This lot the all-pervading Destiny 320 Hath spun to hold its ground for evermore, That we should still attend On him on whom there rests the guilt of blood Of kin shed causelessly, Till earth lie o'er him; nor shall death set free. And over him as slain, We raise this chant of madness, frenzy-working, The hymn the Erinnyes love, A spell upon the soul, a lyreless strain That withers up men's strength. STROPHE II Such lot was then assigned us at our birth: From us the Undying Ones must hold aloof: 330 Nor is there one who shares The banquet-meal with us; In garments white I have nor part nor lot;[496] My choice was made for overthrow of homes, Where home-bred slaughter works a loved one's death: Ha! hunting after him, Strong though he be, 'tis ours *To wear the newness of his young blood down.[497] ANTISTROPHE II *Since 'tis our work another's task to take,[498] 340 *The Gods indeed may bar the force of prayers Men offer unto me, But may not clash in strife; For Zeus doth cast us from his fellowship, “Blood-dropping, worthy of his utmost hate.”... For leaping down as from the topmost height, I on my victim bring The crushing force of feet, Limbs that o'erthrow e'en those that swiftly run, An Atè hard to bear. 350 STROPHE III And fame of men, though very lofty now Beneath the clear, bright sky, Below the earth grows dim and fades away Before the attack of us, the black-robed ones, And these our dancings wild, Which all men loathe and hate. ANTISTROPHE III Falling in frenzied guilt, he knows it not; So thick the blinding cloud *That o'er him floats; and Rumour widely spread With many a sigh reports the dreary doom, A mist that o'er the house In gathering darkness broods. STROPHE IV Fixed is the law, no lack of means find we; 360 We work out all our will, We, the dread Powers, the registrars of crime, Whom mortals fail to soothe, Fulfilling tasks dishonoured, unrevered, Apart from all the Gods, *In foul and sunless gloom,[499] Driving o'er rough steep road both those that see, And those whose eyes are dark. ANTISTROPHE IV