_Ægisth._ These words of thine shall parents prove of tears: But this thy tongue is Orpheus' opposite; He with his voice led all things on for joy, But thou, provoking with thy childish cries, Shalt now be led; and then, being kept in check, Thou shall appear in somewhat gentler mood. 1610 _Chor._ As though thou should'st o'er Argives ruler be, Who even when thou plotted'st this man's death Did'st lack good heart to do the deed thyself? _Ægisth._ E'en so; to work this fraud was clearly part Fit for a woman. I was foe, of old Suspected. But now will I with his wealth See whether I his subjects may command, And him who will not hearken I will yoke In heavy harness as a full-fed colt, Nowise as trace-horse;[400] but sharp hunger joined With darksome dungeon shall behold him tamed. 1620 _Chor._ Why did'st not thou then, coward as thou art, Thyself destroy him? but a woman with thee, Pollution to our land and our land's Gods, She slew him. Does Orestes see the light, Perchance, that he, brought back by Fortune's grace, May for both these prove slayer strong to smite? _Ægisth._ Well, since thou think'st to act, not merely talk, Thou shall know clearly.... [_Calling his Guards from the palace_ On then, my troops, the time for deeds is come. _Chor._ On then, let each man grasp his sword in hand. _Ægisth._ With sword in hand, I too shrink not from death. 1630 _Chor._ Thou talkest of thy death; we hail the word; And make our own the fortune it implies. _Clytæm._ Nay, let us not do other evil deeds, Thou dearest of all friends. An ill-starred harvest It is to have reaped so many. Enough of woe: Let no more blood be shed: Go thou—[_to the Chorus_]—go ye, Ye aged sires, to your allotted homes, Ere ye do aught amiss and dree your weird: *This that we have done ought to have sufficed; But should it prove we've had enough of ills, We will accept it gladly, stricken low In evil doom by heavy hand of God. This is a woman's counsel, if there be That deigns to hear it. _Ægisth._ But that these should fling The blossoms of their idle speech at me, 1640 And utter words like these, so tempting Fate, And fail of counsel wise, and flout their master...! _Chor._ It suits not Argives on the vile to fawn. _Ægisth._ Be sure, hereafter I will hunt thee down. _Chor._ Not so, if God should guide Orestes back. _Ægisth._ Right well I know how exiles feed on hopes. _Chor._ Prosper, wax fat, do foul wrong—'tis thy day. _Ægisth._ Know thou shalt pay full price for this thy folly. _Chor._ Be bold, and boast, like cock beside his mate. _Clytæm._ Nay, care not thou for these vain howlings; I And thou together, ruling o'er the house, Will settle all things rightly. [_Exeunt_ ----- Footnote 271: