Resounds, and to my startled eyes Dread sights appear: there lie the bones Of that huge giant, far outstretched, Upon a slimy marsh's brink All white and rotting. Now I see That old man, wan with suffering, Forget awhile the mocking waves, 770 Forget his burning thirst, to grieve For this disaster hovering About his house; But Dardanus exults to see His foeman's baleful destiny. _Band:_ Now has her rage prophetic spent itself, 775 And fall'n away; like some devoted bull, Which sinks with tottering knees before the shrine Beneath the sacrificial axe's stroke. Let us support her ere she faint and fall. But see, our Agamemnon comes at last To greet his gods, with bay of victory crowned; And, all in festal garb, with glad accord, 780 His consort welcomes her returning lord. FOOTNOTES: [52] Reading, _hinc et Chalcida_. [53] Reading, _vexatus_. [54] Reading, _totâ Troiâ sepulte_. ACT IV [_Enter_ Agamemnon. _He is met and greeted by his wife, who returns into the palace._] _Agamemnon:_ At last in safety am I home returned. Oh, hail, belovéd land! I bring thee spoil From many barbarous tribes; and Troy at length, So long the mistress of the haughty east, 785 Submits herself as suppliant to thee. But see, Cassandra faints, and trembling falls With nerveless form. Ye slaves with speed uplift her; Revive her drooping spirits with the chill Of water on her face. Her languid eyes Again behold the light of day. Arise, Cassandra, and recall thy sluggish sense. That shelter from our woes, so long desired, 790 Is here at last. This is a festal day. _Cassandra:_ Remember Ilium's festal day. _Agamemnon:_ But come, We'll kneel before the shrine. _Cassandra:_ Before the shrine My father fell. _Agamemnon:_ We will together pray In thankfulness to Jove. _Cassandra:_ Hercean Jove? _Agamemnon:_ Thou think'st of Ilium? _Cassandra:_ And Priam too. _Agamemnon:_ This is not Troy. 795 _Cassandra:_ Where a Helen is, is Troy. _Agamemnon:_ Fear not thy mistress, though in captive's bonds. _Cassandra:_ But freedom is at hand. _Agamemnon:_ Live on secure. _Cassandra:_ I think that death is my security. _Agamemnon:_ For thee there's naught to fear. _Cassandra:_ But much for thee. _Agamemnon:_ What can a victor fear? _Cassandra:_ What least he fears.