Libation Bearers (725-740)

now hear me, now lend me aid! Now is the hour for Persuasion with her guile to join forces with him, and for Hermes of the nether world, who works in stealth, to direct this encounter of the deadly sword. Enter Orestes’ Nurse

Our stranger, I think, is working mischief: for over there I see Orestes’ nurse all in tears. Cilissa[*]! Where are you going? Why as you set foot in the palace gate do you have a grief as an unhired companion?

My mistress commands me to summon Aegisthus for the strangers

in all haste, so that he may come and learn more clearly, from man to man, these tidings that have just arrived. Indeed, before the servants, behind eyes that feigned grief she hid her laughter over what has occurred fortunately for her.

But the news so plainly told by the strangers means utter ruin for this house. I expect that when he hears it he will rejoice in his heart to know the story. Miserable woman that I am! How the old unbearable troubles of every sort