So I would tell that thus to Ilion came Mood as of calm when all the air is still, The gentle pride and joy of kingly state, A tender glance of eye, The full-blown blossom of a passionate love, Thrilling the very soul; 720 And yet she turned aside, And wrought a bitter end of marriage feast, Coming to Priam's race, Ill sojourner, ill friend, Sent by great Zeus, the God of host and guest— Erinnys, for whom wives weep many tears. ANTISTROPHE III There lives an old saw, framed in ancient days,[327] In memories of men, that high estate Full-grown brings forth its young, nor childless dies, But that from good success Springs to the race a woe insatiable. 730 But I, apart from all, Hold this my creed alone: For impious act it is that offspring breeds, Like to their parent stock: For still in every house That loves the right their fate for evermore Rejoiceth in an issue fair and good. STROPHE IV But Recklessness of old Is wont to breed another Recklessness, Sporting its youth in human miseries, Or now, or then, whene'er the fixed hour comes: 740 That in its youth, in turn, Doth full-flushed Lust beget, And that dread demon-power unconquerable, Daring that fears not God,— Two curses black within the homes of men, Like those that gendered them. ANTISTROPHE IV But Justice shineth bright In dwellings that are dark and dim with smoke, And honours life law-ruled, While gold-decked homes conjoined with hands defiled 750 She with averted eyes Hath left, and draweth near To holier things, nor worships might of wealth, If counterfeit its praise; But still directeth all the course of things Towards its destined goal. [AGAMEMNON _is seen approaching in his chariot, followed by another chariot, in which_ CASSANDRA _is standing, carrying her prophet's wand in her hand, and wearing fillets round her temples, and by a great train of soldiers bearing trophies. As they come on the stage the Chorus sings its welcome_