Aeschylus, Agamemnon
Robert Browning, Ed.

KASSANDRA.
Prophet Apollon put me in this office.

CHOROS.
What, even though a god, with longing smitten?

KASSANDRA.
At first, indeed, shame was to me to say this.

CHOROS.
For, more relaxed grows everyone who fares well.

KASSANDRA.
But he was athlete to me -- huge grace breathing!

CHOROS.
Well, to the work of children, went ye law's way?

KASSANDRA.
Having consented, I played false to Loxias.

CHOROS.
Already when the wits inspired possessed of?

KASSANDRA.
Already townsmen all their woes I foretold.

CHOROS.
How wast thou then unhurt by Loxias' anger?

KASSANDRA.
I no one aught persuaded, when I sinned thus.

CHOROS.
To us, at least, now sooth to say thou seemest.

KASSANDRA.
Halloo, halloo, ah, evils!
Again, straightforward foresight's fearful labour
Whirls me, distracting with prelusive last-lays!
Behold ye those there, in the household seated, --
Young ones, -- of dreams approaching to the figures?
Children, as if they died by their beloveds --
Hands they have filled with flesh, the meal domestic --
Entrails and vitals both, most piteous burthen,
Plain they are holding! -- which their father tasted!
For this, I say, plans punishment a certain
Lion ignoble, on the bed that wallows,
House-guard (ah, me!) to the returning master
-- Mine, since to bear the slavish yoke behoves me!
The ship's commander, Ilion's desolator,
Knows not what things the tongue of the lewd she-dog
Speaking, outspreading, shiny-souled, in fashion
Of Até hid, will reach to, by ill fortune!
Such things she dares -- the female, the male's slayer!
She is . . . how calling her the hateful bite-beast
May I hit the mark? Some amphisbaina, -- Skulla
Housing in rocks, of mariners the mischief,
Revelling Haides' mother, -- curse, no truce with,
Breathing at friends! How piously she shouted,
The all-courageous, as at turn of battle!
She seems to joy at the back-bringing safety!
Of this, too, if I nought persuade, all's one! Why?
What is to be will come. And soon thou, present,
"True prophet all too much" wilt pitying style me.