And have thou in thy breast The heart that Perseus had,[448] And for thy friends beneath, And those on earth who dwell, Go thou and work the deed Acceptable to them, 820 Of bitter, wrathful mood, And consummate within *The loathly work of blood; [And bidding Vengeance come as thine ally,] Destroy the murderer. _Enter_ ÆGISTHOS _Ægis._ Not without summons came I, but by word Of courier fetched, and learn that travellers bring Their tale of tidings new, in no wise welcome. As for Orestes' death, with it to charge The house would be a burden dropping fear To one by that old bloodshed sorely stung.[449] How shall I count these things? As clear and true? Or are they vague reports of woman's fears, 830 That leap up high and die away to nought? What can'st thou say that will my mind inform? _Chor._ We heard, 'tis true; but go thou in and ask Of these same strangers. Nought is found in words Of messengers like asking, man from man. _Ægis._ I wish to see and probe the messenger, If he himself were present at the death, Or tells it hearing of a vague report: They shall not cheat a mind with eyes wide open. [_Exit_ _Chor._ Zeus! Zeus! what words shall I 840 Now speak, whence start in prayer, *Invoking help of Gods? How with all wish for good Shall I speak fitting words? For now the sharp sword-points, Red with the blood of man, Will either work for aye The utter overthrow Of Agamemnon's house, Or, kindling fire and torch For freedom thus achieved, Will he the sceptre wield Of duly-ordered sway, His father's pride and state: 850 Such is the contest he, Orestes, godlike one, Now wages all alone, The one sole combatant,[450] In place of him who fell, Against those twain. May victory be his! _Ægisth._ [_groaning within_] Ah! ah! Woe's me! _Chor._ Hark! hark! How goes it now? What issue has been wrought within the house? Let us hold back while they the deed are doing, That we may seem as guiltless of these ills: For surely now the fight has reached its end. _Enter_ Servant _from the chief door_ _Serv._ Alas! alas! my master perishes! 860 Alas! alas! a third time yet I call. Ægisthos is no more; but open now With all your speed, and loosen ye the bolts That bar the women's gates. A man's full strength Is needed; not indeed that that would help A man already slain. [_Rushes to the gate of the woman's half of the palace_