_Watchman._ I ask the Gods a respite from these toils, This keeping at my post the whole year round, Wherein, upon the Atreidæ's roof reclined, Like dog, upon my elbow, I have learnt To know night's goodly company of stars, And those bright lords that deck the firmament, And winter bring to men, and harvest-tide; [The rising and the setting of the stars.] And now I watch for sign of beacon-torch, The flash of fire that bringeth news from Troïa, And tidings of its capture. So prevails *A woman's manly-purposed, hoping heart; 10 And when I keep my bed of little ease, Drenched with the dew, unvisited by dreams, (For fear, instead of sleep, my comrade is, So that in sound sleep ne'er I close mine eyes,) And when I think to sing a tune, or hum, (My medicine of song to ward off sleep,) Then weep I, wailing for this house's chance, No more, as erst, right well administered. Well! may I now find blest release from toils, 20 When fire from out the dark brings tidings good. [_Pauses, then springs up suddenly, seeing a light in the distance_ Hail! thou torch-bearer of the night, that shedd'st Light as of morn, and bringest full array Of many choral bands in Argos met, Because of this success. Hurrah! hurrah! So clearly tell I Agamemnon's queen, With all speed rising from her couch to raise Shrill cry of triumph o'er this beacon-fire Throughout the house, since Ilion's citadel Is taken, as full well that bright blaze shows. 30 I, for my part, will dance my prelude now; [_Leaps and dances_ For I shall score my lord's new turn of luck, This beacon-blaze may throw of triple six.[271] Well, would that I with this mine hand may touch The dear hand of our king when he comes home! As to all else, the word is “Hush!” An ox[272] Rests on my tongue; had the house a voice 'Twould tell too clear a tale. I'm fain to speak To those who know, forget with those who know not. [_Exit_ _Enter Chorus of twelve Argive elders, chanting as they march to take up their position in the centre of the stage. A procession of women bearing torches is seen in the distance_