So sullen discontent has been doing the work of a people's curse: therefore it is that I am awaiting with dim forebodings the full news. The Gods do not forget those who have shed much blood, and sooner or later the dark-robed Deities of the Curse consign the evil-doer to impassable, hopeless gloom. Away with the dazzling success that attracts the thunderbolt! be mine the moderate lot that neither causes nor suffers captivity. {458} _Epode: change of rhythm and Chorus not moving from the Altar._ The courier flame has brought good news--but who knows whether it be true?--Yet it is childish when the heart is all aglow with the message of the flame to be turned round by everchanging rumour.--Yet it is the nature of a woman to believe too soon. [Observe how the Chorus, setting out on an ode of triumph, have come back to their persistent forebodings.] {471} _Suddenly at the Side-door on the extreme Left of the Stage (signifying distance) appears a Herald, covered with dust, crowned with olive in token of victory. The Chorus immediately fall into their Episode position to receive him, the Foreman expressing their anticipations as the Herald traverses the long stage to the point opposite the Chorus._ EPISODE II _Foreman of Chorus_. Now we shall have a clearer message than that of the beacon-fires: all is well or . . . but I cannot put the other alternative. _The Herald_ (_arrived opposite the Chorus_) solemnly salutes the land of Argos he had never hoped to see again, salutes the several Gods whose statues are now bright with the morning sun, especially Apollo who has proved himself a Healer, and Hermes, patron of Heralds; and then announces Agamemnon is close at hand, victorious over Troy and having sent Paris to his merited punishment.--Observe how in the parallel dialogue that follows the foreboding tone creeps in again in the midst of the news of triumph. {520}