Epeisodion 1
KLUTAIMNESTRA.
And if they fear the gods, the city-guarders,
And the gods’ structures of the conquered country,
They may not — capturers—soon in turn be captive.
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But see no prior lust befall the army
To sack things sacred — by gain-cravings vanquished
For there needs homeward the return’s salvation,
To round the new limb back o’ the double race-course.
And guilty to the gods if came the army,
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Awakened up the sorrow of those slaughtered
Might be — should no outbursting evils happen.
But may good beat — no turn to see i’ the balance!
For, many benefits I want the gain of.
CHOROS.
Woman, like prudent man thou kindly speakest.
And I, thus having heard thy trusty tokens,
The gods to rightly hail forthwith prepare me;
For, grace that must be paid has crowned our labours.
O Zeus the king, and friendly Night
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Of these brave boons bestower —
Thou who didst fling on Troia’s every tower
The o’er-roofing snare, that neither great thing might,