_Clytæm._ I long ago for gladness raised my cry, 570 When the first fiery courier came by night, Telling of Troïa taken and laid waste: And then one girding at me spake, “Dost think, Trusting in beacons, Troïa is laid waste? This heart elate is just a woman's way.” In words like these they made me out distraught; Yet still I sacrificed, and with a strain Shrill as a woman's, they, now here, now there, Throughout the city hymns of blessing raised In shrines of Gods, and lulled to gentle sleep The fragrant flame that on the incense fed. 580 And now why need'st thou lengthen out thy words? I from the king himself the tale shall learn; And that I show all zeal to welcome back My honoured lord on his return (for what Is brighter joy for wife to see than this, When God has brought her husband back from war, To open wide her gates?) tell my lord this, “To come with all his speed, the city's idol;” And “may he find a faithful wife at home, Such as he left her, noble watch-dog still 590 For him, and hostile to his enemies; And like in all things else, who has not broken One seal of his in all this length of time.”[318] No pleasure have I known, nor scandal ill With any other more than ... stains on bronze.[319] Such is my vaunt, and being full of truth, Not shameful for a noble wife to speak.[320] [_Exit_ _Chor._ [_to Herald_.] She hath thus spoken in thy hearing now A goodly word for good interpreters. But tell me, herald, tell of Menelaos, 600 If, coming home again in safety he Is with you, the dear strength of this our land. _Her._ I cannot make report of false good news, So that my friends should long rejoice in it. _Chor._ Ah! could'st thou good news speak, and also true! These things asunder are not well concealed. _Her._ The chief has vanished from the Achæan host, He and his ship. I speak no falsehood here. _Chor._ In sight of all when he from Ilion sailed? Or did a storm's wide evil part him from you? 610 _Her._ Like skilful archer thou hast hit the mark, And in few words has told of evil long. _Chor._ And was it of him as alive or dead The whisper of the other sailors ran? _Her._ None to that question answer clear can give, Save the Sun-God who feeds the life of earth. _Chor._ How say'st thou? Did a storm come on our fleet, And do its work through anger of the Gods?