AGAMEMNON.
Offspring of Leda, of my household warder,
Suitably to my absence hast thou spoken,
For long the speech thou didst outstretch! But aptly
To praise -- from others ought to go this favour.
And for the rest, ---not me, in woman's fashion,
Mollify, nor -- as mode of barbarous man is --
To me gape forth a groundward-falling clamour!
Nor, strewing it with garments, make my passage
Envied! Gods, sure, with these behoves we honour:
But, for a mortal on these varied beauties
To walk -- to me, indeed, is nowise fear-free.
I say -- as man, not god, to me do homage!
Apart from foot-mats both and varied vestures,
Renown is loud, and -- not to lose one's senses,
God's greatest gift. Behoves we him call happy
Who has brought life to end in loved well-being.
If all things I might manage thus -- brave man, I!
KLUTAIMNESTRA.
Come now, this say, nor feign a feeling to me!
AGAMEMNON.
With feeling, know indeed, I do not tamper!
KLUTAIMNESTRA
Vowed'st thou to the gods, in fear, to act thus?
AGAMEMNON.
If any, I well knew resolve I outspoke.
KLUTAIMNESTRA.
What think'st thou Priamos had done, thus victor?
AGAMEMNON.
On varied vests -- I do think -- he had passaged.
KLUTAIMNESTRA
Then, do not, struck with awe at human censure ....
AGAMEMNON.
Well, popular mob-outcry much avails too.
KLUTAIMNESTRA.
Ay, but the unenvied is not the much valued.
AGAMEMNON.
Sure, 't is no woman's part to long for battle.
KLUTAIMNESTRA.
Why, to the prosperous, even suits a beating.
AGAMEMNON.
What? thou this beating us in war dost prize too?
KLUTAIMNESTRA.
Persuade thee! power, for once, grant me -- and willing!
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