But — hear before is need?To that, farewell and welcome! ’t is the same, indeed,As grief beforehand: clearly, part for part,Conformably to Kalchas’ art,Shall come the event.But be they as they may, things subsequent, —What is to do, prosperity betideE’en as we wish it! — we, the next allied,Sole guarding barrier of the Apian land.

CHOROS.I am come, reverencing power in thee,O Klutaimnestra! For ’t is just we bowTo the ruler’s wife, — the male-seat man-bereaved.But if thou, having heard good news, — or none, —For good news’ hope dost sacrifice thus wide,I would hear gladly: art thou mute, — no grudge!KLUTAIMNESTRA.Good-news-announcer, may — as is the by-word —Morn become, truly, — news from Night his mother!But thou shalt learn joy past all hope of hearing.Priamos’ city have the Argeioi taken.CHOROS.How sayest? The word, from want of faith, escaped me.KLUTAIMNESTRA.Troia the Achaioi hold: do I speak plainly?CHOROS.Joy overcreeps me, calling forth the tear-drop.KLUTAIMNESTRA.Right! for, that glad thou art, thine eye convicts thee.CHOROS.For — what to thee, of all this, trusty token?KLUTAIMNESTRA.What’s here! how else? unless the god have cheated.CHOROS.Haply thou flattering shows of dreams respectest?KLUTAIMNESTRA.No fancy would I take of soul sleep-burthened.CHOROS.But has there Puffed thee up some unwinged omen?KLUTAIMNESTRA.As a young maid’s my mind thou mockest grossly.CHOROS.Well, at what time was — even sacked, the city?