For, willing, no one wears a yoke that’s servile: And she, of many valuables, outpicked The flower, the army’s gift, myself has followed. So, — since to hear thee, I am brought about thus, — I go into the palace — purples treading. KLUTAIMNESTRA. There is the sea — and what man shall exhaust it? — Feeding much purple’s worth-its-weight-in-silver Dye, ever fresh and fresh, our garments’ tincture; At home, such wealth, king, we begin — by gods’ help — With having, and to lack, the household knows not. Of many garments had I vowed a treading (In oracles if fore-enjoined the household) Of this dear soul the safe-return-price scheming! For, root existing, foliage goes up houses, O’erspreading shadow against Seirios dog-star; And, thou returning to the hearth domestic, Warmth, yea, in winter dost thou show returning. And when, too, Zeus works, from the green-grape acrid, Vine — then, already, cool in houses cometh — The perfect man his home perambulating! Zeus, Zeus Perfecter, these my prayers perfect thou! Thy care be — yea — of things thou mayst make perfect! CHOROS. Wherefore to me, this fear — Groundedly stationed here Fronting my heart, the portent-watcher — flits she? Wherefore should prophet-play The uncalled and unpaid lay, Nor — having spat forth fear, like bad dreams — sits she On the mind’s throne beloved — well-suasive Boldness? For time, since, by a throw of all the hands,