What, dwell with thee, my father's murderess? CLYTAEMNESTRA. Blame destiny, my son, for what I did. ORESTES. Blame destiny for what I now must do. CLYTAEMNESTRA. Hast thou no reverence for a mother's prayer? ORESTES. That mother ruthlessly cast off her child. CLYTAEMNESTRA. Not cast thee off; but sent thee to a friend. ORESTES. Twice was I sold, although a freeman born. CLYTAEMNESTRA. What was the price that I received for thee? ORESTES. To tell thee in plain words I am ashamed. CLYTAEMNESTRA. Tell it, but tell thy sire's transgression too. ORESTES. Home-keeping wives should not the toilers chide. CLYTAEMNESTRA. 'Tis sad for wives to lie without their mates. ORESTES. Yet wives are fed by those that sweat abroad. CLYTAEMNESTRA. It seems, my child, thou wilt thy mother slay. ORESTES. Not on my head but thine thy blood will be. CLYTAEMNESTRA. Strike, and a mother's Furies follow thee. ORESTES. A father's will, if I withhold the blow. CLYTAEMNESTRA. Deaf as the grave is he to whom I wail. ORESTES. As died my father thou art doomed to die. CLYTAEMNESTRA. My womb too truly has a serpent borne. ORESTES. No lying prophet was thy dream of fear. Unnatural was thy deed, so be thy doom. THE EUMENIDES The ancient Council of the Areopagus, like other primeval councils, was at once political and judicial. It was the venerable stronghold of the old Athenian and conservative party to which Aeschylus belonged, and was at this time being attacked by the radical party under Pericles and Ephialtes. To save it from its enemies by awakening national sentiment on its behalf, Aeschylus presents it as the high court of justice selected on account of its supreme moral authority totry the grand mythical case of Orestes arraigned by the Furies for matricide. There is also a good word for the diplomatic connection between Argos, represented by Orestes, and Athens. Orestes by Apollo's advice has appealed to the Areopagus. The court consists of Athenian citizens. Athene in person presides. The Furies appear as the accusers. They form the Chorus, which in this case plays a part in the drama. Apollo appears as a witness for his accused votary, and as responsible for the act which he had commanded. The result is the acquittal of Orestes by the presiding goddess. The proceedings are opened by Athene. * * * * * LINES 536-747. ATHENE. Herald, proclaim good order through the host, Then let the loud Tyrrhenian trumpet's blast Thrill forth its warning to the multitude. 'Tis meet that while the judges take their seats All citizens keep silence and give ear To that which now and for all time to come I have ordained, that justice may be done. CHORUS OF FURIES. (_Seeing_ APOLLO _approach_.) Rule, Lord Apollo, o'er thy own domain. What portion hast thou in this cause of ours? APOLLO.