His holiest shrine from lawless outrage. Him Physician, prophet, soothsayer, we call, Cleansing from guilt the blood-polluted hall. [_Exit._ [_The interior of the Delphic Temple is now presented to view._ ORESTES _is seen clinging to the navel-stone; the_ EUMENIDES _lie sleeping on the seats around. In the background_ HERMES _beside_ ORESTES. _Enter_ APOLLO. APOLLO. (_to_ ORESTES) Trust me, I'll not betray thee. Far or near, Thy guardian I, and to thine every foe {143} No gentle god. Thy madded persecutors Sleep-captured lie: the hideous host is bound. Primeval virgins, hoary maids, with whom Nor god, nor man, nor beast hath known communion. For evil's sake they are: in evil depth Of rayless Tartarus, underneath the ground, They dwell, of men and of Olympian gods Abhorred. But hence! nor faint thy heart, though they Are mighty to pursue from land to land O'er measureless tracks, from rolling sea to sea, And sea-swept cities. A bitter pasture truly Was thine from Fate;[n13] but bear all stoutly. Hie thee Away to Pallas' city, and embrace Her ancient image[n14] with close-clinging arms. Just Judges there we will appoint to judge Thy cause, and with soft-soothing pleas will pluck The sting from thy offence, and free thee quite From all thy troubles. Thou know'st that I, the god, When thou didst strike, myself the blow directed. ORESTES. Liege lord Apollo, justice to the gods Belongs; in justice, O remember me. Thy power divine assurance gives that thou Can'st make thy will a deed. APOLLO. Fear nought. Trust me. [_To_ HERMES] And thou, true brother's blood, true father's son, Hermes, attend, and to this mission gird thee. Fulfil the happy omen of thy name, The GUIDE,[f10] and guide this suppliant on his way. For Jove respects thy function and thy pride, The prosperous convoy, and the faithful guide. [_Exit_ HERMES, _leading_ ORESTES. APOLLO _retires_. [_Enter_ THE SHADE OF CLYTEMNESTRA.