Chorus
Your words have proved me wrong. I do not deny it; for the old have ever enough youth to learn aright.
[585]
But these tidings should have most interest for the household and Clytaemestra, and at the same time enrich me.
Enter Clytaemestra
Clytaemestra
I raised a shout of triumph in my joy long before this, when the first flaming messenger arrived by night, telling that Ilium was captured and overthrown.
[590]
Then there were some who chided me and said: “Are you so convinced by beacon-fires as to think that Troy has now been sacked? Truly, it is just like a woman to be elated in heart.” By such taunts I was made to seem as if my wits were wandering. Nevertheless I still held on with my sacrifice, and throughout all the quarters of the city, according to their womanly custom,
[595]
they raised a shout of happy praise while in the shrines of the gods they lulled to rest the fragrant spice-fed flame.
So now why should you rehearse to me the account at length? From the king himself I shall hear the whole tale; [600] but I should hasten to welcome my honored husband best on his return. For what joy is sweeter in a woman's eyes than to unbar the gates for her husband when God has spared him to return from war? Give this message to my husband: [605] let him come with all speed, his country's fond desire, come to find at home his wife faithful, even as he left her, a watchdog of his house, loyal to him, a foe to those who wish him ill; yes, for the rest, unchanged in every part; [610] in all this length of time never having broken any seal. Of pleasure from any other man or of scandalous repute I know no more than of dyeing bronze.Exit
