Epeisodion 1
KLUTAIMNESTRA.
Effulgent, — toward the crag of Mount Kithairon,
Roused a new rendering-up of fire the escort —
And light, far escort, lacked no recognition
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O’ the guard — as burning more than burnings told you.
And over Lake Gorgopis light went leaping,
And, at Mount Aigiplanktos safe arriving,
Enforced the law — to never stint the fire-stuff.
And they send, lighting up with ungrudged vigour,
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Of flame a huge beard, ay, the very foreland
So as to strike above, in burning onward,
The look-out which commands the Strait Saronic.
Then did it dart until it reached the outpost
Mount Arachnaios here, the city’s neighbour;
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And then darts to this roof of the Atreidai
This light of Ide’s fire not unforefathered!
Such are the rules prescribed the flambeau-bearers:
He beats that’s first and also last in running.
Such is the proof and token I declare thee,
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My husband having sent me news from Troia.
CHOROS.
The gods, indeed, anon will I pray, woman!