_Aegisthus:_ What madness this? Dost thou believe or hope That Agamemnon will be true to thee? 245 Though no grave fears, of conscious guilt begot, Annoyed thy soul with thoughts of punishment; Still would his swelling, o'er-inflated pride, Create in him a dour and headstrong mood. Harsh was he to his friends while Troy still stood; How, think'st thou, has the fall of Troy pricked on 250 His soul, by nature harsh, to greater harshness? Mycenae's king he went; he will return Her tyrant. So doth fortune foster pride. With how great pomp this throng of rivals comes! But one of these, surpassing all the rest, Apollo's priestess, holds the king in thrall. 255 And wilt thou meekly share thy lord with her? But she will not. A wife's last infamy-- To see her rival ruling in her stead. No throne nor bed can brook a rival mate. _Clytemnestra:_ Aegisthus, why dost drive me headlong on, 260 And fan to flames again my dying wrath? For if the victor has his right employed, To work his will upon a captive maid, His wife should not complain or reck of this. The law that binds the man fits not the king. And why should I, myself in conscious guilt, 265 Make bold to sit in judgment on my lord? Let her forgive who most forgiveness needs. _Aegisthus:_ In very truth there's room for mutual grace. But thou know'st naught of royal privilege. Thee will the king judge harshly, to himself 270 A milder law in gentler mood apply. And this they deem the highest pledge of power, If, what to common mortals is denied, Is given by general will to them alone. _Clytemnestra:_ He pardoned Helen; home is she returned, To Menelaüs joined, though East and West Have been engulfed for her in common woe. _Aegisthus:_ But Menelaüs nursed no secret love, 275 Which closed his heart unto his lawful wife. Thy lord seeks charge against thee, cause of strife. Suppose thy heart and life were free from guilt: What boots an honest life, a stainless heart, When hate condemns the suppliant unheard? 280 Wilt thou seek Sparta's shelter, and return Unto thy father's house? No shelter waits The scorned of kings; that hope were false indeed. _Clytemnestra:_ None knows my sin save one most faithful friend. _Aegisthus:_ In vain: no faith is found in royal courts. 285 _Clytemnestra:_ But surely gifts will buy fidelity. _Aegisthus:_ Faith bought by gifts is sold for other gifts. _Clytemnestra:_ My strength and purity of soul revive. Why wouldst thou thwart me? Why, with cozening words, Wouldst thou persuade me to thy evil course? 290 Dost think that I would leave a king of kings And stoop to wed an outcast wretch like thee?