For, willing, no one wears a yoke that’s servile:And she, of many valuables, outpickedThe 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-silverDye, 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 hereFronting my heart, the portent-watcher — flits she?Wherefore should prophet-playThe uncalled and unpaid lay,Nor — having spat forth fear, like bad dreams — sits sheOn the mind’s throne beloved — well-suasive Boldness?For time, since, by a throw of all the hands,