Seeing that my lord hath sent it me from Troïa. _Chor._ I to the Gods, O Queen, will pray hereafter, But fain would I hear all thy tale again, E'en as thou tell'st, and satiate my wonder. 310 _Clytæm._ This very day the Achæans Troïa hold. I trow full diverse cry pervades the town: Pour in the same vase vinegar and oil, *And you would call them enemies, not friends; And so from conquerors and from captives now The cries of varied fortune one may hear. For these, low-fallen on the carcases Of husbands and of brothers, children too By aged fathers, mourn their dear ones' death, And that with throats that are no longer free. 320 And those the hungry toil of sleepless guard, After the battle, at their breakfast sets; Not billeted in order fixed and clear, But just as each his own chance fortune grasps, They in the captive houses of the Troïans Dwell, freed at last from all the night's chill frosts, And dews of heaven, for now, poor wretches, they Will sleep all night without the sentry's watch; And if they reverence well the guardian Gods Of that new-conquered country, and their shrines, 330 Then they, the captors, will not captured be. Ah! let no evil lust attack the host Conquered by greed, to plunder what they ought not: For yet they need return in safety home, Doubling the goal to run their backward race.[297] *But should the host come sinning 'gainst the Gods, Then would the curse of those that perishèd Be watchful, e'en though no quick ill might fall. Such thoughts are mine, mere woman though I be. May good prevail beyond all doubtful chance! 340 For I have got the blessing of great joy. _Chor._ Thou, lady, kindly, like a sage, dost speak, And I, on hearing thy sure evidence, Prepare myself to give the Gods due thanks; For they have wrought full meed for all our toil. [_Exit_ CLYTÆM. _with her train_ O Zeus our King! O Night beloved, Mighty winner of great glories, Who upon the towers of Troïa Casted'st snare of closest meshes, So that none full-grown or youthful 350 Could o'erleap the net of bondage, Woe of universal capture;— Zeus, of host and guest protector, Who hath brought these things, I worship; He long since on Alexandros Stretched his bow that so his arrow Might not sweep at random, missing, Or beyond the stars shoot idly. STROPHE I