byAeschylustranslatedbyE。D。A。MorsheadCHARACTERSINTHEPLAY
　　THEPYTHIANPRIESTES
　　APOLLO
　　ORESTES
　　THEGHOSTOFCLYTEMNESTRA
　　CHORUSOFFURIES
　　ATHENA
　　ATTENDANTSOFATHENA
　　TWELVEATHENIANCITIZENSh
　　EUMENDIDES
　　（SCENE:—BeforethetempleofAPOLLOatDelphi。ThePYTHIAN
　　PRIESTESSentersandapproachesthedoorsofthetemple。）
　　THEPYTHIANPRIESTES
　　First，inthisprayer，ofallthegodsInameTheprophet—motherEarth；andThemisnext，Secondwhosat—forsowithtruthissaid—
　　Onthishermother’sshrineoracular。
　　Thenbyhergrace，whounconstrainedallowed，TheresatthereonanotherchildofEarth—
　　TitanianPhoebe。She，inaftertime，Gaveo’erthethrone，asbirthgifttoagod，Phoebus，whoinhisownbearsPhoebe’sname。
　　HefromthelakeandridgeofDelos’isleSteeredtotheportofPallas’Atticshores，Thehomeofships；andthencehepassedandcameUntothislandandtoPamassus’shrine。
　　Andathisside，withawereveringhim，TherewentthechildrenofHephaestus’seed，Thehewersofthesacredway，whotameThestubborntractthaterstwaswilderness。
　　Andallthisfolk，andDelphos，chieftain—kingOfthistheirland，withhonourgavehimhome；
　　AndinhisbreastZeussetaprophet’ssoul，Andgavetohimthisthrone，whereonhesits，Fourthprophetoftheshrine，and，Loxiashight，GivesvoicetothatwhichZeushissiredecrees。
　　SuchgodsInameinmypreludingprayer，Andafterthem，IcallwithhonourdueOnPallas，wardressofthefane，andNymphsWhodwellaroundtherockCorycian，Whereinthehollowcave，thewildbirds’haunt，Wanderthefeetoflessergods；andthere，RightwellIknowit，BromianBacchusdwells，SinceheingodshipledhisMaenadhost，DevisingdeathforPentheus，whomtheyrentPiecemeal，ashareamongthehounds。Andlast，IcallonPleistus’springs，Poseidon’smight，AndZeusmosthigh，thegreatAccomplisher。
　　ThenasaseeresstothesacredchairIpassandsit；andmaythepowersdivineMakethismineentrancefruitfulinresponseBeyondeachformeradvent，triplyblest。
　　Andiftherestandwithout，fromHellasbound，Menseekingoracles，leteachpassinInorderofthelot，asuseallows；
　　Forthegodguideswhate’ermytongueproclaims。
　　（Shegoesintotheinteriorofthetemple；afterashortinterval，shereturnsingreatfear。）
　　Thingsfelltospeakof，fellforeyestosee，HavespedmeforthagainfromLoxias’shrine，Withstrengthunstrung，movingerectnomore，Butaidingwithmyhandsmyfailingfeet，Unnervedbyfear。Abeldame’sforceisnaught—
　　Isasachild’s，whenageandfearcombine。
　　ForasIpacetowardstheinmostfaneBay—filletedbymanyasuppliant’shand，Lo，atthecentralaltarIdescryOnecrouchingasforrefuge—yea，amanAbhorredofheaven；andfromhishands，whereinAswordnew—drawnheholds，bloodreekedandfell:
　　Awandhebears，theolive’stopmostbough，TwinedasofpurposewithadeepclosetuftOfwhitestwool。This，thatIplainlysaw，PlainlyItell。Butlo，infrontofhim，Crouchedonthealtar—steps，agrislybandOfwomenslumbers—notlikewomenthey，ButGorgonsrather；nay，thatwordisweak，NormayImatchtheGorgons’shapewiththeirs！
　　SuchhaveIseeninpaintedsemblanceerst—
　　WingedHarpies，snatchingfoodfromPhineus’board，—
　　Butthesearewingless，black，andalltheirshapeTheeye’sabominationtobehold。
　　Fellisthebreath—letnonedrawnightoit—
　　Exudethedamneddropsofpoisonousire:
　　AndsuchtheirgarbasnoneshoulddaretobringTostatuesofthegodsorhomesofmen。
　　IwotnotofthetribewherefromcancomeSofellalegion，norinwhatlandEarthCouldrear，unharmed，suchcreatures，noravowThatshehadtravailedandhadbroughtforthdeath。
　　But，fortherest，beallthesethingsacarpUntothemightyLoxias，thelordOfthisourshrine:healerandprophethe，Discernerheofportents，andthecleanserOfotherhomes—behold，hisowntocleanse！
　　（Shegoesout。Thecentraldoorsopen，disclosingtheinteriorofthetemple。ORESTESclingstothecentralaltar；theFURIES
　　lieslumberingatalittledistance；APOLLOandHERMESappearfromtheinnermostshrine。）
　　APOLLO（toORESTES）
　　Lo，Ideserttheenever:totheend，Hardatthysideasnow，orsunderedfar，Iamthyguard，andtothineenemiesImplacablyopposeme:lookonthem，Thesegreedyfiends，beneathmycraftsubduedI
　　See，theyarefallenonsleep，thesebeldamesold，UntowhosegrimandwizenedmaidenhoodNorgodnormannorbeastcane’erdrawnear。
　　Yea，evilweretheyborn，forevil’sdoom，EvilthedarkabyssofTartarusWhereintheydwell，andtheythemselvesthehateOfmenonearth，andofOlympiangods。
　　Butthou，fleefarandwithunfalteringspeed；
　　FortheyshallhunttheethroughthemainlandwideWhere’erthroughoutthetractoftravelledearthThyfootmayroam，ando’erando’ertheseasAndislandhomesofmen。Faintnotnorfail，ToosoonandtimidlywithinthybreastShepherdingthoughtsforlornofthisthytoil；
　　ButuntoPallas’citygo，andthereCrouchathershrine，andinthinearmsenfoldHerancientimage:therewewellshallfindMeetjudgesforthiscauseandsuasivepleas，SkilledtocontrivefortheedeliveranceForbymyhestthoudidstthymotherslay。
　　ORESTES
　　OkingApollo，sincerightwellthouknow’stWhatjusticebids，haveheed，fulfilthesame，—
　　Thystrengthisall—sufficienttoachieve。
　　APOLLO
　　Havethoutooheed，norletthyfearprevailAbovethywill。Anddothouguardhim，Hermes，Whosebloodisbrotheruntomine，whosesireThesamehighGod。Mencalltheeguideandguard，Guidethereforethouandguardmysuppliant；
　　ForZeushimselfreverestheoutlaw’sright，Boonoffairescort，uponmanconferred。
　　（APOLLO，HERMES，andORESTESgoout。TheGHOSTOFCLYTEMNESTRA
　　rises。）
　　GHOSTOFCLYTEMNESTRA
　　Sleepon！awake！whatskillsyoursleeptome—
　　Me，amongallthedeadbyyoudishonoured—
　　Mefromwhomnever，intheworldofdeath，Dieththiscourse，’Tisshewhosmoteandslew，AndshamedandscornedIroam？Awake，andhearMyplaintofdeadmen’shateintolerable。
　　Me，sternlyslainbythemthatshouldhaveloved，Medothnogodarousehimtoavenge，Hewndowninbloodbymatricidalhands。
　　Markyethesewoundsfromwhichtheheart’sbloodran，Andbywhosehand，bethinkye！forthesenseWhenshutinsleephaththenthespirit—sight，Butinthedaytheinwardeyeisblind。
　　List，yewhodranksooftwithlappingtongueThewinelessdraughtbymeoutpouredtosootheYourvengefulire！howoftonkindledshrineIlaidthefeastofdarkness，atthehourAbhorredofeverygodbutyoualone！
　　Lo，allmyservicetrampleddownandscorned！
　　Andhebathbaulkedyourchase，asstagthehounds；
　　Yea，lightlyboundingfromthecirclingtoils，Hathwriedhisfaceinscorn，andfliethfar。
　　Awakeandhear—formineownsoulIcry—
　　Awake，yepowersofhell！thewanderingghostThatoncewasClytemnestracalls—Arise！
　　（TheFURIESmuttergrimly，asinadream。）
　　Mutterandmurmur！Hehathflownafar—
　　Mykinhavegodstoguardthem，Ihavenone！
　　（TheFURIESmutterasbefore。）
　　Odrowsedinsleeptoodeeptoheedmypain！
　　Orestesflies，whome，hismother，slew。
　　（TheFURIESgiveaconfusedcry。）
　　Yelping，anddrowsedagain？UpandbedoingThatwhichaloneisyours，thedeedofhell！
　　（TheFURIESgiveanothercry。）
　　Lo，sleepandtoil，theswornconfederates，Havequelledyourdragon—anger，oncesofell！
　　THEFURIES（mutteringmorefiercelyandloudly）
　　Seize，seize，seize，seize—mark，yonder！
　　GHOST
　　Indreamsyechaseaprey，andlikesomehound，Thateveninsleepdothplywoodlandtoil，Yebellandbay。Whatdoye，sleepinghere？
　　Benoto’ercomewithtoil，nor，sleep—subdued，Beheedlessofmywrong。Up！thrillyourheartWiththejustchidingsofmytongue，—SuchwordsAreasaspurtopurposefirmlyheld。
　　Blowforthonhimthebreathofwrathandblood，Scorchhimwithreekoffirethatburnsinyou，Wastehimwithnewpursuit—swift，houndhimdown！
　　（TheGHOSTsinks。）
　　FIRSTFURY（awaking）
　　Up！rouseanotherasIrousethee；up！
　　Sleep’stthou？Riseup，andspurningsleepaway，Seeweiffalsetousthispreluderang。
　　CHORUSOFFURIES（singing）
　　strophe1
　　Alack，alack，Osisters，wehavetoiled，Omuchandvainlyhavewetoiledandborne！
　　Vainly！andallwewroughtthegodshavefoiled，Andturnedustoscorn！
　　Hehathslippedfromthenet，whomwechased:hehath’scapeduswhoshouldbeourprey—
　　O’ermasteredbyslumberwesank，andourquarryhathstolenaway！
　　antistrophe1
　　Thou，childofthehighGodZeus，Apollo，hastrobbedusandwronged；
　　Thou，ayouth，hastdown—troddentherightthattogodshipmoreancientbelonged；
　　Thouhastcherishedthysuppliantman；theslayer，theGod—
　　forsaken，Thebaneofaparent，bycraftfromoutofourgraspthouhasttaken；
　　Agod，thouhaststolenfromustheavengersamatricideson—
　　Andwhoshallconsiderthydeedandsay，Itisrightfullydone？
　　strophe2
　　ThesoundofchidingscornCamefromthelandofdream；
　　DeeptomineinmostheartIfeltitthrillandburn，Thrustasastrong—graspedgoad，tourgeOnwardthechariot’steam。
　　Thrilled，chilledwithbitterinwardpainIstandasonebeneaththedoomsman’sscourge。
　　antistrophe2
　　Shameontheyoungergodswhotreaddownright，Sittingonthronesofmight！
　　Woeonthealtarofearth’scentralfane！
　　Clottedonstepandshrine，Behold，theguiltofblood，theghastlystain！
　　strophe3
　　Woeuponthee，Apollo！uncontrolled，Unbidden，hastthou，prophet—god，imbruedThepurepropheticshrinewithwrongfulblood！
　　ForthoutooheinousarespectdidstholdOfman，toolittleheedofpowersdivine！
　　AndustheFates，theancientsoftheearth，Didstdeemasnothingworth。
　　antistrophe3
　　Scornfultomethouart，yetshaltnotfendMywrathfromhim；thoughuntohellheflee，Theretooarewe！
　　Andhetheblood—defiled，shouldfeelandrue，ThoughIwerenot，fiend—wraththatshallnotend，Descendingonhisheadwhofoullyslew。
　　（APOLLOentersfromtheinnershrine。）
　　APOLLO
　　Out！Icommandyou。Outfromthismyhome—
　　Haste，tarrynot！Outfromthemysticshrine，LestthylotbetotakeintothybreastThewingedbrightdartthatfrommygoldenstringSpeedshissingasasnake，—lest，piercedandthrilledWithagony，thoushouldstspewforthagainBlackfrothyheart’s—blood，drawnfrommortalmen，Belchingthegoryclotssuckedforthfromwounds。
　　Thesebenohallswheresuchasyoucanprowl—
　　Gowheremenlayonmenthedoomofblood，Headsloppedfromnecks，eyesfromtheirspherespluckedout，Hackedflesh，theflowerofyouthfulseedcrushedout，Feethewnaway，andhands，anddeathbeneathThesmitingstone，lowmoansandpiteousOfmenimpaled—Hark，hearyeforwhatfeastYehankerever，andtheloathinggodsDospituponyourcraving？Lo，yourshapeIsalltoofittedtoyourgreed；thecaveWherelurkssomelion，lappinggore，werehomeMoremeetforyou。Avauntfromsacredshrines，NorbringpollutionbyyourtouchonallThatnearsyuu。Hence！androamunshepherded—
　　Nogodthereistotendsuchherdasyou。
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　OkingApollo，inourturnhearus。
　　Thouhastnotonlypartintheseillthings，Butartchiefcauseanddoerofthesame。
　　APOLLO
　　How？stretchthyspeechtotellthis，andhavedone。
　　LEADER
　　Thineoraclebadethismanslayhismother。
　　APOLLO
　　Ibadehimquithissire’sdeath，—whereforenot？
　　LEADER
　　Thendidstthouaidandguardred—handedcrime。
　　APOLLO
　　Yea，andIbadehimtothistempleflee。
　　LEADIER
　　Andyetforsoothdostchideusfollowinghim！，APOLLO
　　Ay—notforyouitis，tonearthisfane。
　　LEADER
　　Yetissuchofficeours，imposedbyfate。
　　APOLLO
　　Whatoffice？vauntthethingyedeemsofair。
　　LEADER
　　Fromhometohomewechasethematricide。
　　APOLLO
　　What？toavengeawifewhoslaysherlord？
　　LEADER
　　Thatisnotbloodoutpouredbykindredhands。
　　APOLLO
　　HowdarklyyedishonourandannulThetrothtowhichthehighaccomplishers，HeraandZeus，dohonour。Yea，andthusIsAphroditetodishonourcast，Thequeenofraptureuntomortalmen。
　　Know，thatabovethemarriage—bedordainedFormanandwomanstaddethRightasguard，Enhancingsanctityoftrothplightsworn；
　　Therefore，ifthouartplacabletothoseWhohavetheirconsortslain，norwill’sttoturnOnthemtheeyeofwrath，unjustartthouInhoundingtohisdoomthemanwhoslewHismother。Lo，IknowtheefullofwrathAgainstonedeed，butalltooplacableUntotheother，minishingthecrime。
　　ButinthiscauseshallPallasguardtheright。
　　LEADER
　　Deemnotmyquestshalleverquitthatman。
　　APOLLO
　　Followthen，makethee，doubletoilinvainLEADER
　　Thinknotbyspeechmineofficetocurtail。
　　APOLLO
　　Nonehastthou，thatIwouldacceptofthee！
　　LEADER
　　Yea，highthinehonourbythethroneofZeus:
　　ButI，drawnonbyscentofmother’sblood，Seekvengeanceonthismanandhoundhimdown。
　　（TheCHORUSgoesinpursuitofORESTES。）
　　APOLLO
　　ButIwillstandbesidehim；’tisformeToguardmysuppliant:godsandmenalikeDodreadthecurseofsuchanonebetrayed，AndinmeFearandWillsayLeavehimnot。
　　（Hegoesintothetemple。）
　　（ThescenechangestoAthens。IntheforegroundistheTempleofATHENAontheAcropolis；herstatuestandsinthecentre；ORESTESisseenclingingtoit。）
　　ORESTES
　　Lookonme，queenAthena；lo，IcomeByLoxias’behest；thouofthygraceReceiveme，drivenofavengingpowers—
　　Notnowared—handslayerunannealed，Butwithguiltfading，half—effaced，outwornOnmanyhomesandpathsofmortalmen。
　　Fortothelimitofeachland，eachsea，Iroamed，obedienttoApollo’sbest，Andcomeatlast，OGoddess，tothyfane，Andclingingtothineimage，bidemydoom。
　　（TheCHORUSOFFURIESenters，questinglikehounds。）
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　Ho！clearisherethetraceofhimweseek:
　　Followthetrackofblood，thesilentsign！
　　Liketosomehoundthathuntsawoundedfawn，Wesnuffalongthescentofdrippinggore，Andinwardlywepant，formanyadayToilinginchasethatshallfordotheman；
　　Foro’erando’erthewidelandhaveIranged，Ando’erthewidesea，flyingwithoutwings，SwiftasasailIpresseduponhistrack，Whonowhardbyiscrouching，wellIwot，Forscentofmortalbloodalluresmehere。
　　CHORUS（chanting）
　　Follow，seekhim—roundandroundScentandsnuffandscantheground，Lestunharmedheslipaway，Hewhodidhismotherslay！
　　Hist—heisthere！SeehimhisarmsentwineAroundtheimageofthemaiddivine—
　　Thusaided，forthedeedhewroughtUntothejudgmentwillshetobebrought。
　　Itmaynotbe！amother’sblood，pouredforthUponthestainedearth，Nonegathersup:itlies—bearwitness，Hell！—
　　ForayeindelibleAndthouwhosheddestitshaltgivethineownThatsheddingtoatone！
　　Yea，fromthylivinglimbsIsuckitout，Red，clotted，goutbygout，—
　　Adraughtabhorredofmenandgods；butWilldrainit，sucktheedry；
　　Yea，Iwillwastetheeliving，nerveandvein；
　　Yea，forthymotherslain，Willdragtheedownward，therewherethoushaltdreeTheweirdofagony！
　　Andthouandwhosoe’erofmenhathsinned—
　　HathwrongedorGod，orfriend，Orparent，—learnyehowtoallandeachThearmofdoomcanreach！
　　Sternlyrequiteth，intheworldbeneath，Thejudgment—seatofDeath；
　　Yea，Death，beholdingeveryman’sendeavour，Recordethitforever。
　　ORESTES
　　I，schooledinmanymiseries，havelearntHowmanyrefugesofcleansingshrinesAndwhenimposethsilence。Lo，IstandFixednowtospeak，forhewhosewordiswiseCommandsthesame。Look，howthestainofbloodIsdulluponminehandandwastesaway，AndlavedandlosttherewithisthedeepcurseOfmatricide；forwhiletheguiltwasnew，’TwasbanishedfrommeatApollo’shearth，Atonedandpurifiedbydeathofswine。
　　LongweremywordifIshouldsumthetale，Howoftsincethenamongmyfellow—menIstoodandbroughtnocurse。Timecleansesall—
　　Time，thecoevalofallthingsthatare。
　　Nowfrompurelips，inwordsofomenfair，IcallAthena，ladyofthisland，Tocome，mychampion:so，inaftertime，Sheshallnotfailofloveandserviceleal，Notwonbywar，frommeandfrommylandAndallthefolkofArgos，vowedtoher。
　　Now，beshefarawayinLibyanlandWhereflowsfromTriton’slakehernatalwave，—
　　Standshewithplantedfeet，orinsomehourOfrestconcealthem，championofherfriendsWhere’ershebe，—Orwhethero’ertheplainPhlegraeanshelookforth，aswarriorbold—
　　Icrytohertocome，where’ershebe，（Andshe，asgoddess，fromafarcanhear）
　　Andaidandfreeme，setamongmyfoes。
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　TheenotApollonorAthena’sstrengthCansavefromperishing，acastawayAmidtheLost，wherenodelightshallmeetThysoul—abloodlesspreyofnetherpowers，Ashadowamongshadows。AnswerestthouNothing？dostcastawaymywordswithscorn，Thou，preypreparedanddedicatetome？
　　Notasavictimslainupontheshrine，Butlivingshaltthouseethyfleshmyfood。
　　Hearnowthebindingchantthatmakestheemine。
　　CHORUS（chanting）
　　Weavetheweirddance，—beholdthehourToutterforththechantofhell，Ourswayamongmankindtotell，Theguidanceofourpower。
　　Ofjusticeareweministers，Andwhosoe’erofmenmaystandLiftingapureunsulliedhand，Thatmannodoomofoursincurs，Andwalksthro’allhismortalpathUntouchedbywoe，unharmedbywrath。
　　Butif，asyonderman，hehathBloodonthehandshestrivestohide，Westandavengersathisside，Decreeing，Thouhastwrongedthedead:
　　Wearedoom’switnessestothee。
　　Thepriceofblood，hishandshaveshed，Wewringfromhim；inlife，indeath，Hardathissidearewe！
　　strophe1
　　Night，MotherNight，whobroughtmeforth，atormentTolivingmenanddead，Hearme，Ohear！byLeto’sstriplingsonIamdishonoured:
　　Hehathta’enfrommehimwhocowersinrefuge，Tomemadeconsecrates—
　　Arightfulvictim，himwhoslewhismother，Giveno’ertomeandfate。
　　refrain1
　　Hearthehymnofhell，O’erthevictimsounding，—
　　Chantoffrenzy，chantofill，Senseandwillconfounding！
　　RoundthesoulentwiningWithoutluteorlyre—
　　Soulinmadnesspining，Wastingaswithfire！
　　antistrophe1
　　Fate，all—pervadingFate，thisservicespun，commandingThatIshouldbidetherein:
　　Whosoe’erofmortals，madeperverseandlawless，Isstainedwithbloodofkin，Byhissidearewe，andhunthimeveronward，TilltotheSilentLand，Therealmofdeath，hecometh；neitheryonderInfreedomshallhestand。
　　refrain1
　　Hearthehymnofhell，O’erthevictimsounding，—
　　Chantoffrenzy，chantofill，Senseandwillconfounding！
　　RoundthesoulentwiningWithoutluteorlyre—
　　Soulinmadnesspining，Wastingaswithfire！
　　strophe2
　　WhenfromwombofNightwesprang，onusthislabourWaslaidandshallabide。
　　Godsimmortalareye，yetbewareyetouchnotThatwhichisourpride！
　　Nonemaycomebesideusgatheredroundtheblood—feast—
　　ForusnogarmentswhiteGleamonafestalday；forusadarkerfateis，Anotherdarkerrite。
　　refrain2
　　ThatisminehourwhenfallsanancientlineWheninthehousehold’sheartTheGodofblooddothslaybykindredhands，—
　　Thendowebearourpart:
　　Onhimwhoslayswesweepwithchasingcry:
　　Thoughhebetriplystrong，Wewearandwastehim；bloodatonesforblood，Yewpainforancientwrong。
　　antistrophe2
　　Iholdthistask—’tismine，andnotanother’s。
　　Theverygodsonhigh，ThoughtheycansilenceandannultheprayersOfthosewhoonuscry，Theymaynotstrivewithuswhostandapart，AracebyZeusabhorred，Blood—boltered，heldunworthyofthecouncilAndconverseofHeaven’slord。
　　strophe3
　　ThereforethemoreIleapuponmyprey；
　　UpontheirheadIbound；
　　Myfootishard；asonethattripsarunnerIcastthemtotheground；
　　Yea，tothedepthofdoomintolerable；
　　Andtheywhoerstweregreat，Anduponearthheldhightheirprideandglory，Arebroughttolowestate。
　　Inunderworldtheywasteandarediminished，ThewhilearoundthemfleetDarkwavingsofmyrobes，and，subtlywoven，Thepacesofmyfeet。
　　antistrophe3
　　Whofallsinfatuate，heseesnotneitherknowsheThatweareathisside；
　　Socloselyroundabouthim，darklyflitting，Thecloudofguiltdothglide。
　　Heavily’tisuttered，howaroundhishearthstoneThemirkofhelldothrise。
　　strophe4
　　Sternandfixedthelawis；wehavehandst’achieveit，Cunningtodevise。
　　Queensareweandmindfulofoursolemnvengeance。
　　NotbytearorprayerShallamanavertit。Inunhonoureddarkness，Farfromgods，wefare，Lituntoourtaskwithtorchofsunlessregions，Ando’eradeadlyway—
　　DeadlytothelivingastothosewhoseenotLifeandlightofday—
　　Huntweandpressonward。
　　antistrophe4
　　WhoofmortalshearingDothnotquakeforawe，HearingallthatFatethro’handofGodhathgivenusForordinanceandlaw？
　　Yea，thisrighttous，indarkabysmandbackwardOfagesitbefell:
　　Noneshallwrongmineoffice，tho’innetherregionsAndsunlessdarkIdwell。
　　（ATHENAenters。）
　　ATHENA
　　FaroffIheardtheclamourofyourcry，AsbyScamander’ssideIsetmyfootAssertingrightuponthelandgiveno’erTomebythosewhoo’erAchaea’shostHeldswayandleadership:noscantypartOfalltheywonbyspearandsword，tomeTheygaveit，landandallthatgrewthereon，AschosenheirloomformyTheseus’clan。
　　Thencesummoned，spedIwithatirelessfoot，—
　　Hummedonthewind，insteadofwings，thefoldOfthismineaegis，bymyfeetpropelled，As，linkedtomettledhorses，speedsacar。
　　Andnow，beholdinghereEarth’snetherbrood，Ifearitnought，yetaremineeyesamazedWithwonder。Whoareye？ofallIask，Andofthisstrangertomystatueclinging。
　　Butye—yourshapeislikenohumanform，Liketonogoddesswhomthegodsbehold，Liketonoshapewhichmortalwomenwear。
　　YettostandbyandchideamonstrousformIsallunjust—fromsuchwordsRightrevolts。
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　OchildofZeus，onewordshalltelltheeall。
　　WearethechildrenofeternalNight，AndFuriesintheunderworldarecalled。
　　ATHENA
　　Iknowyourlineagenowandekeyourname。
　　LEADER
　　Yea，andeftsoonsindeedmyrightsshaltknow。
　　ATHENA
　　FainwouldIlearnthem；speakthemclearlyforth，LEADER
　　Wechasefromhomethemurderersofmen。
　　ATHENA
　　Andwhereatlastcanhethatslewmakepause？
　　LEADER
　　Wherethisislaw—Alljoyabandonhere。
　　ATHENA
　　Say，doyebaythismantosuchaflight？
　　LEADER
　　Yea，forofchoicehedidhismotherslay。
　　ATHENA
　　Urgedbynofearofotherwrathanddoom？
　　LEADER
　　Whatspurcanrightlygoadtomatricide？
　　ATHENA
　　Twostandtoplead—oneonlyhaveIheard。
　　LEADER
　　HewiRnotswearnorchallengeustooath。
　　ATHENA
　　Theformofjustice，notitsdeed，thouwillest。
　　LEADER
　　Provethouthatword；thouartnotscantofskill。
　　ATHENA
　　Isaythatoathsshallnotenforcethewrong。
　　LEADER
　　Thentestthecause，judgeandawardtheright。
　　ATHENA
　　Willyetomethenthisdecisiontrust？
　　LEADER
　　Yea，reverencingtruechildofworthysire。
　　ATHENA（toORESTES）
　　Omanunknown，makethouthypleainturn。
　　Speakforththyland，thylineage，andthywoes；
　　Then，ifthoucanst，avertthisbitterblame—
　　If，asIdeem，inconfidenceofrightThousittesthardbesidemyholyplace，Claspingthisstatue，asIxionsat，AsacredsuppliantforZeustocleanse，—
　　Toallthisanswermeinwordsmadeplain。
　　ORESTES
　　OqueenAthena，firstfromthylastwordsWillIagreatsolicituderemove。
　　Notoneblood—guiltyamI；nofoulstainClingstothineimagefrommyclinginghand；
　　WhereofonepotentproofIhavetotell。
　　Lo，thelawstands—Theslayershallnotplead，TillbythehandofhimwhocleansesbloodAsucklingcreature’sbloodbesprinklehim。
　　LongsincehaveIthisexpiationdone，—
　　Inmanyahome，slainbeastsandrunningstreamsHavecleansedme。ThusIspeakawaythatfear。
　　Next，ofmylineagequicklythoushaltlearn:
　　AnArgiveamI，andrightwellthouknow’stMysire，thatAgamemnonwhoarrayedThefleetandthemthatwentthereintowar—
　　ThatchiefwithwhomthyhandcombinedtocrushToanuncitiedheapwhatoncewasTroy；
　　ThatAgamemnon，whenhehomewardcame，Wasbroughtuntonohonourabledeath，Slainbythedark—souledwifewhobroughtmeforthTohim，—enwoundandslaininwilynets，Blazonedwithbloodthatinthelaverran。
　　AndI，returningfromanexiledyouth，Slewher，mymother—lo，itstandsavowed！
　　Withbloodforbloodavengingmylovedsire；
　　AndinthisdeeddothLoxiasbearpart，Decreeingagonies，togoadmywill，Unlessbymetheguiltyfoundtheirdoom。
　　Dothoudecideifrightorwrongweredone—
　　Thydooming，whatsoe’eritbe，contentsme。
　　ATHENA
　　Toomightyisthismatter，whosoe’erOfmortalsclaimstojudgehereofaright。
　　Yea，me，evenme，eternalRightforbidsTojudgetheissuesofblood—guilt，andwrathThatfollowsswiftbehind。Thistoogivespause，ThatthouasonewithalldueritesperformedDostcome，unsinning，pure，untomyshrine。
　　Whate’erthouart，inthismycity’sname，Asuncondemned，Itaketheetomyside。—
　　Yethavethesefoesofthinesuchduesbyfate，O’erthrowninjudgmentofthecause，forthwithTheiranger’spoisonshallinfecttheland—
　　Adroppingplague—spotofeternalill。
　　Thusstandwewithawoeoneitherhand:
　　Staythey，orgoatmycommandmentforth，Perplexityorpainmustneedsbefall。
　　Yet，asonmeFatehathimposedthecause，IchooseuntomejudgesthatshallbeAnordinanceforever，settoruleTheduesofblood—guilt，uponoathdeclared。
　　Butye，callforthyourwitnessandyourproof，Wordsstrongforjustice，fortifiedbyoath；
　　AndI，whoe’eraretruestinmytown，ThemwillIchooseandbring，andstraitlycharge，Lookonthiscause，discriminatingwell，Andpledgeyouroathtoutternoughtofwrong。
　　（ATHENAwithdraws。）
　　CHORUS（singing）
　　strophe1
　　Nowaretheyallundone，theancientlaws，Ifheretheslayer’scausePrevail；newwrongforancientrightshallbeIfmatricidegofree。
　　Henceforthadeedlikehisbyallshallstand，Tooreadytothehand:
　　ToooftshallparentsintheaftertimeRueandlamentthiscrime，—
　　Taught，notinfalseimagining，tofeelTheirchildren’sthrustingsteel:
　　Nomorethewrath，thaterstonmurderfellFromus，thequeensofHell，Shallfall，nomoreourwatchinggazeimpend—
　　Deathshallsmiteunrestrained。
　　antistrophe1
　　HenceforthshalloneuntoanothercryLo，theyarestricken，lo，theyfallanddieAroundme！andthatotheranswershim，Othouthatlookestthatthywoesshouldcease，Behold，withdarkincreaseTheythrongandpressuponthee；yea，anddimIsallthecure，andeverycomfortvain！
　　strophe2
　　Letnonehenceforthcryout，whenfallstheblowOfsudden—smitingwoe，CryoutinsadreiteratedstrainOJustice，aid！aid，OyethronesofHell！
　　SothoughafatheroramotherwailNew—smittenbyason，itshallnomoreavail，Since，overthrownbywrong，thefaneofjusticefell！
　　antistrophe2
　　Know，thatathronethereisthatmaynotpassaway，Andonethatsittethonit—evenFear，Searchingwithsteadfasteyesman’sinnersoul:
　　Wisdomischildofpain，andbornwithmanyatear；
　　Butwhohenceforth，Whatmanofmortalmen，whatnationuponearth，ThatholdethnoughtinawenorinthelightOfinnerreverence，shallworshipRightAsintheolderday？