS^ adpKivov Kadeardvai. 

ovK olada 8'^ avrov TTore fiev (Ls TTVp (/>aiv€rai 

506 

drrXaros opiifj^ ttotc 8' vScop, Trore* yv6(f)OS' 

drjpalv avros ytVerai 7Tapep.(f)ep7]s,


avefMcp veêXrj re, KaarpaTrfj,^ ^povrfj, ^poxfj. 

VTTTjpereX 8 avro) ddXacraa Kal Trerpat 

/cat irdaa Trr^yr] ûSaros^ avarrjixara' 

rpefxeL 8 opTj Kal yala kol TreXcoptos 

^vdos daXdaarjs Kcvpeojv'' vi/jos /zeya/ 

orav^ eTTi^Xeipr) yopyov o/x/xa heairoTOV. 

10 TTavra Swarat^" yap- Soâ 8'^^ vi/jiorov Oeov. 

Clement of Alexandria, Miscellanies v. 14. p. 727, 

Eusebius, Preparation for the Gospel xiii. 13. p. 689 b, [Justin 

Martyr,] On Monarchy 2. 130. 

^ d/xoLoy avT(^ or eai/rcfJ Clem., 8fx.oiov iavn^ or aavru) Just., 

Sfxoiov aavrq} lO*, cravTip 6/jlolov (three MSS.), o/xoiov avrc^ O^, 

Eus. : Blaydes. 

^ olada d' Clem., olcrdd y' or olaOas Eus., oladas or o1


242 (Anon. 97, Wecklein 467) 

Xaôiv dpicrrovLKov iv fiaxj) Kpdros 

Athenaeus, Deipnosophists x. 85. p. 457 b. 

Having won a glorious victory in battle 

Assigned to Aeschylus by Nauck. 

fidpipeiev^ 


"AiBrjs. 

Hesychius, Lexicon s.v. e/x7re5^s. 

iv rreSais^ ^ yafiopog 

^ efirreoris : ef Tridrji M. Schmidt (7re'5ats Wecklein). 

^ < > Burges. 3 /xdpipev : Burges. 

May Hades, whose portion is 

fetter thee ! 

Assigned to Aeschylus by Burges. 

the earth, seize and 

Text and application are uncertain. Possibly Hades is 

called " landowner " to contrast his distinctive domain from 

that of Zeus and of Poseidon. 


TipvvOiov TrXivdevfjia,^ KvkXmttcov eSo? 

Hesychius, Lexicon s.v. TipvvOiou TrXlvdevfia 

1 irXivdefia : Musurus. 

Walled Tiryns, the Cyclopes' seat 

Assigned to Aeschylus by Nauck. 

joined by Meineke. 

and KvkWvwv 

The two glosses were 

509 



Seivov y€ rrjv jxev fivlav dA/ct/xaj adevei 

TTTjSdv eTr' dvSpojv acofj,ad\ co? TrXrjcrdfj vs. 

AAP. cri) 8 avToxeip ye fMTjTpo? "q a' iyetvaro. 

Plutarch, IIoio a Young Man ought to hear Poems 13. 

35 E, How to Profit by our Enemies 5. 88 f. 

ALc. Thou art near akin to a woman that brought 

death upon her husband. 

ADR. And thou, with thine own hand, didst slay 

the mother that bare thee. 

'Eiriyovoi Wagner. Brunck and Hermann ascribed the 

verses to Sophocles' 'ETriyovoi. 

L. 1 spoken by Alcmeon, son of Amphiaraiis and F-riphyle, 

1. 2 by Adrastus, brother of Eriphyle. Erlphyle had been 

510

. 


bribed by Polynices with the necklace of Harmonia to 

influence Amphiaraiis against his better judgment to join 

the first expedition against Thebes, from which he knew 

that he would not return alive (cp. Seven against Thebes 

]. 587). In the second expedition the most important person 

was Alcmeon, who killed his mother and went mad. 

248 (Anon. 2) 

oAofjieve Trai^wv, ttolov etprjKas Xoyov; 

Athenaeus, Deipnosophists xiii. 14. p. 584 d. 

Cursed boy ! What word is this that thou hast 

uttered ? 

From the 'Eirlyovoi of Aeschylus or of Sophocles (Wagner). 


aAA etV evvTTVov (f)dvracrfj,a 4"^Pfj 

xdovLag 6^ 'E/caTT^? Kcofjiov iSe^w 

Plutarch, On Superstition 3. 166 a. 

But either thou art frightened of a spectre beheld in 

sleep and hast joined the revel-rout of nether Hecate 

Assigned to Aeschylus by Porson. 


ov yap iJ,€ Nv^ eriKre SeanoTTjv Xvpa^, 

ov fidvTLV, ouS' larpov, dAA' evvdropa^ 

i/jvxaXs. 

Plutarch, On Love 15. 758 b. 

*• 

dXXa Ov-qrhv Hfxa : Jacobs dW evv-qropa {evvaTopa Nauck). 

For Night brought me not forth to be the lord of 

the lyre, nor to be seer or leech, but to lull to rest 

men's souls. 

Assigned to Aeschylus by Hermann. 

Spoken by Sleep. 

511 



Scholiast B on Iliad A 175, and cited by collectors of 

proverbs: Zenobius iv. 11, Gregory of Cyprus (cod. Leid. 

a. 19, Mosq. 3. 53), Pseudo-Diogenianus iv. 95 a. 

1 < > Valckenaer. 

^ iirl Pseudo-Diogen. 

Zeus looked late into his book. 

Assigned to Aeschylus by Valckenaer. 

A proverb concerning the delayed punishment of the 

wicked. The " book of Zeus " is the " book of life." Cp. 

Eum. 275. 

252 (Anon. 470) 

erreira Trdarjs 'EAAaSo? Kal ^v/xiJidxiov 

îov hLcoKT)a ovra Trplv 7T€vpfi€vov 

drjpaiv 6^ ojxoiov. Trpcora pikv rov 7Tavao

; 


P^) ovx bp(j}[xivqv evdovTi /cat ffreixovTi koI Ko.drj/j.ii'ii) (

. 


259 (483 Wecklein) 

aacrovcra 8' eêAa/xi/rev dcrrpaTTrjg Slkttjv} 

Aelian, Historical Miscellanies xiii. 1. 

^ iba-irep dv^ aru vovderels' 

yviofxrjv 8' cxovrd fi rj (f)V(ns ^laêrai. 

Clement of y\lexandria. Miscellanies ii. 13. p. 462 ; 1. 2 

cited, without the poet's name, by Plutarch, On Moral 

Virtue 6. 446 a, Stobaeus, Anthology ii. 7. 10° (Wachsmuth 

ii. 89). 

V : 

^ \i\Tjde 5i jxe ovdiv Twvde Sjv L, \^\r)de 5^ fx' ovdiv tQivB 

Sylburg. 

Naught escapes me whereof thou admonishest 

yet, for all my resolve, Nature constrains me. 

me ; 

Adioj Gataker, Euripides' Xpvannro% Valckenaer. 


TiVKpos he Toôv xP^H'^vos êiScoAta 

VTTcp Td

; 


ovrcos TTeTTovda /cat fxe av/ji,(f)opds aet^ 

âdela KrjXls e/c ^vdoiv dvacrTp€(f>€L 

5 Xvcrcrrjs TriKpols Kevrpoiaiv r]pedLap.evov. 

Clement of Alexandria, Miscellanies ii. 15. p. 462 

11. 1-2 Letronne, Les Papyres grecs p. 96. 

^ iXevdipov : Clem. ^ crvfX(popov(ra : Siivern. 

So then 'tis true—no misery gnaws a free man's 

soul like dishonour. Thus do I suffer, and the deep 

stain 

of my calamity ever stirs me from the depths, 

agitated as I am by the piercing goads of frenzy. 

Qprj

ELEGIAC FRAGMENTS 


Tvparjvcijv^ yevedv, iâpfxaKOTTOLOv edvos 

Theophrastus, History of Plants ix. 15 ; cp. Pliny, 

Natural History xxv. 11 (5). 

^ Tvpp-qvbu : Bergk. 

The race of the Tyrrhenes, a nation that maketh 

drugs. 

EPIGRAMS 

271 (494. Wecklein) 

Et? irepovs TrpofMO-xovs QeacraXoJv. 

Kvaver] Kal rovaSe fj-eveyxeas^ coXeaev dvSpa? 

[jbolpa, TToXvpprjvov TrarptSa pvop,evovs. 

t,oj6v Se (f)dijxevcx)v 

TreXerai kXcos, ol ttotc yviois 

rXrjpLoves Ôaaaiav dfnîeaavro kovlv. 

Palatine Anthology vii. 255. 

1 fievfyxâs P PI", fieviyxeas PI'". 


^pidvs OTrAiTOTraAas", Salbs' avrnraXoLs 

Plutarch, Concerning the Fortune or Virtue of Alexander 

the Great 11. 2. p. 334 d, cp. Table Talk 11. 5. 2. p. 640 a ; 

and, without naming the poet, Concerning the Fortune of 

the Romans 3. 317 e. Comparison of Cicero and Demosthenes 

2, Eustathlus on Iliad 513. 33. 

[A warrior,] sturdy, heavy-armed, terrific to the foe 

On other Thessalian champions. 

Dark Fate likewise laid low these valiant spearmen 

defending their fatherland, rich in sheep. But living 

is the glory of the dead who of old, steadfast in battle, 

clothed themselves in Ossa's dust. 


AlaxvXov ^V(f)opLojvos *Adr)valov^ rdSe Kevdei 

fiv^fia KaTa(f)dipi,€vov Trvpo

; 

EPIGRAMS 

^ 

adrjvaiwt/ M, ddrjvaTou recc. Plut. Eustr. 

2 Trvpo(p6poio Plut. : irapacpbpoLo M^P Flor. 28. 25 : Trapa- 

0opo's Flor. 31. 8 R: Trvpa6poio MWK: irvpocpopov Pal. 139: 

TTvpocpopov Lips. 1, Mon. 486, Eustr. (who has r65e tr^/aa êi^êt 

d7ro(/)^tj'6(Ue»'ov). 

3 7eXa9 Plut., TrAas MQP Paris. 2785, 2786 and very 

many other recc. : creXas VBK^R Ottob. 210, Pal. 139, 

Flor. add. 98, etc. 

* diXXos M?yp. Paris. 2785, Ottob. 346, Pal. 139: HXnos 

M, Athen. 

« e'iirr, Athen., Flor. 31. 8, 91. 5. Flor. Add. 7, etc. 

* âOvxaLr'r]7]s (]VP: -Tyets M^ then erasure of six letters), 

l3advxaiTelris Flor. 28. 25, Flor. add. 98, Vat. 57 R., jSaOv- 

Xatrat Kev Athen. {-xeTaiKev A). 

' fiTJdoi Athen., drjfxos Baroc. 231. 

^ iwL(TTdfj.evoL Athen., Paris. 3521, iirLffrafxevov G. 

This tomb hideth the dust of Aeschylus, an 

Athenian, Euphorion's son, who died in wheatbearing 

Gela ; his glorious valour the precinct of 

Marathon may proclaim, and the long-haired Medes, 

who knew it well. 

Athenaeus and Pausanias (i. 14. 5) state that the epigram 

was written by Aeschylus himself. The Life states that it 

was inscribed by the Geloans on the public tomb in which 

he was buried with splendid honours at the cost of their 

city. 

521 


[A. = AgameviTion ; Cli. = Choeplioroe; E.=Eumenides; P. =Per«ans; 

Pr. = PrometheiLs ; 8. = Suppliant Maidens; Th.=Seven against Thebes; 

Fr. = Fragment. The name of a country commonly includes references to that 

of its inhabitants.] 

ACHAEA A. 108, 185, 189, 269, 320, 

638, 624, 649, 660; P. 488; Th. 

28, 824 ; Fr. 130 

Aeheloan citieB, P. 869 

Acheron A. 1160 ; Th. 856 

Achilles Fr. 59, 60, 266 

Actaeon Fr. 182 

Actor Th. 555 

Adeues P. 312 

Adrastea Pr. 936 ; Fr. 79 

Adria Fr. 35 

Aegean sea A . 659 

Aegeira Fr. 231 

Aegeus E. 683 

Aegina Fr. 232 

Aegiplanctus, A. 303 

Aegisthus ^. 1436, 1612; Ch. Ill, 

134, 482, 670, 650, 734, 877, 893, 

989, 1011 

Aegyptus Fr. 161. See Egypt 

Aeschylus Fr. 272 

Aethiopia, .S. 286 ; Fr. 105, 161, 188 

Aethiops, a mythical river, Pr. 809 

Aetna Pr. 367 ; Fr. 127 ; The Women 

of Aetna, p. 381 

Agamemnon A. 20, 42, 523, 1246, 

1814, 1404, 1499; Ch. 861, 

£.456 

937; 

Agbatana P. 16, 535, 861 

Agdabatas P. 959 

Aidoneus P. 649, 650 

Aisa Ch. 647 

Aischyne Th. 409 

Ajax, island of (Salamis), P. 807, 

868.590 

Alcmene A. 1040 

Alexander (Paris) A. 61, 863 

Amazons E. 628, 686 ; Pr. 728 ; S. 287 

522 

Amistres P. 21 

Amistris P. 320 

Amphiaraiis Th. 569 

Amphion, son of Zeus and Antiope, 

husband of Niobe, Th. 528 ; Fr. 81 

Amphistreus P. 320 

Amymone p. 382 

Anchares P. 994 

Andraemon Fr. 149 

Andros P. SS6 

Anticleia Fr. 90 

Antigone Th. 862 

Antilochus Pr. 62 

Aphrodite A. 419 ; S. 555, 664, 104 

Apia, an older name of the Peloponnesus, 

A. 256; S. 117 = 128, 

200, 777 

Apis, a mythical person of .early 

Peloponnesian history, son of 

Apollo, S. 262, 209 

Apollo A. 55, 513, 1073, 1077, 1080, 

1085, 1202, 1257, 1269; Ch. 559, 

1057 ; E. 85, 198, 299, 574, 610 

5. 214 ; Th. 159, 746, 859; Fr. 113, 

187 (Apollo-Dionysus); "Commander 

of Sevens " Th. 801 ; 

Lycean A. 1257, S. 686, Th. 145. 

See Loxias, Phoebus. 

Ara, Arae, curse (sometimes personified) 

A. 309 ; E. 417 ; Th. 70, 

695, 833, 894, 952 

Arabia (?) Pr. 420 

Arabus P. 318 

Arachnaeus A, 809 

Arcadian Th. 547, 653 

Arcteus P. 44, 312 

Ares A. 48, 78,437, 642, 1235, 1511 

Ch. 162, 462, 938; E. 355, 689, 862

; 

; 

; 



918 ; P. 86, 952 ; Pr. 861 ; S. 636, 

665, 702, 749, 935 ; Th. 45, 53, 64, 

105, 115, 135, 244, 344, 412, 414, 

469, 497, 943 ; hill of E. 685, 690 

" 

Fr. 37. 7, 50. 16, 51 

Argestes P. 308 

Argive A. 45, 198, 267, 503, 506, 573, 

577, 652, 824, 855, 1393, 1633, 1665 

Ch. 1041, 1046 ; E. 290, 455, 757 ; 

S. 269, 274, 278, 290, 299, 605, 621, 

739, 980; Th. 59, 120, 679; Fr. 

84. See Argos 

Argives, p. 383 

Argo Fr. 8 

Argo, p. 385 

Argolic S. 236 

Argos A. 24, 810 ; Ch. 676, 680 ; E. 

654 ; Pr. 854, 869 ; S. 15 ; Th. 548, 

573. See Argives 

Argus Pr. 567, 678 ; S. 305 

Arian Ch. 423 

Arimaspi, a Scythian people, Pr. 

805 

Ariomardus P. 38, 321, 968 

Arsaces P. 995 

Arsames P. 37, 308 

Artabes P. 318 

Artaphrenes P. 21, 776, [778] 

Artembares P. 29, 302, 972 

Artemis A. 135, 202; S. 1030; Th. 

154, 450 ; Fr. 43 ; Artemis Hecate 

S. 676, cp. Fr. 87 

Asia P. 12, 57. 61, 73, 249, 270, 549, 

584, 763, 929; Pr. 412, 735; S. 

547; Fr. 106 

Asopus A. 297 ; P. 805 

Astacus Th. 407 

Astaspes P. 22 

Ate ^. 770, 1230, 1433; P. 112, 

1007 ; Th. 954 

Athamas P. 70. 

Athamas p. 380 

See Helle 

Athena E. 235, 288, 299, 443, 614, 

892 ; Th. 487. See Onca, Pallas 

Athenians P. 355 

Athens P. 231,1 285, 348, 474, 716, 

824, 976 ; Fr. 18 (in Euboea), 272 

Athos A. 285 

Atlas Pr. 350, 428 ; Fr. 172 

Atossa, wife of Darius, and mother 

of Xerxes 

Atreidae A. 3, 44, 123, 204, 310, 400, 

451, 1088 ; Ch. 322, 407 

Atreides A. 530, 1371 

Atreus A. 60, 784, 1502, 1583, 1591 

Ch. 745 ; Fr. 130 

Attic E. 681 

Aulis A. 191 

Axius P. 493 

Babylon P. 62 

Bacchae E. 25 

Bacchae p. 385 

Bactria P. 306, 318, 732 

Bassarae p. 386 

Batanochus P. 981 

Belus S. 319 

Berecynthian Fr. 79 

Bia Pr. 12 

Bibline mountains Pr. 811 

Boeotians P. 482, 806 

Bolbe, a lake in Macedonia, P. 494 

Boreas Fr. 109. See on Oreithyia 

p. 474 

Borreati gate of Thebes," T/i-. 527 

Bosporus P. 723, 746 ; Pr. 733 

Bromius E. 24 

Bura Pr. 231 

Cabiri p. 412 

Cadmus (Cadmeans) Th. 1, 9, 39, 

47, 74, 120, 136, 303, 531, 543, 679, 

823, 1012, 1021, 1031, 1032 

Caicus Fr. 67, 68 

Calchas A. 156, 249 l' 

Canobus, a town situated (in classical 

times) near Alexandria Pr. 

846 ; S. 311 

Capaneus Th. 423, 440 ; Fr. 7 

Carians or Europe p. 414 

Cassandra A. 1035 

Caucasus Pr. 422, 719 ; Fr. 107. 28 

Cegdadatas P. 997 

Cenean promontory Fr. 17 

Cerchnea, a spring near Lerna in 

Argolis, Pr. 676 

Cercyces p. 419 

Cereyon p. 418 

Chalcis A. 190 

Chalybes, workers in iron, dwelling 

near the east coast of the Euxine, 

Pr. 715 ; Th. 728 

Chios P. 883 

Chrysa, a city of Asia Minor, P. 314 

Chrysel's A. 1439 

Chthon E. 6 ; Pr. 207. See Gaia 

Cilicia P. 327 ; Pr. 353 ; & 551 ; Fr. 

268 

523 

Cilissa Ch. 732 

Cissia, a district of Susiana in which 

the city of Susa was situated, 

Ch. 423 ; /*. 17, 120 

Cisthene I'r. 793 

Cithaeron A. 298 

Clytaeiiiestra (so written in the 

Mss., not -innestra) A. 84, 258, 

585; Ch. 882; E. 116 

Cocytus A. 1160; I'h. 690 

Colchis Pr. 415 

Corycian cavo E. 22 

Cotyto Fr. 27. 1 

Cranaiis E. 1011 

Cratos Ch. 244 ; Pr. 12 

Creon Th. 474 

Cretan Ch. 616; Fr. 102 

Cretan Women p. 419 

Cronus E. 041 ; Pr. 187, 203, 222, 

577 ; Fr. 107. 6 

Curetes Fr. 173 

Curse personifled, see Aia 

Cychrea, a name of the island of 

Salamis, P. 570 

Cyclopes Fr. 244 

Cypris E. 215; S. 1034; Th. 140 

Cyprus P. 892 ; S. 282 ; Fr. 238 

Cyrus /'. 768, 773 

Cytherea S. 1032 

Dadaces p. 304 

Danaans vl. 66, 149, 1466 ; Fr. 59 

Danaida p. 393 

Danaiis S. 11, 321, 969, 979 

Darian P. 651, 063 

Darius P. 6, 156, 164, 554, 713, etc. 

Daulian Ch. 674 

Delos E. 9 

Delphus A'. 16 

Demeter Fr. 25, 161, 241 

Diaexis P. 995 

Dike A. 260, 888, 772, 1432; Ch. 

148, 244, 311, 461, 641, 646, 949; 

E. 611 ; S. 709; Th. 415, 646, 662, 

667, 671 ; Fr. 148, 253 

Dion Fr. 18 

DionysuR Fr. 193 

Dirc«, a stream close to Thebes on 

the west, Th. 273, 807 

Dodona Pr. 058, 830 ; S. 258 

Dorian P. 183, 817 

Doria P. 486 

Dotamaa P. 959 

Dyme Fr. 231 

524 

Earth, see Gaia 

Edonians P. 495 

Edonians p. 898 

Egypt P. 35, 311 ; S. 873 ; Fr. 206 

see Aegyptus 

Electra Ch. 16, 252 

Electran gate of Thebes Th. 423 

Eleusinians p. 396 

Enyo TA. 45 

Bpaphus Pr. 851 ; S. 48, 315, 589 

Epigoni p. 896 

Erasinus, a river of Argolis, S. 1020 

Erechtlieus E. 855 

Brinys, Erinyes A. 59, 403, 645, 

749, 991, 1119, 1190, 1433, 1580; 

Ch. 283, 402, 577; E. 331, 344, 

512, 951; Pr. 516; Th. 70, 574, 

700, 723, 791, 867, 887, 979 = 993, 

1061 

Bteocles Th. 6, 39, 1013 

Eteoclus Th. 458 

Etruscan E. 567 ; Fr. 269 

Euboea Fr. 17, 194 

Euphorion Fr. 272 

Euripus A. 292 

Europe P. 799 ; Fr. 106 

Europe or Carians p. 414 

Eurymachus Fr. 94 

Eye of the Persians P. 979 

Fatks, see Moerae 

Furies, see Erinyes 

Gabians Fr. 110 

Gaia, Ge Ch. 148, 399, 489; E. 2; 

P. 220, 523, 629, 640; Pr. 90, 212; 

S. 305,890; r;i.l6, 69. SeeChthon 

Gela Fr. 272 

Qeryon A. 870, Fr. 37. See p. 388 

(llattcus Pontios p. 388 

Glaucus Potnietis p. 391 

Gorgons Ch. 1048 ; F. 48 ; Pr. 793, 799 

Gorgopis A. 302 

Grypes, a fabulous, bird-like species 

of animal, Pr. 804 

Hades A. 667, 1115, 1235, 1291, 

1528; E. 273: P. 923; Pr. 152, 

238, 433, 1029 ; S. 228, 416, 791 

Th. 322, 868; Fr. 131,243 

Halys, the chief river of Asia Minor 

and forming the boundary between 

the Lydianand the Persian 

empire, P. 865

. 

241, 

; 



Harmonia, daughter of Aphrodite. 

S. 1041 

Hecate Fr. 216, 249. See Artemis 

Hector Fr. 149, 168 

Hector's Ransom or Ths Phrygians ^ 

p. 470 

Helen A. 687, 800, 1455, 1464 

Heliades p. 492 

Helice Fr. 231 

Helios A. 633; Ch. 986; P. 232; 

Fr. 105 

Hellas A. 109, 678 ; P. 2, 186, 234, 

271, 758, 796, 809, 824; S. 237, 

243 ; Fr. 50. 17, 252 

Helle, daughter of Athamas (P. 70) 

and Nephele, an immortal. When 

she and her brother Phrixus were 

persecuted by their stepmother, 

Ino, Nephele appeared and carried 

off her children on a golden ram, 

but Helle, falling into the sea, 

was drowned ; whence it was 

called Hellespont 

Hellene, Hellenic A. 429, 1254 ; E. 

31, 756, 920 ; P, 334, 338, 362, 409, 

etc. S. 220, 914; Th. 269 

Hellespont P. 745, cp. 875 

Hephaestus A. 281 ; E. 13 ; Pr. 3, 

369, 619 ; Fr. 33. 3, 107. 6 

Hera Pr. 592, 704, 900 ; S. 291, 

586, 1035; Th. 152; Fr. 26; 

Hera, "the Fulfiller," E. 214, 

Fr. 211 

Heradeidae p. 404 

Heracles, references to A. 1040; 

Pr. 872 ; Fr. 109-116 

Hermaean crag A. 283 

Hermes A. 515 ; Ch. 1, 124a, 622, 

727; E. 90; P. 629; Pr. 1036; 

S. 305 ; Th. 508 ; Fr. 150, 212 

Hesione, daughter of Oceanus, Pr. 

559 

Himeras Fr. 19 

Hippomedon Th. 488 

Homoloid gate of Thebes Th. 570 

Hybristes Pr. 717 

Hyperbius Th. 604, 512, 519 

Hystaechmas P. 972 

Icarus P. 890 

Ida A. 281, 283, 311, 564 ; Fr. 79, 83 

'le'peiai p. 408 

Ilium A. 29, 406, 440, 463, 457, 589, 

626, 699, 737, 814, 860, 882, 907, 

968, 1227, 1287, 1489; Ch. 345; E. 

457 

Imaeus P. 31 

Inachus, the most ancient hero or 

god of Argos, father of lo, Ch. 6; 

Pr. 590, 663, 705 ; S. 497 ; Fr. 84 

lo Pr. 635, 788, 815 ; S. 292, 535, 

573, 1064 

Ionian, lonians P. 178, 563, 771, 

899, 950, 951, 1011, 1025 

Ionian sea Pr. 840 

Iphigenia A. 1526, 1565 

Iphigenia p. 411 

Ismene Th. 862 

Ismenus, a stream close to Thebes 

on the east, Th. 273, 378 

Ister Fr. 76 

Isth7mastae or Theoroi p. 406 

Itys A. 1144 

Ixion E. 441, 718 

Ixioii p. 409 

Kerbs, vengeful spirits of the 

dead, Th. 1061 

LAius Th. 691, 745, 802, 842 

Lasthenes Th. 620 

Leda A. 914 

Lemnos A. 284; P. 890; the 

" Lemnian horror" Ch. 631, 634 

Leon p. 420 

Lerna, a marshy district near the 

sea, on the south-west of the 

Argolic Plain, Pr. 652, 677 

Lesbos P. 882'; Lesbian moulding 

Fr. 39 

Leto E. 323, Th. 147, Fr. 87 

Libya E. 292 ; S. 279, 316 ; Libyan 

fables Fr. 63 

Libyrnia Fr. 201 

Lichas Fr. 17 

Ligurians Fr. 112. 1, 9 

Ijilaeus P. 308, 970 

Loxias A. 1074, 1208, 1211; Ch. 

269, 558, 900, 952, 1030, 1036, 

1039, 1069; E. 19, 35, 61, 235, 

465, 758 ; Pr. 669 ; Th. 618 ; 

Fr. 42 

Lyceiis (Apollo) A. 1257, S. 686, 

Th. 145 

Lycia Ch. 346 

Lycurgus p. 420 

Lydia P. 41, 770; S. 560; Fr. 29 

Lyma, a city in the Troad, P. 324 

Lyrnessus Fr. 149 

525 

Lyssa ¥r. 85 

Lythimnas r. i>9" 

Macedonia ¥. 492 

MaciRtus A. 289 

Maeotic lake, the sea of Azov, Tr. 

418, cp. 781 

Magnesia P. 492 

Magus I'. 318 

Maia Ch. 813, Fr. 212 

Maraphis [/*. 778] 

Marathon /'. 475, ¥r. 272 

Mardi, a Persian tribe, P. 993 

Mardon P. 51 

Mardus P. 774 

Mariandynians P. 938 

Masistes P. 30 

Masistras P. 971 

MaUllus P. 814 

Medes P. 236, 791, Fr. 272 

Med us P. 765 

Megabates P. 22, 982 

Megareus T\. 474 

Melanippas Th. 414 

Melian gulf P. 486 

Jfemnon p. 421 

Memphis (1) the city P. 36 ; S. 311 

(2) a general under Xerxes P. 971 

Menelails A. 42, 617, 674 

Messapius A . 294 

Metis, wife of Tereus, commonly 

called Procne ; she killed her son 

Itys, S. 60 

Metrofcathes P. 4S 

Minos Ck. 618, Fr. 50. U 

Mo«ra, Moerae A. 130, 1451, 1587; 

Ch. 806, 910, 911; E. 172, 835, 

724, 961, 1046; Pr. 511, 516; Th. 

977=991 

Molaasian plains, in Epirus, Pr. 

829 

Myconos P. 884 

Myrmidons p. 422 

Mysia P. 62, 322, 1054 ; S. 649 ; Fr. 

67. 267 

Ifyiian* p. 427 

Nacpactus.S. 262 

Naxos P. 884 

NMn

: 

; 


Pelasgus S. 251, 1010 

the name etymologized, Pr. 85 

Pelops E. 703 ; Pelopidae A. 1600 

Avdjaei/oj p. 446 : IXupKaevt p. 

Oh. 503 

453, Uvptjyopoi p. 454 

Penelope p. 445 

Propontis P. 876 

Peiitheus E. 26 

Proteus p. 455 

Pentheus p. 443 

Psammis P. 960 

Perrhaebiaiis S. 256 

Psychagogoi p. 473 

Perrhaebians p. 444 

Pylades C/i. 20, 562, 899 

Persephassa (Persephone) Ch. 490 Pytho, Pythian A. 509 ; Pr. 658 ; 

Perseus Ch. 831 

r/t. 747 

Persia P. 1, etc. 

Pharandaces P. 31, 958 

Rhadamanthys Fr. 50. 12 

Pharnuchus 

Rhea, gulf of, 

P. 

Pr. 837 

313, 967 

Phasis Fr. 76, 106 

Rhegium Fr. 230 

Pheres 

Rhodes P. 

E. 723 

891 

Rhypae 

Philoctetes 

(or -es) p. 464 

Fr. 231 

Phineus A'. 50 

Salamis (1) the island P. 273, 284, 

Phineus p. 408 

447, 965 ; (2) a city in Cyprus P. 

Phlegraean plain E. 295 

893; The Women of Salamis p. 456 

Phobos r^.. 45 

Salmydessus, a district in Thrace, 

Phocis A. 881; C/i. 564, 674, 679; on the Buxine, north-west from 

P. 485 

the entrance of the Bosporus, 

Phoebe E. 7, 8 

Pr. 726 

Phoebus E. 8, 283 ; P. 206 ; 

Th. 691 ; 

Samos P. 883 

i*'r. 189. 5; Phoebus Apollo K. 744 Sardis, the ancient capital of Lydia, 

Phoenicians P. 410 

at the foot of Mt. Tmolus, P. 45, 

Phorcides, the Gorgons and Graeae, 321 

daughters of Phorcys, Pr. 794 Saronic gulf A. 306 

Phorcides p. 469 

Sarpedon, a Lycian prince, slain 

Phrygia P. 770 ; S. 548 ; Fr. 262, by Patroclus, S. 869, Fr. 50. 16. 

267 

Scamander ^. 511, 1157; Ch. 366; 

Phrygians or Hector's Ransom p. 470 E. 39S 

Phthia Fr. 60 

Scylla^. 1233 

Pindus S. 257 

Scythia Ch. 161; E. 703; Pr. 2, 

Pista, Pistoi, name of the Persian 417, 709 ; Fr. Ill 

Council, P. 1, cp. 528, 681 

Seisames P. 322 

Plataea P. 817 

Sesames P, 982 

Pleiads A. 826, Fr. 172 

Seualces P. 969 

Pleisthenes, -Idae A. 1569, 1002 

Sicily Pr. 371 

Pleistus E. 27 

Sldon S. 122 = 133 

Pluton, a mythical river, Pr. 806 Sileniae, a part of the coast of 

Polynlces Th. 577, 641, 658, 1019, Salamis, P. 303 

1073 

Simois A. 696 

Polyphontes Th. 448 

Sisyphus Fr. 90 

Poseidon E. 27 P. 750 Pr. 925 Sisyphus ; ; p. 457 

Prometheus 66, etc., Fr. 104, 128 ; 

761 

Th. 131, 309 

Soli, a city in Cyprus, P. 893 

Pothos ,S. 1039 

Sosthanes P. 32 

Potniae Fr. 88 

Spercheus P. 487, Pr. 136 

Priam A. 40, 127, 267, 710, 935, Sphinx Th. 541, Pr. 129 

1336 ; sons of Priam A. 537, 747 ; 

Spftiwa; p. 460 

Ch. 935 

Strophius^. 881; Ch. 679 

Proetid gate of Thebes Th. 377 Strymon A. 192 ; P. 497, 867; S. 255 

Proetus Th. 395 

Susa P. 16, 119, 535, 557, 644, 730, 

527 

; 


Sosas P. 999 

Susiacanes P. 34, 960 

Syennesis P. 326 

.Syria A. 1312 ; P. 84 ; S. 5 ; Fr. 268 

Tantalidae a. 1469 

Tartarus f;. 72; Pr. 154, 221, 1029, 

1051 

Teleiikus p. 461 

Tenagon /'. 306 

Tenos P. 885 

Toreiis ,S. 60 

Tethys /'r. 137 ; Th. 311 

Teucer Fr. 263 

IVucrian ^.112 

Teuthrae, an aiiciont'Sihgof Mysia, 

>•. 549 

Tli'ihiinojxnoi p. 406 

Tlianatos Fr. 82 

Tliarybis, P. 51, 323, 971 

Thel)«s, in Egypt, P. 38 

Tliemis E. 2 ; Pr. 18, 211, 874 ; S. 

H60 

Thoiniscyra, a city .in Pontus at 

wliich the yêriiiodon flows into 

the Kiixinei Pr. 724 

Theoinos /. 210 

Theoroi or Isthniiasiai p. 406 

diennodon Pf, 725 

Theseus /•:. 402, 686, 1026 

Thesprotia Pr. 831 

Thessaly P. 489 

Thestius, father of Althaea, mother 

of Meleager, Ch. 605 

Thrace A. 654, 1418; P. 509, 566, 

870 ; The Women ofThiace p. 407 

Tliyestes A. 1242, 1584, 1588 ; 

[Ch. 

1069) 

Thyiad, a female follower of 

Dionynus, Th. 498, 836 

Tirvns Fr. 244 

Titan E. 6 ; Pr. 207, 427, 874 ; Fr. 

107. 1 

Tmolus P. 49 

Tolmug P. 998 

Tototidet p. 463 

Triton a;. 2

AESCHYLUS VOL.II WITH AN ENGLISH TRNSL. BY HERBERT WEIR SMYTH 1926

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