_Cass._ Nay, now no more from out of maiden veils My oracle shall glance, like bride fresh wed;[364] 1150 But seems as though 'twould rush with speedy gales In full, clear brightness to the morning dawn; So that a greater war than this shall surge Like wave against the sunlight.[365] Now I'll teach No more in parables. Bear witness ye, As running with me, that I scent the track Of evil deeds that long ago were wrought: For never are they absent from this house, That choral band which chants in full accord, Yet no good music; good is not their theme. And now, as having drunk men's blood,[366] and so Grown wilder, bolder, see, the revelling band, 1160 Erinnyes of the race, still haunt the halls, Not easy to dismiss. And so they sing, Close cleaving to the house, its primal woe,[367] And vent their loathing in alternate strains On marriage-bed of brother ruthless found To that defiler. *Miss I now, or hit, Like archer skilled? or am I seeress false, A babbler vain that knocks at every door? Yea, swear beforehand, ere I die, I know (And not by rumour only) all the sins Of ancient days that haunt and vex this house. _Chor._ How could an oath, how firm soe'er confirmed, Bring aught of healing? Lo, I marvel at thee, 1170 That thou, though born far off beyond the sea, Should'st tell an alien city's tale as clear As though thyself had stood by all the while. _Cass._ The seer Apollo set me to this task. _Chor._ Was he a God, so smitten with desire? _Cass._ There was a time when shame restrained my speech. _Chor._ True; they who prosper still are shy and coy. _Cass._ He wrestled hard, breathing hot love on me. _Chor._ And were ye one in act whence children spring? _Cass._ I promised Loxias, then I broke my vow. _Chor._ Wast thou e'en then possessed with arts divine? 1180 _Cass._ E'en then my country's woes I prophesied. _Chor._ How wast thou then unscathed by Loxias' wrath? _Cass._ I for that fault with no man gained belief. _Chor._ To us, at least, thou seem'st to speak the truth.