Epeisodion 1
CHOROS.
Well, at what time was — even sacked, the city?
KLUTAIMNESTRA.
Of this same mother Night — the dawn, I tell thee.
CHOROS.
And who of messengers could reach this swiftness?
280
KLUTAIMNESTRA.
Hephaistos — sending a bright blaze from Ide.
Beacon did beacon send, from fire the poster,
Hitherward: Ide to the rock Hermaian
Of Lemnos: and a third great torch o’ the island
Zeus’ seat received in turn, the Athoan summit.
285
And, — so upsoaring as to stride sea over,
The strong lamp-voyager, and all for joyance —
Did the gold-glorious splendour, any sun like,
Pass on — the pine-tree — to Makistos’ watch-place;
Who did not, — tardy, — caught, no wits about him,
290
By sleep, — decline his portion of the missive.
And far the beacon’s light, on stream Euripos
Arriving, made aware Messapios’ warders,
And up they lit in turn, played herald onwards,
Kindling with flame a heap of grey old heather.
295
And, strengthening still, the lamp, decaying nowise,
Springing o’er Plain Asopos, — full-moon-fashion
