Eumenides (370-430)

From afar I heard the call of a summons, from the Scamander, while I was taking possession of the land, which the leaders and chiefs of the Achaeans

assigned to me, a great portion of the spoil their spears had won, to be wholly mine forever, a choice gift to Theseus’ sons.[*] From there I have come, urging on my tireless foot, without wings rustling the folds of my aegis,

yoking this chariot to colts in their prime.[*] As I see this strange company of visitors to my land, I am not afraid, but it is a wonder to my eyes. Who in the world are you? I address you all in common—this stranger sitting at my image,

and you, who are like no race of creatures ever born, neither seen by gods among goddesses nor resembling mortal forms. But it is far from just to speak ill of one’s neighbor who is blameless, and Right stands aloof.

Daughter of Zeus, you will hear it all in brief. We are the eternal children of Night. We are called Curses in our homes beneath the earth.

I now know your family and the names by which you are called.

You will soon learn my office.

I shall understand, if someone would tell the story clearly.

We drive murderers from their homes.

And where is the end of flight for the killer?

Where joy is absent and unknown.[*]

And would you drive this man with your shrieks to such flight?

Yes, for he thought it right to be his mother’s murderer.

Through other compulsions, or in fear of someone’s wrath?

Where is there a spur so keen as to compel the murder of a mother?

Two parties are present; only half the case is heard.

But he will not receive an oath nor does he want to give one.

You want to be called just rather than to act justly.