_Atreus:_ That so they may themselves be free from guilt. For what the need of implicating them In crimes of mine? Nay, through my acts alone My hate shall work its ends. But hold, my soul, Thou doest ill, thou shrinkest from the task. If thou dost spare thine own, thou sparest his 325 As well. So then let Agamemnon be The conscious minister of my designs, And wittingly let Menelaüs help His father's plans. And by this test of crime, Let their uncertain birth be put to proof: If they refuse to wage this deadly war, And will not serve my hatred; if they plead He is their uncle--then is he their sire. So let them go. But no! a look of fear 330 Has oft revealed the heart. And weighty plans, E'en 'gainst the stoutest will, betray themselves. They shall not know of how great consequence Their mission is. [_To_ Attendant.] And do thou hide it too. _Attendant:_ No warning do I need, for in my breast It shall be hid by fear and loyalty. But more shall loyalty prevail with me. 335 * * * * * _Chorus:_ At last our royal family, The race of ancient Inachus, Hath quelled the brothers' deadly strife What fatal madness drives you on To shed by turns each other's blood, 340 And gain the throne through paths of crime? O ye who lust for regal state, Ye know not where true power is found; For riches cannot make a king, Nor Tyrian garments richly dyed, 345 Nor royal crowns upon the brow, Nor portals glittering with gold. But he is king who knows no fear, Whose heart is free from mad desires; Whom vain ambition moveth not, 350 Nor fickle favor of the mob. The hidden treasures of the west Move not his heart, nor sands of gold Which Tagus' waters sweep along Within their shining bed; 355 Nor yet the garnered wealth of grain Trod out on Libyan threshing-floors. He fears no hurtling thunderbolt In zig-zag course athwart the sky; No Eurus ruffling up the sea, 360 Nor the heaving Adriatic's waves, Windswept and mad before the blast; No hostile spear, nor keen, bare sword Can master him; but, set on high, In calm serenity he sees 365 All things of earth beneath his feet. And so with joy he goes to meet His fate, and welcomes death. In vain 'gainst him would kings contend, Though from all lands they congregate-- They who the scattered Dacians lead; 370 Who dwell upon the red sea's marge Whose depths are set with gleaming pearls; Or who, secure on Caspian heights,