Epeisodion 4
KLUTAIMNESTRA.
Take thyself in, thou too — I say, Kassandra!
1035
Since Zeus — not angrily—in household placed thee
Partaker of hand-sprinklings, with the many
Slaves stationed, his the Owner’s altar close to.
Descend from out this car, nor be high-minded
And truly they do say Alkmené’s child once
1040
Bore being sold, slaves’ barley-bread his living.
If, then, necessity of this lot o’erbalance,
Much is the favour of old-wealthy masters:
For those who, never hoping, made fine harvest
Are harsh to slaves in all things, beyond measure.
1045
Thou hast — with us — such usage as law warrants.
CHOROS.
To thee it was, she paused plain speech from speaking.
Being inside the fatal nets — obeying,
Thou mayst obey: but thou mayst disobey too!
KLUTAIMNESTRA.
Why, if she is not, in the swallow’s fashion,
1050
Possessed of voice that’s unknown and barbaric,
I, with speech — speaking in mind’s scope — persuade her.
CHOROS.
Follow! The best — as things now stand — she speaks of.
Obey thou, leaving this thy car-enthronement!
