Aeschylus Agamemnon  458 BC

[Note that in the following text the numbers in square brackets refer to the Greek text and that the numbers without brackets refer to this text]


Dramatis Personae

WATCHMAN: servant of Agamemnon and Clytaemnestra. CHORUS: old men, citizens of Argos. CLYTAEMNESTRA: wife of Agamemnon, daughter of Leda, sister of Helen. HERALD: soldier serving with Agamemnon. AGAMEMNON: king of Argos, leader of the Greek expedition to Troy. MESSENGER: a servant in the palace. CASSANDRA: daughter of Priam, King of Troy, a prisoner given to Agamemnon, a priestess of Apollo. AEGISTHUS: son of Thyestes, cousin of Agamemnon, Clytaemnestra's lover. SOLDIERS and SERVANTS attending on Agamemnon and on Clytaemnestra and Aegisthus.

The brothers Agamemnon and Menelaus, sons of Atreus, are both kings of Argos and leaders of the expedition against Troy, launched ten years before the action of the play begins. Agamemnon is the senior of the two. The allied forces under Agamemnon are called the Argives, the Achaeans, or the Danaans, as in Homer’s Iliad—not Greeks. Priam’s city is called Troy or Ilion interchangeably.

The scene is in Argos immediately in front of the steps leading up to the main doors of the royal palace. In front of the palace there are statues of gods. At the start of the play, the Watchman is prone on the roof of the palace resting his head on his arms. It is just before dawn.

WATCHMAN I pray the gods will give me some relief and end this weary job. One long full year I've been lying here, on this rooftop, the palace of the sons of Atreus, resting on my arms, just like a dog. I've come to know the night sky, every star, the powers we see glittering in the sky, bringing winter and summer to us all, as the constellations rise and sink. I'm still looking for that signal flare, 10 the fiery blaze from Troy, announcing it's been taken. These are my instructions [10] from the queen. She has a fiery heart, the determined resolution of a man. When I set my damp, restless bed up here, I never dream, for I don't fall asleep. No. Fear comes instead and stands beside me, so I can't shut my eyes and get some rest. If I try to sing or hum a tune, something to do instead of trying to sleep, 20 since I'm always awake, I start to weep, as I lament what's happened to this house, where things are not being governed well, not like they used to be. How I wish my watching could end happily tonight, [20] with good news brought by fire blazing through this darkness.

[The signal fire the Watchman has been waiting for suddenly appears. The Watchman springs to his feet]

Fire gleaming in the night! What a welcome sight! Light of a new day— you'll bring on many dancing choruses right here in Argos, celebrations 30 of this joyful news. [Shouting] It's over! It's over! I must call out to wake the queen, Clytaemnestra, Agamemnon's wife, to get her out of bed, so she can raise a shout of joy as soon as possible inside the palace, welcoming this fire— if indeed the city of Troy's fallen, as this signal fire seems to indicate. [30] For my part, I'll start things off by dancing, treating my king's good fortune as my own. 40 I've had a lucky dice roll, triple six, thanks to this fiery signal . . . .

[His mood suddenly changes to something much more hesitant and reserved]

But I hope the master of this house may come home soon, so I can grasp his welcome hand in mine. As for all the rest, I'm saying nothing. A great ox stands on my tongue. But this house, if it could speak, might tell some stories. I speak to those who know about these things. For those who don't, there's nothing I remember.

[The Watchman goes down into the house. Enter the Chorus of Argive elders, very old men who carry staves to help them stand up. As they speak, servants come out of the palace and light oil lamps in offering to the statues of the gods outside the palace doors]

CHORUS It's now ten years since Menelaus, 50 [40] Priam's great adversary, and lord Agamemnon, two mighty sons of Atreus, joined by Zeus in double honours— twin thrones and royal sceptres— left this country with that fleet, a thousand Argive ships, to back their warrior cause with force, hearts screaming in their battle fury, two eagles overwhelmed by grief, 60 crying for their young—wings beating [50] like oars, they wheel aloft, high above their home, distressed because they've lost their work— their fledglings in the nest are gone!*

Then one of the supreme powers— Apollo, or Pan, or Zeus— hears the shrill wailing cry, hears those screaming birds, who live within his realm, 70 and sends a late-avenging Fury to take revenge on the transgressors. In just that way, mighty Zeus, [60] god of hospitality, sends those sons of Atreus against Alexander,* son of Priam— for that woman's sake, Helen, the one who's had so many men, condemning Trojans and Danaans to many heartfelt struggles, both alike, 80 knees splintering as the fighting starts.

Now things stand as they stand. What’s destined to come will be fulfilled, and no libation, sacrifice, or human tears will mitigate the gods’ unbending wrath of sacrifice not blessed by fire.

But as for us, whose old bodies confer no honour, who were left behind when the army sailed so long ago, 90 we wait here, using up our strength to support ourselves with canes, like children, whose power, though growing in their chests, is not yet fit for Ares, god of war. And so it is with old men, too, who, when they reach extreme old age, wither like leaves, and go their way three-footed, no better than a child, [80] as they wander like a daydream. 100

But you, daughter of Tyndareus, queen Clytaemnestra, what's going on? What news? What reports have you received that lead you to send your servants out commanding all this sacrifice? For every god our city worships— all-powerful gods above the earth, and those below, and those in heaven, [90] and those in the marketplace— 110 their altars are ablaze with offerings. Fires rise here and there and everywhere, right up to heaven, fed by sacred oils brought from the palace—sweet and holy, their purity sustains those flames. Tell us what you can, tell us what's right for us to hear. Cure our anxious thoughts. For now, at one particular moment, [100] things look grim, but then our hopes, 120 rising from these sacrificial fires, make things seem better, soothing corrosive pains that eat my heart.

I have the power to proclaim that prophecy made to our kings, as they were setting on their way, a happy outcome for their expedition. My age inspires in me Persuasion still, the power of song sent from the gods, to sing how two kings of Achaea's troops, 130 united in a joint command, led off [110] the youth of Greece, armed with avenging spears, marching against Troy, land of Teucer. They got a happy omen—two eagles, kings of birds, appeared before the kings of ships. One bird was black, the other's tail was white, here, close to the palace, on the right, in a place where everyone could see. The eagles were gorging themselves, devouring a pregnant hare 140 and all its unborn offspring, struggling in their death throes still. [120]

Sing out the song of sorrow, song of grief, but let the good prevail.

Then the army's prophet, Calchas, observing the twin purposes in the two warlike sons of Atreus, saw the twin leaders of the army in those birds devouring the hare. He then interpreted the omen, saying, 150 "In due course this expedition will capture Priam's city, Troy— before its towers a violent Fate will annihilate all public goods. [130] But may no anger from the gods cast its dark shadow on our troops, our great bit forged to curb Troy's mouth. For goddess Artemis is full of anger at her father's flying hounds—she pities the cowering sacrificial creature in distress, 160 she pities its young, slaughtered before she's brought them into life. Artemis abominates the eagles' feast."

Sing out the song of sorrow, song of grief, but let the good prevail.

"And lovely Artemis— [140] though you're gentle with the tender cubs of vicious lions and take special joy in the suckling young of all wild living beasts, promise things will work out well, 170 as this omen of the eagles indicates, an auspicious sign, but ominous. And I call Apollo, god of healing, to stop Artemis delaying the fleet, by sending hostile winds to keep the ships from sailing, [150] in her demand for another sacrifice, one which violates all human law, which no feast celebrates— it shatters families and makes the wife 180 lose all respect and hate her husband. For in the home a dreadful anger waits. It does not forget and cannot be appeased. Its treachery controls the house, waiting to avenge a slaughtered child." Calchas prophesied that fatal destiny, read from those birds, as the army marched, speaking by this palace of the kings.

And to confirm all this sing out the song of sorrow, song of grief, 190 but let the good prevail.

O Zeus, whoever he may be, [160] if this name please him as invocation, then that's the name I'll use to call him. As I try to think all these things through, I have no words to shape my thoughts, other than Zeus—if I truly can succeed in easing my heart of this heavy grief, this self-defeating weight of sorrow.

As for Uranus, who was once so great, 200 bursting with arrogance for every fight, people will talk about that god as if he'd never even lived. [170] And his son, Cronos*, who came after, has met his match and is no more. But whoever with a willing heart cries his triumphal song to Zeus will come to understand all things.

Zeus, who guided mortals to be wise, has established his fixed law— 210 wisdom comes through suffering. Trouble, with its memories of pain, drips in our hearts as we try to sleep, [180] so men against their will learn to practice moderation. Favours come to us from gods seated on their solemn thrones— such grace is harsh and violent.

So then the leader of Achaean ships, the elder brother, Agamemnon, 220 did not blame or fault the prophet, but gave in to fortune's sudden blows. For Achaea's army, stranded there, on the shores across from Calchis, [190] was held up by opposing winds at Aulis, where tides ebb and flow. Troops grew weary, as supplies ran low. Winds blew from the Strymon river, keeping ships at anchor, harming men with too much leisure. Troops grew hungry. 230 They wandered discontent and restless. The winds corroded ships and cables. The delay seemed endless, on and on, until the men, the flower of Argos, began to wilt. Then Calchas proclaimed the cause of this— it was Artemis. And he proposed [200] a further remedy, but something harsh, even worse than the opposing winds, so painful that the sons of Atreus struck their canes on the ground and wept. 240

Then Agamemnon, the older king, spoke up:* "It's harsh not to obey this fate— but to go through with it is harsh as well, to kill my child, the glory of my house, to stain a father's hands before the altar [210] with streams of virgin's blood. Which of my options is not evil? How can I just leave this fleet, and let my fellow warriors down? Their passionate demand for sacrifice 250 to calm the winds lies within their rights— even the sacrifice of virgin blood. So be it. All may be well."

But when Agamemnon strapped on the harsh yoke of necessity, his spirits changed, and his intentions became profane, unholy, unsanctified. [220] He undertook an act beyond all daring. Troubles come, above all, from delusions inciting men to rash designs, to evil. 260 So Agamemnon steeled his heart to make his own daughter the sacrifice, an offering for the Achaean fleet, so he could prosecute the war waged to avenge that woman Helen.

In their eagerness for war, those leaders [230] paid no attention to the girl, her pleas for help, her cries of "Father!"— any more than to her virgin youth. Her father offered up a prayer, 270 then ordered men to seize her and lift her up—she'd fallen forward and just lay there in her robes—to raise her, high above the altar, like a goat, urging them to keep their spirits up. They gagged her lovely mouth, with force, just like a horse's bit, to keep her speechless, to stifle any curse which she might cry against her family.

As she threw her saffron robe onto the ground, 280 she glanced at the men, each of them, [240] those carrying out the sacrifice, her eyes imploring pity. She looked just like a painting dying to speak. She'd often sung before her father's table, when, as host, he'd entertained his guests, a virgin using her flawless voice to honour her dear father with her love, as he prayed for blessing at the third libation. 290

What happened next I did not see. And I won't say. What Calchas' skill had prophesied did come to pass. The scales of Justice move to show [250] that wisdom comes through suffering. As for what's to come—you'll know that when it comes. So let it be. To know would be to grieve ahead of time. It's clear whatever is to happen will happen, like tomorrow's dawn. 300

[Enter Clytaemnestra through the palace doors]

But I hope whatever follows will be good, according to the wishes of our queen, who governs here, our closest guard, keeping watch all by herself, protecting Peloponnesian lands.

CHORUS LEADER Queen Clytaemnestra, we've come here in deference to your royal authority. With our king far away, the man's throne [260] is empty—so it's appropriate for us to pay allegiance to his wife, the queen. 310 I'd really like to hear your news, whether what you've heard is good or not. Your sacrificial offerings give us hope. But we won't object if you stay silent.

CLYTAEMNESTRA It's a welcome message. As the proverb says, "May Dawn be born from mother Night." You'll hear great news, greater than all your hopes— the Argives have captured Priam's city!

CHORUS LEADER What's that you say? I misheard your words— what you've just said—it defies belief! 320

CLYTAEMNESTRA I say Troy is now in Achaean hands. Is that clear enough?

CHORUS LEADER That fills me with joy. So much so I can't stop crying. [270]

CLYTAEMNESTRA Then your eyes reveal your faithful loyalty.

CHORUS LEADER Is this report reliable? Is there proof?

CLYTAEMNESTRA Of course there is. Unless some god deceives me.

CHORUS LEADER: Has some vision persuaded you of this, something in a dream, perhaps?

CLYTAEMNESTRA: Not at all. As if I'd listen to some dozing brain.

CHORUS LEADER: Perhaps some unfledged rumour raised your hopes? 330

CLYTAEMNESTRA Now you're insulting my intelligence, as if I were a youngster, just a child.

CHORUS LEADER When exactly was the city captured?

CLYTAEMNESTRA I'll tell you. It was the very night that gave birth to this glorious day.

CHORUS LEADER How could a messenger get here so fast? [280]

CLYTAEMNESTRA Hephaestos, god of fire, sent his bright blaze speeding here from Ida, his messenger, flames racing from one beacon to the next— from Ida to Hermes' rock in Lemnos. 340 From that island the great flames sped to the third fire, on the crest of Athos, sacred to Zeus, and then, arcing high, the beacon light sprang across the sea, exulting in its golden fiery power, rushing on, like another sun, passing the message to the look-out towers at Macistus. The man there was not sleeping, [290] like some fool. Without a moment's pause, he relayed the message, so the blazing news 350 sped on, leaping across Euripus' stream, to pass the signal to the next watchmen, at Messapion. Those men, in their turn, torched a pile of dried-out heather, firing the message onward. The flaming light was not diminished—its strength kept growing. Like a glowing moon, it jumped across the plain of Asopus, up to the ridges on mount Cithaeron, where it set alight the next stage of the relay race of fire. 360 Those watching there did not neglect their work— that light which came to them from far away [300] they passed on with an even greater blaze, which dashed across the shores of Gorgopus, to reach mount Aegiplanctus, with orders for those there to keep the beacon moving. They lit a fire, a huge flaming pillar, with unchecked force, speeding the message on— its light visible even at the headland by the Saronic Gulf. It swooped down, 370 once it reached the crest of Arachnaeus, that look-out near our city—and from there jumped down onto the roof of Atreus' sons, [310] flames directly linked to blazing Troy. I organized these messengers of fire, setting them up in sequence, one by one. In that race the first and last both triumph, the ones who sent the message and received it. That's the evidence I set before you, a message from my husband, dispatched 380 all the way from burning Troy to me.

CHORUS My queen, I'll offer up to all the gods my prayers of thanks, but now I'd like to hear the details of your wonderful report. Can you tell me the news once more?

CLYTAEMNESTRA On this very day Achaea's army [320] has taken Troy. Inside that town, I think, voices cry out in mass confusion. If you place oil and vinegar together, in the same container, you'll observe 390 they never mix, but separate themselves, like enemies—well, in Troy the shouting of conquerors and conquered is like that, matching their very different situations. Trojans fall upon their family corpses, husbands, brothers. The children scream over dead old men who gave them life. As captives now, they keep lamenting all their slaughtered loved ones. But the Argives, famished after a long night's roaming, 400 [330] and weary after battle, are set to eat, to gorge themselves on what the town affords. They're quartered now in captured Trojan homes, sheltered from the night sky's frost and dew, but not according to official rank, rather as luck determines each man's lot. They're happy. They'll sleep straight through the night, without posting a guard. Now, if these troops fully and piously respect Troy's gods, a captured country's divinities and shrines, 410 those who've conquered may not, in their turn, [340] be conquered. But let no frenzied greed, no overpowering lust for plunder, fall upon the army from the start, so they ravage what they should leave alone. For to get safely home, the army needs to make that long journey back again. But even if the soldiers do reach home without offending any god, harsh sorrow for the dead may still be watching for them, 420 unless some new disaster intervenes. Well, I've let you hear my woman's words. May good things now prevail for all to see. I take this news as cause for common joy. [350]

CHORUS LEADER You speak wisely, like a prudent man. But now I've heard that I can trust your news, we must prepare ourselves to thank the gods, who've given a blessing worthy of our toil.

[Clytaemnestra goes back into the palace]

CHORUS O Zeus, my king, and friendly Night, you've handed us great glories 430 to keep as our possession. You cast upon the towers of Troy your all-encompassing hunting net, and no one, young or old, escaped its enslaving fatal mesh [360] that overpowered them all.

I worship mighty Zeus, god of hospitality, who made this happen. For a long time now 440 he's aimed his bow at Paris, making sure his arrow would not fall short or fly above the stars and miss.

Men will say it's a blow from Zeus and trace his presence in all this. He acts on what he himself decides. Some people claim that gods [370] don't really care about those men who trample underfoot 450 favours from the pure in heart. Such people are profane. For we now clearly see destruction is the penalty for those with reckless pride, who breathe a boastful spirit greater than is just, because their homes are full, stuffed with riches to excess, beyond what's best for them. 460 Let men have sufficient wealth to match good sense, not so much [380] it piles up their misfortunes. There's no security in riches for the insolent man who kicks aside and pushes from his sight great altars of righteousness.

Such a man is overpowered by perverse Persuasion, insufferable child of scheming Folly. 470 And there's no remedy. His evil's not concealed— it stands out, a lurid glitter, like false bronze when rubbed. [390] All men can judge his darkness, once he's tested by events. He's like a child chasing a flying bird. He brands his city with disgrace which cannot be removed, for no god hears his prayers. 480 The man who lives this way, doing wrong, the gods destroy. Such a man was Paris. He came to the home of the sons of Atreus, [400] and then abused their hospitality, running off with his host's wife.

But she left her people the smash of shield and spear, a fleet well armed for war. To Troy she carried with her 490 no dowry but destruction. Daring what should not be dared, she glided through Troy's gates. The prophets in this house cried out, "Alas, alas for house and home, [410] and for the royal leaders here.* Alas, for the marriage bed, still holding traces of her body, the one who loved her husband. As for him, he sits apart, 500 in pain, silent and dishonoured.

He does not blame her— no, he aches to be with her, the woman far across the sea. Her image seems to rule the house. Her husband finds no beauty now in graceful statues, for to his blank eyes all sexual loveliness has gone.

In his dreams he sees sad images, [420] with memories of earlier joy— 510 a vain relief, for when the man thinks he sees such beauty there, all at once it's gone, slipping through his hands, flying away along the paths of sleep.

These are the sorrows in the house, around the hearth, and pain much worse than this. For everywhere, throughout the land of Greece, in every home where men set out 520 [430] to gather in that army there is insufferable grief. Many disasters pierce the heart. People know the ones who leave, but every house gets back weapons and ash, not living men.

For Ares, god of war, pays gold for soldier's bodies. In spear fights he tips the scales, then back from Troy [440] he ships a heavy freight of ash, 530 cremated bodies of the dead, sent home for loved ones to lament. He trades funeral dust for men, shiploads of urns filled up with ashes. Back home the people weep, praising one man for his battle skill, another for courageous death. Some complain about that woman, how she's to blame for all of this— but do so quietly. Nonetheless, 540 [450] this sorrow spreads resentment against the leaders of the war, the sons of Atreus. Meanwhile, over there, across the seas in Troy, around the city walls, the hostile ground swallows our beautiful young men, now hidden in the earth they conquered.

The people's voice, once angered, can create dissent, ratifying a curse which now must have its way. 550 And so, in my anxiety, I wait, listening for something murky, something emerging from the gloom. [460] For gods aren't blind to men who kill. In time, black agents of revenge, the Furies, wear down and bring to nothing the fortunes of a man who prospers in unjust ways. They wear him out, reverse his luck, and bring him at last among the dead. There's no remedy. 560 To boast too much of one's success is dangerous—the high mountain peak is struck by Zeus' lightning bolt. [470] I'd choose wealth no one could envy. May I never be the sort of man who puts whole cities to the sword. Let me never see myself enslaved, my life in someone else's power.

CHORUS MEMBER ONE This welcome fiery message has spread fast; it's gone throughout the town. But is it true? 570 Sent from the gods or false? Who knows?

CHORUS MEMBER TWO What man is such a senseless child he lets his heart catch fire at this news, [480] and then is shattered by some fresh report?

CHORUS MEMBER THREE That's just the nature of a woman— to give thanks before the truth appears.

CHORUS MEMBER FOUR Yes, they're far too trusting. The proper order in a woman's mind is easily upset. Rumours women start soon die out, soon come to nothing. 580

CHORUS LEADER We'll quickly know about these signal fires, flaming beacons passed from place to place. [490] We'll find out if that really did occur or if, just like a dream, this joyful light has come in order to deceive our hopes. For I see a herald coming from the shore— an olive bough of triumph shades his face. The dry dust on him, all those muddy clothes, tell me he'll report the facts. Nor will he light some flaming pile of mountain wood 590 to pass a signal on with smoke. No— he'll shout out to us what he has to say, and we can then rejoice still more, or else . . . but I won't think of that. Let's have good news to add to what we know already. [500] If anyone is praying for something else to happen to our city, let him reap the harvest of his own misguided heart.

[Enter Herald]

HERALD Greetings to this Argive soil, my father's land. On this day, ten years later, I've come back. 600 I've seen many hopes of mine destroyed, and only one fulfilled—I've made it home. I never dreamed I'd die here in Argos, with a burial plot in this land I love. I bless the land, the bright light of this sun— and I give thanks to Zeus, our highest god, and to Apollo, lord of Pytho. May you never fire your arrows at us [510] any more. We had enough of those, my lord, beside Scamander's banks, 610 when you took your stand against us. But now, Apollo, may you preserve and heal us. And I greet all gods assembled here, including Hermes, whom I honour, the well-loved herald god, worshipped as the herald's patron. And next I pray the heroic spirits who sent us off will welcome back the remnants of our army, those spared being slaughtered by the spear. Oh you hall of kings, you roof I cherish, 620 you sacred seats and gods who face the sun, if your shining eyes in days gone by [520] have welcomed our king home, then do so now, after his long absence. He's coming here, carrying light into this darkness, for you and all assembled here—our mighty king, lord Agamemnon. Greet him with full respect. For he's uprooted Troy—with the pick axe of avenging Zeus he's reduced her soil. The altars of the gods and all their shrines 630 he has obliterated, laying waste all that country's rich fertility. Around Troy's neck he's fixed destruction's yoke. Now he's coming home, king Agamemnon, the fortunate elder son of Atreus, [530] among all men he merits the most honour. For neither Paris nor his accomplice, the Trojan city, can ever boast again their deeds were greater than their suffering. Guilty of rape and theft, he's lost his loot. 640 He's utterly destroyed his father's house, the land, too, which sustained his people. So Priam's sons have paid the price twice over.

CHORUS LEADER All joyful greetings to you, herald, as you come back from our army.

HERALD I, too, rejoice. Now I don't fear death—it's as the gods decide.

CHORUS LEADER Did your love of this land cause you distress? [540]

HERALD Yes. That's why my eyes are filled with tears.

CHORUS LEADER It's as if you had some pleasing sickness.

HERALD How so? Tell me exactly what you mean. 650

CHORUS LEADER You suffered from love for those who loved you.

HERALD You mean the country and the army both missed each other?

CHORUS LEADER Yes, so much so, often my anxious heart cried out aloud.

HERALD What caused this gnawing trouble in your heart?

CHORUS LEADER Long ago I learned to keep my silence— the best antidote against more trouble.

HERALD Why's that? Were you afraid of someone, once the kings were gone?

CHORUS LEADER Indeed I was. In fact, as you have said, there'd be great joy 660 [550] in dying now.

HERALD It's true we have done well. As for what happened long ago, you could say some worked out happily, and some was bad. But who except the gods avoids all pain throughout his life? If I told what we went through— the hardships, wretched quarters, narrow berths, the harsh conditions—was there anything we did not complain about? We had our share of trouble every day. And then on shore things were even worse. We had to camp 670 right by the enemy wall. It was wet— dew from the sky and marshes soaked us. [560] Our clothes rotted. Our hair grew full of lice. And it was freezing. The winters there, beyond endurance, when snows from Ida froze birds to death. And then the heat, so hot at noon, the sea, without a ripple, sank to sleep. . . . But why complain about it? Our work is done. It's over for the dead, who'll aren't about to spring to life again. 680 Why should the living call to mind the dead? [570] There's no need to relive those blows of fate. I think it's time to bid a long farewell to our misfortune. For those still living, the soldiers left alive, our luck's won out. No loss can change that now. We've a right, as we cross land and sea, to boast aloud, and cry out to the sun, "Argive forces once, having captured Troy, took their spoils of war and nailed them up in gods' holy shrines, 690 all through Greece, glorious tribute from the past!" So whoever hears the story of these things must praise our generals—our city, too. [580] Full honour and thanks to Zeus who did the work. That's my full report.

CHORUS LEADER What you say is true. I was in the wrong—I won't deny that. But the old can always learn from younger men, and what you've said enriches all of us.

[Enter Clytaemnestra from the palace]

But your news will have a special interest for Clytaemnestra and her household. 700

CLYTAEMNESTRA Some time ago I cried out in triumph, rejoicing when that first messenger arrived, the fiery herald in the night, who told me Troy was captured and was being destroyed. Some people criticized me then, saying, [590] "How come you're so easily persuaded by signal fires Troy's being demolished? Isn't that just like a woman's heart, to get so jubilant?" Insults like these made it appear as if I'd lost my wits. 710 But I continued with my sacrifice, and everywhere throughout the city women kept up their joyful shouting, as they traditionally do, echoing their exultation through all holy shrines, tending sweet-smelling spicy flames, as they consumed their victims. So now, why do I need you to go on and on about all this? I'll hear it from the king. But, so I can give my honoured husband 720 [600] the finest welcome home, and with all speed— for what light gives a woman greater pleasure than to unbar the gates to her own husband as he comes home from battle, once the gods have spared his life in war?—tell him this, and give him the message to come home as soon as possible. The citizens will love to see him, and when he gets back, in this house he'll find his wife as faithful as when he left, a watch dog of the home, 730 loyal to him, hostile to his enemies, and, for the rest, the same in every way. In this long time, I've not betrayed our bond— [610] I've known no pleasure with another man, no breath of scandal. About such things I understand as much as tempering bronze. I'm proud to state this, for it's all true— nothing a noble lady should feel shame to say.

[Clytaemnestra exits back into the palace]

CHORUS LEADER She seems to speak as if she really wants to tell you something, but, in fact, 740 to those who can interpret her words well she's only saying what she ought to say. But tell me, herald, can I learn something of Menelaus, this country's well-loved king— did he make it back safe and sound with you?

HERALD I can't lie with false good news of Menelaus, [620] so his friends can enjoy themselves for long.

CHORUS LEADER I wish your news of him was true and good. It's hard when both of these don't go together.

HERALD: Menelaus disappeared—the army 750 lost sight of him and his ship. That's the truth.

CHORUS LEADER Did you see him sail off from Ilion, or did some storm attack the entire fleet and cut him off from you?

HERALD Like a master archer, you hit the mark— your last question briefly tells the story.

CHORUS LEADER: According to the others in the fleet [630] what happened? Is he alive or dead?

HERALD: No one knows for certain, except the sun, moving around the earth sustaining life. 760

CHORUS LEADER Tell me how that storm struck the soldiers' ships. How did the anger of the gods come to an end?

HERALD It's not right I talk of our misfortunes, and spoil such an auspicious day as this. We ought to keep such matters separate in deference to the gods. When a messenger arrives distraught, bringing dreadful news about some slaughtered army, that's one wound [640] inflicted on the city. Beyond that, from many houses many men are driven 770 to their destruction by the double whip which Ares, god of war, so loves— disaster with two prongs, a bloody pair. A messenger weighed down with news like this should report the Furies' song of triumph. But when he brings good news of men being saved to a city full of joyful celebrations . . . How can I mix the good news and the bad, telling of the storm which hit Achaeans, a storm linked to the anger of the gods? 780 For fire and sea, before now enemies, [650] swore a common oath and then proclaimed it by destroying Achaea's helpless forces. At night malevolent seas rose up, as winds from Thrace smashed ships together. Pushed round by the power of that storm, and driven by great bursts of rain, the ships scattered, then disappeared, blown apart by the evil shepherd's whirlwind. Later, when the sun's bright light appeared again, 790 we witnessed the Aegean sea in bloom with corpses of Achaean troops and ships. [660] As for us, some god saved us in secret or interceded for us—our boat survived, its hull intact. That was no human feat. Some divine hand was on our steering oar, some stroke of Fortune wanted our ship saved, not swamped by surf as we rode at anchor or smashed upon the rocky coast. And then, once we'd avoided Hades on those seas, 800 we couldn't believe our luck, as we brooded, in the bright light of day, on all our troubles, this new disaster which destroyed our fleet, [670] dispersing it so badly. So on those ships if anyone's still breathing, he'll now say we're the ones who've been destroyed. Why not, when we say much the same of them? But let's hope things all turn out for the best. As for Menelaus, wait for his return— that should be your first priority. 810 If some ray of sunlight finds him still alive, his vision still intact, thanks to Zeus, whose crafty plans at this point don't include destruction of the entire race, there's hope he'll soon come home again. Now you've heard this, you've listened to the truth. [680]

[Exit Herald]

CHORUS Whoever came up with that name, a name so altogether true— was there some power we can't see telling that tongue what to say, 820 the tongue which prophesied our fate— I mean the man who called her Helen, that woman wed for warfare, the object of our strife? For she's lived up to that name— a hell for ships, a hell for men, a hell for cities, too. From her delicately curtained room [690] she sailed away, transported by West Wind, an earth-born giant. 830 A horde of warriors with shields went after her, huntsmen following the vanished track her oars had left, all the way to where she'd beached her ship, on leafy shores of Simois. Then came bloody war.

And so Troy's destiny's fulfilled— [700] wrath brings a dreadful wedding day, late retribution for dishonour 840 to hospitality and Zeus, god of guest and host, on those who celebrated with the bride, who, on that day, sang aloud the joyful wedding hymns. Now Priam's city, in old age, [710] has learned a different song. I think I hear loud funeral chants, lamenting as an evil fate the marriage Paris brought. 850 The city's filled with songs of grief. It must endure all sorrows, the brutal slaughter of its sons.

So a man once raised a lion cub in his own home. The beast lacked milk but craved its mother's teat. In early life the cub was gentle. [720] Children loved it, and it brought the old men great delight. They gave it many things 860 and clasped it in their arms, as if it were a nursing child. Its fiery eyes fixed on the hands that fed it, the creature fawned, a slave to appetite.

But with time the creature grew and its true nature showed— the one its parents gave it. So it paid back those who reared it, preparing a meal in gratitude, 870 an unholy slaughter of the flocks, [730] house awash with blood, while those who lived inside the home were powerless against the pain, against the massive carnage. By god's will they'd brought up a priest of doom in their own house.

I'd say she first arrived in Troy a gentle spirit, like a calming breeze, a delicate, expensive ornament— 880 [740] her soft darting eyes a flower which stings the heart with love. Then, changing her direction, she took her marriage to its bitter end, destroying all those she lived with. With evil in her train and led by Zeus, god of guest and host, she turned into a bride of tears, a Fury.

Among men there's a saying, [750] an old one, from times long past: 890 A man's prosperity, once fully grown, has offspring—it never dies without producing children. From that man's good fortune spring up voracious pains for all his race. But on this I don't agree with other men. I stand alone and say it's the unholy act that breeds more acts of the same kind. 900 [760] A truly righteous house is blessed, its children always fair and good.

Old violent aggression loves to generate new troubles among evil men—soon or late, when it's fated to be born, new violence springs forth, a spirit no one can resist or conquer, unholy recklessness, dark ruin on the home, 910 [770] like the destructiveness from which it sprang.

But Righteousness shines out from grimy dwellings, honouring the man who lives in virtue. She turns her eyes away from gold-encrusted mansions where men's hands are black, and moves towards integrity, rejecting power and wealth, 920 which, though praised, are counterfeit. [780] Righteousness leads all things to well-deserved fulfillment.

[Enter Agamemnon in a chariot with Cassandra and a large military escort]

CHORUS LEADER Welcome, son of Atreus, my king, Troy's destroyer. How shall I address you? How honour you without extravagance, without failing to say what's suitable? For many men value appearances more than reality—thus they violate what's right. Everyone's prepared to sigh 930 [790] over some suffering man, though no sorrow really eats their hearts, or they can pretend to join another person's happiness, forcing their faces into smiling masks. But a good man discerns true character— he's not fooled by eyes feigning loyalty, favouring him with watered-down respect. Back when you were gathering the army in Helen's cause—I won't deny the fact— [800] I saw you in an unflattering light, 940 an unfit mind steering our ship astray, trying though that sacrifice to boost the spirits of dying soldiers. But now, with love, with a full heart, I welcome your return. For those who've won final success, the joy is worth the toil. If you enquire, in time you'll learn about the men who stayed at home, those who with justice stood guard for the city and those who failed to carry out what's right.

AGAMEMNON First I salute Argos and my native gods, 950 [810] as is right, the ones who worked with me for my safe return and for the justice I brought down on Priam's city. The gods refused to listen to their urgent pleas, then cast their ballots—there was no dissent— into the urn of blood—to kill their men, to wipe out Ilion. The other urn, the one for clemency, stood there empty— only Hope took up her stand beside it. Even now smoke from the burning city, 960 an auspicious sign, tells of its capture. The storms from its destruction still live on. As fiery embers cool, their dying breaths give off ripe smells of wealth. For all this, [820] we must give the gods eternal thanks. Around Troy we've cast a savage net. For a woman's sake, the beast from Argos, born from the belly of that wooden horse, in the night, as the Pleiades went down, jumped out with their shields and razed the city. 970 Leaping over walls, the ravenous lion gorged itself on blood of royalty. So much for my long prelude to the gods. As for your concerns, I've heard your words, and I'll keep them in mind. I agree with you— we'll work together. By nature few men possess the inborn talent to admire a friend's good fortune without envy. Poisonous malice seeps into the heart, doubling the pain of the infected man, 980 weighing him down with misfortunes of his own, while he groans to see another's wealth. I understand too well companionship no more substantial than pictures in a glass. From my experience, I'd say those men who seemed so loyal to me are shadows, no more than images of true companions. [840] All except Odysseus—he sailed with me much against his will, but once in harness, he was prepared to pull his weight for me. 990 I say this whether he's alive or dead. For other issues of the city and our gods, we'll set up a general assembly, all of us discussing things together. We must make sure what's working well remains that way in future. By contrast, where we need some healing medicine, we'll make a well-intentioned effort to root out all infectious evil, burning the sores or slicing them away. 1000 [850]

[Enter Clytaemnestra with attendants carrying the purple carpet]

Now I'll go inside my palace, my hearth and home, first, to greet the gods who sent me off and today bring me back. May victory, which has been mine, stay with me forever.

[Agamemnon moves to climb out of the chariot but is held up by Clytaemnestra's speech]

CLYTAEMNESTRA Citizens, you senior men of Argos here, I'm not ashamed to speak before you all, to state how much I love my husband. With time, men's fears diminish. So I'll speak out now. I don't talk as one who has been taught by others, so I'll just describe my life, 1010 my oppressive life, all the many years my husband's been away at Ilion. [860] First, it's unmitigated trouble for a woman to sit at home alone, far from her man. She has to listen to all sorts of painful rumours. Messengers arrive, hard on each other's heels, bearing news of some disaster—and every one tells of troubles worse than those before, shouted throughout the house. If my husband 1020 had had as many wounds as I heard rumours coming to this house, he'd have more holes in him than any net. If he'd died as many times as rumour killed him, he could claim to be a second Geryon, that triple-bodied beast, [870] and boast of being covered up with earth three times, one death for every separate shape. Because of all these spiteful messages, others have often had to cut me loose, a high-hung noose strung tight around my neck. 1030 That's why our son, Orestes, is not standing here, the most trusted bond linking you and me. He should be, but there's no cause to worry. He's being cared for by a friendly ally, [880] Strophius of Phocis, who warned me twice— first, of your own danger under Ilion's walls, second, of people here, how they could rebel, cry out against being governed, then overthrow the Council. For it's natural to men, once someone's down, to trample on him 1040 all the more. That's how I explain myself. And it's all true. As for me, my eyes are dry— the welling sources of my tears are parched, no drop remains. Many long nights I wept until my eyes were sore, as I kept watching for that beacon light I'd set up for you, [890] but always it kept disappointing me. The faint whirring of a buzzing fly would often wake me up from dreams of you, dreams where I saw you endure more suffering 1050 than the hours in which I slept had time for. But now, after going through all this, my heart is free of worry. So I would salute my lord— the watch dog who protects our household, the mainstay which saves our ship of state, the lofty pillar which holds our roof beams high, his father's truly begotten son, for men at sea a land they glimpse beyond their wildest hopes, the fairest dawn after a night of storms, [900] a flowing stream to thirsty travellers. 1060 What joy it is to escape necessity! In my opinion, these words of greeting are worthy of him. So let there be no envy, since in days past we've suffered many ills. And now, my beloved lord, come to me here, climb down from that chariot. But, my king, don't place upon the common ground the foot which stamped out Troy.

[Clytaemnestra turns to the women attending on her who, on her orders, begin to spread out at Agamemnon's feet the tapestries they have brought out from the house, making a path from the chariot to the palace doors. The tapestries are all a deep red-purple, the colour of blood]

You women, don't just stand there. I've told you what to do. Spread out those tapestries, here on the ground, directly in his path. Quickly! 1070 Let his path be covered all in red, so Justice [910] can lead him back into his home, a place he never hoped to see. As for the rest, my unsleeping vigilance will sort it out, with the help of gods, as fate decrees.

AGAMEMNON Daughter of Leda, guardian of my home, your speech was, like my absence, far too long. Praise that's due to us should come from others. Then it's worthwhile. All those things you said— don't puff me up with such female honours, 1080 or grovel there before me babbling tributes, like some barbarian. Don't invite envy [920] to cross my path by strewing it with cloth. That's how we honour gods, not human beings. For a mortal man to place his foot like this on rich embroidery is, in my view, not without some risk. So I'm telling you honour me as a man, not as a god. My fame proclaims itself. It doesn't need foot mats made out of such embroideries. 1090 Not even to think of doing something bad is god's greatest gift. When a man's life ends in great prosperity, only then can we declare that he's a happy man. Thus, if I act, in every circumstance, as I ought to now, there's nothing I need fear. [930]

CLYTAEMNESTRA Don't say that just to flout what I've arranged.

AGAMEMNON You should know I'll not go back on what I've said.

CLYTAEMNESTRA You must fear something, then, to act this way. You've made some promise to the gods. 1100

AGAMEMNON I've said my final word. I fully understand, as well as any man, just what I'm doing.

CLYTAEMNESTRA What do you think Priam would have done, if he'd had your success?

AGAMEMNON That's clear— he'd have walked across these tapestries.

CLYTAEMNESTRA So then why be ashamed by what men say?

AGAMEMNON But what people say can have great power.

CLYTAEMNESTRA True, but the man whom people do not envy is not worth their envy.

AGAMEMNON It's not like a woman to be so keen on competition. 1110 [940]

CLYTAEMNESTRA It's fitting that the happy conqueror should let himself be overcome.

AGAMEMNON And in this contest that's the sort of victory you value?

CLYTAEMNESTRA Why not agree? Be strong and yield to me, of your own consent.

AGAMEMNON Well, if it's what you want . . . Quick, someone get these sandals off— they've served my feet so well. As I now walk on these red tapestries dyed in the sea, may no distant god catch sight of me, and, for envy, strike me down. There's much shame 1120 when my feet squander assets of my house, wasting wealth and costly woven finery.

[Agamemnon, in bare feet, comes down from the chariot onto the tapestries]

So much for that.

[Agamemnon turns to call attention to Cassandra in the chariot]

Welcome this foreign girl [950] into our house. And do it graciously. For god, who sees us from far away, looks down with favour on a gentle master. No one freely puts on slavery's yoke, but this girl, the finest flower of all our loot, comes with us as my army's gift to me. And now, since you've talked me into this, 1130 I'll proceed into my palace, treading on this crimson pathway as I go.

[Agamemnon starts to move slowly along the tapestries towards the palace and up the stairs. Cassandra remains in the chariot]

CLYTAEMNESTRA There is the sea. Who will drain it dry? It gives us crimson dye in huge amounts, as valuable as silver, inexhaustible. With that we dye our garments. And of these [960] our house has a full store, thanks to the gods. We're rich. We have no sense of poverty. I'd have vowed to tread on many clothes, to use what we have stored up in our home, 1140 if an oracle had ordered such a payment to save your life. If the root still lives, the house can blossom into leaf once more, growing high-arching shade, protection against the Dog Star's scorching season. Your return to your father's hearth and home brings us the summer's heat in winter time. It's like when Zeus makes wine from bitter grapes, [970] the house immediately grows cool, once its lord strolls through his own halls in complete command. 1150

[By this time Agamemnon has reached the palace doors and has just entered the palace]

O Zeus, Zeus, who accomplishes all things, answer my prayers. Take care to bring about all things that reach fulfillment through your will.

[Exit Clytaemnestra into the palace. The doors close behind her]

CHORUS Why does this sense of dread hover so unceasingly around my heart with such foreboding? My song of prophecy goes on unbidden and unpaid. Why can't some calming confidence 1160 [980] sit on my mind and spurn my fears as enigmatic dreams? It was so long ago— Time has long since buried deep in sand the mooring cables cast when the army sailed to Troy.

My own eyes tell me Agamemnon has returned. For that I need no further witness. But still, here, deep in my heart, 1170 the spontaneous song keeps up its tuneless dirge, [990] as the avenging Furies chant. It kills my confidence, my hope. Everything inside me beats against my chest, surging back and forth in tides of grim foreboding— something's moving to fulfillment. But I pray my premonitions 1180 prove false and never come to light. [1000]

For, as we know, boundaries of vigorous health break down— disease is always pressing hard the common wall between them. So with the fate of men. It holds to a straight course, then, all at once, can crash upon a hidden rock of grief. But if, as a precaution, 1190 men toss overboard some part of their rich cargo, and time their throw just right, [1010] the house, though grieving, will not completely founder, nor will its hull be swamped. And Zeus' bountiful rich gifts reaped from the furrows every year hold off the plague of famine.

But once a murdered man's dark blood 1200 has soaked the ground, who then [1020] can bring him back through song? Even Aesculapius, whose skill could raise men from the dead, was stopped by Zeus' thunderbolt. Was that not warning to us all? If one fate settled by the gods did not prevent another fate securing an advantage, my heart would then outrace my tongue— 1210 I'd speak out loud and clear, I'd cry out my forebodings. But now it mutters in the dark, [1030] uneasy, holding little hope for any resolution. And still my spirit smoulders.

[Enter Clytaemnestra from the palace. She addresses Cassandra, who is still in the chariot]

CLYTAEMNESTRA You should go in, too—I mean you up there, Cassandra. Zeus, in his mercy to you, has made you member of our household, one who shares its purification rites. 1220 So you can take your place before the altar of the god protecting all our wealth, along with other slaves. So come down. Leave the chariot. And leave your pride behind. Men say even Hercules, Alcmene's son, [1040] once long ago was sold in slavery and had to eat its bitter bread. If fate has brought you to the same condition, be very grateful you serve masters here who've been rich for ever. Certain men, 1230 those who've reaped a harvest of rich goods beyond their dreams, maltreat their slaves. They go too far. But here, with us, you'll get the treatment our traditions say is right.

CHORUS LEADER [addressing Cassandra] Our queen is talking to you. Her meaning's clear. Fate has caught you in its nets—you'd best obey, unless such action is beyond your power.

CLYTAEMNESTRA: If she's not like a swallow, with a song [1050] all her own, something barbarously obscure, I'll speak so she can understand. She must obey. 1240

CHORUS LEADER [to Cassandra] Go with the queen. Of all your options now what she says is best. Do as she says. Step down from your chariot seat.

CLYTAEMNESTRA Come down now. I don't have time to waste on this girl here. Inside, by our central hearth, our victims are already waiting for the sacrifice, a joyful time beyond our fondest hopes. So if you want to play your part in this, you'd better come at once. If what I say means nothing to you, if you can't understand, 1250 [1060] at least use your foreign hand to make a sign.

CHORUS LEADER An interpreter is what this stranger needs. She's like some wild thing, freshly trapped.

CLYTAEMNESTRA She's mad, too busy listening to her troubled heart. She's just left her newly captured city, then come here, without sufficient time to learn to stomach the controlling bit. She will, once her anger's been dissolved in foaming blood. But I'll waste no more time, dealing with her contempt outside the house. 1260

[Clytaemnestra turns and exits into the palace. The members of the Chorus gather around Cassandra]

CHORUS LEADER I'll not lose my temper. I pity her. You unhappy creature, why not come down? [1070] Leave the chariot. Why not accept fate's yoke of your own free will?

CASSANDRA [searching the sky for a sign of Apollo and screaming] Aieeeee . . . earth . . . sky . . . Apollo . . . Apollo . . .

CHORUS MEMBER Why cry out your distress in Apollo's name? He's not a god who pays attention to those who mourn like this.

CASSANDRA Aieeee . . . earth . . . sky . . . 1270 Apollo . . . my destroyer . . .

CHORUS MEMBER She cried out again. Such ominous words— and to a god who's not the one to have around at times of grieving.

CASSANDRA Apollo! Apollo! God of the road . . . [1080] You're destroying me. Why leave me here beyond all hope a second time?

CHORUS MEMBER It looks as if she's going to prophesy, to say something of her unhappiness. She may be a slave, but inside her 1280 the god's voice still remains.

CASSANDRA Apollo! Oh Apollo! God of the road . . . You're obliterating me! Where am I now? Where have you led me? What house is this?

CHORUS MEMBER If you don't know where you are, I'll tell you— you're at the house of the sons of Atreus. That's the truth.

CASSANDRA No . . . no . . . a house [1090] that hates the gods . . . house full of death, kinsmen butchered . . . heads chopped off . . . a human slaughterhouse awash in blood . . . 1290

CHORUS MEMBER This stranger's like a keen hound on the scent. She's on the trail of blood.

CASSANDRA . . . I see evidence I trust—young children screaming as they're butchered—then their father eating his own infants' roasted flesh . . .

CHORUS MEMBER We've heard about your fame in prophecy. But here in Argos no one wants a prophet.

CASSANDRA O god what's this she has in mind? [1100] What new agony inside the house is she preparing? Something monstrous, 1300 barbaric, evil . . . beyond all love, all remedy. And help is far away.

CHORUS MEMBER I don't understand what she's saying now. What she first said, that I understood— the whole city talks about it.

CASSANDRA Oh evil woman, you're going to do it. Your own husband, the man who shares your bed— once you've washed him clean . . . there in the bath . . . How shall I describe how all this ends? It's coming soon. She's stretching out her hand . . . 1310 [1110] and now her other hand is reaching for him . . .

CHORUS MEMBER I still don't understand. What she's saying is just too confused. Her dark prophecies leave me bewildered.

CASSANDRA Look! Look over there! What's that apparition? It that death's net? No, she's the net, the one who sleeps with him, that woman, murder's willing agent. Let those Furies insatiably at work against this clan rise up and scream for joy— they have another victim fit for stoning. 1320

CHORUS MEMBER What Fury do you now invoke to shriek throughout this house? What you've just said [1120] makes me afraid.

CHORUS Drop by drop the dark blood flows around my heart—like mortal wounds when life's sunset comes, when death is near.

CASSANDRA Look over there! Look now! Keep the great bull from his mate. She's caught him in her robes— 1330 now she gores him with her black horn. A trap! He's collapsing in the bath! I'm telling you what's going on— he's being murdered in there, while bathing—a plot to kill him!

CHORUS MEMBER I can't boast of any skill with prophecies, [1030] but these strike me as pointing to disaster.

CHORUS What good ever comes to men from prophecies? They talk of evil. All those skilful words encourage men 1340 to be afraid of what the prophet chants.

CASSANDRA Alas for me! Alas for my unwelcome fate! I'm crying out for my own suffering— my cup of grief is full, brim full . . . Why have you brought me here, so wretched, if not to die, the second victim? Why else?

CHORUS MEMBER Your mind's possessed—some god is in control. [1140] And so you wail aloud about your death, just like some shrill nightingale that sings, 1350 without a pause, of her heart's distress, lamenting all her life for her dead son, life rich in sorrow.

CASSANDRA Oh to have that— the fate of the singing nightingale! Gods gave her body wings and a sweet life. She does not weep. But murder waits for me— a two-edged sword hacks me to death.

CHORUS MEMBER These vain prophetic cries of woe you chant, [1150] where do they start? Why introduce such horrific fear into your songs? 1360 How do you set some limit to the path where what you see so ominously leads?

CASSANDRA Alas for that wedding . . . Paris and his bride . . . how it destroyed his loved ones . . . Alas for the Scamander, river of my home! By your banks I was raised so long ago, brought up to all this misery . . . And now it seems I must soon chant my prophecies by Cocytus and banks of Acheron, [1160] twin rivers of the dead. 1370

CHORUS MEMBER What's that? The words seem clear enough— any child could understand. Your cruel fate strikes at me like a bloody fang. It hurts. My heart breaks to hear you chant your sorrows.

CASSANDRA Alas for my city's fate— totally destroyed . . . Alas for my father's sacrifices, all those grazing herds . . . offerings to save our walls! In vain . . . the city was not spared . . . 1380 [1170] all that misery it's endured. Now I, on fire too, must go to ground.

CHORUS MEMBER You keep repeating what you said before. Some evil-minded demon, swooping down, has fallen on you, forcing you to sing, to chant your songs of death. Where does this end? That's what I can't see.

CASSANDRA Then my prophecy will veil itself no more, like some new bride half-concealed from view. 1390 Let it now rise as clear as a fresh wind blowing toward the rising sun, a wave [1180] cresting through the dawn and bringing on a tide of woe far greater than my own. I'll teach you no more in cryptic riddles. And you bear witness—run the trail with me, as I sniff out the track of ancient crimes. Up there on that roof there sits a chorus— it never leaves. They sing in harmony, but the song is harsh, predicting doom. 1400 Drinking human blood has made them bold— they dance in celebration through the house. The family's Furies cannot be dislodged. [1190] Sitting in the home, they chant their song, the madness that began all this, each in turn cursing that man who defiled his brother's bed. Have I missed the mark? Or like a fine archer have I hit the beast? Or am I selling lies, a fortune teller babbling door to door? Tell me on your oath how well I know 1410 these old stories of this family's crimes.

CHORUS LEADER How could an oath of ours be any help, no matter how sincere, to heal your grief? But I'm amazed that you, born overseas, can say so much about a foreign city, [1200] as if you'd lived here.

CASSANDRA It was Apollo, god of prophecy, who made me what I am.

CHORUS MEMBER Surely the god was not in love with you?

CASSANDRA I used to be ashamed to talk of this . . .

CHORUS MEMBER When we're doing well, we all have scruples. 1420

CASSANDRA Apollo was like a mighty wrestler, panting all over me, in love.

CHORUS MEMBER Did you go through with it— bear him a child?

CASSANDRA I promised to, but then I broke my word.

CHORUS MEMBER Did you already have prophetic skill, inspired by the god?

CASSANDRA At that time I used to prophesy to all my countrymen. [1210] I'd foretell disasters.

CHORUS MEMBER How did you escape Apollo's anger? 1430

CASSANDRA Since I resisted him, no one believes me.

CHORUS MEMBER But to us, at least, what you prophesy seems true enough.

CASSANDRA Aieee . . . the pains I feel. The fearful labour pains of true prophecy seize me, confuse me, as they start again, full of foreboding. Look there—see those creatures, young ones, sitting by the house, dark shapes, like something from a dream? They're like children murdered by their loved ones . . . their hands are full, clenching chunks of their own flesh as food, 1440 [1220] their guts and inner organs . . . it's all so clear . . . that awful meal their own father tasted. For all that, I say, revenge is on the way, someone's planning it, a craven lion, a beast wallowing in bed, keeping watch, waiting for my master to get back. Yes, my master—since I must now bear the yoke of slavery. That lord of war, who led the fleet and ravaged Ilion, has no idea what that cur is up to, 1450 what evil plans the hateful bitch is hatching, as her tongue licks his hands in welcome, ears perked up for joy, like treacherous Ate, [1230] goddess who destroys. It's outrageous— the woman kills her man. What shall I call her? What awful monster suits her? A snake? An amphisbaena with a head at either end? Or perhaps a Scylla living in the rocks, preying on sailors, raging mother of hell, who breathes relentless war on loved ones. 1460 How that woman, in her audacity, screamed out in triumph, like a battle cry, pretending to enjoy his safe return! Whether you credit what I say or not— that doesn't really matter. Why should it? What will come will come. And soon enough, [1240] as you stand here full of pity, you'll say Cassandra's prophecies were all too true.

CHORUS I understand about Thyestes' meal, and tremble thinking how he ate his children's flesh. 1470 Terror grips me as I hear these truths without embellishment. As for the rest, hearing that just makes me lose my way.

CASSANDRA I tell you you'll see Agamemnon dead.

CHORUS MEMBER Poor girl, calm yourself. Tone down those words.

CASSANDRA No—no one can heal what my words prophesy.

CHORUS Not if they're true. But may the gods forbid!

CASSANDRA While you pray here, others move in to kill. [1250]

CHORUS LEADER What man is going to commit such crimes?

CASSANDRA What man? You've completely missed the point. 1480 You've failed to understand my prophecies.

CHORUS LEADER Yes I have— I don't see who has means to do it.

CASSANDRA Yet I can speak Greek well enough.

CHORUS LEADER So does the oracle at Delphi, but understanding what it says is hard.

CASSANDRA Oh this fire! His fire comes over me once more! The pain . . . Lycian Apollo . . . burning me . . . That two-footed lioness . . . crouching there with a wolf, once the noble lion's gone . . . She's going to kill me . . . the agony! 1490 [1260] Now she prepares her drugs, and in her rage, vows I too will be a part of her revenge, as she whets a sword to kill her king. He brought me here. Now we both die. Her retribution. So why do I bear these ornaments that mock me, this rod, these prophet's wreaths around my neck? Let me be rid of you before I die . . . .

[Cassandra breaks her wand and throws off the insignia of her office as a prophet]

There, an end to you. With you down there, I get revenge. Make some other woman rich. 1500 Let her preach destruction instead of me.

[Cassandra now starts tearing off her clothes]

Look how Apollo now in person strips me, rips my prophetic robes, the god who watched, [1270] as my friends in their hatred turned on me, mocked me so savagely in these very clothes— they thought they knew what they were doing. But they were wrong. I heard them call me names, "beggar," "starving wretch"—I endured them all. And now the prophet god is done with me. He's led his prophet to her place of death. 1510 No father's altar for me here—instead a chopping block awaits, slaughtered in one hot stroke of bloody sacrifice. But we'll not die without the gods' revenge. Another man will come and will avenge us, [1280] a son who'll kill his mother, then pay back his father's death, a wanderer in exile, a man this country's made a stranger. He'll come back and, like a coping stone, bring the ruin of his family to a close. 1520 For gods have made a powerful promise— his father's stretched out corpse will bring him home. Why then do I lament so piteously? Since I'm the one who first saw how Troy would be wiped out the way it was, since I see now how those who took the city are being destroyed in judgment from the gods, I'll go to meet my fate. I'll dare to die. [1290] I greet this doorway as the gates of Death. Once the death blow strikes, I pray I'll have 1530 a gentle end—no struggle, as my life blood drains away. And then I'll close my eyes.

CHORUS LEADER You poor woman, so much pain and wisdom. You've said so much. But if you see your death— see it so clearly—how can you go on so bravely to the altar, like an ox destined by gods for sacrifice?

CASSANDRA There's no way out. My friends, the time has come.

CHORUS LEADER But there's some benefit in going last. [1300]

CASSANDRA This is the day. It makes no sense to run. 1540

CHORUS LEADER You know, you endure your suffering with courage I admire.

CASSANDRA No one hearing that has reason to be glad.

CHORUS LEADER But to die well confers some human dignity.

CASSANDRA [approaching the door then moving back in horror] I cry for you, my father, your noble children.

CHORUS LEADER What's wrong? Why turn around in fear?

CASSANDRA This house . . . It’s horrific!

CHORUS Why call out in horror? Is there some vision in your mind?

CASSANDRA It's this house— it stinks of murder, blood slaughter . . . 1550

CHORUS LEADER No, no—that's the smell of sacrifice, [1310] victims at the hearth.

CASSANDRA That smell . . . it's like an open grave . . .

CHORUS Do you mean the splendid Syrian incense? It's all through the house.

CASSANDRA [turning back to the palace doors] No. But I must go. I'll lament my death, and Agamemnon's, too, inside the house. Enough of living! Alas, my friends, I'm not holding back in fear, like some bird trapped in bushes. I want you to witness how I went to meet my death, 1560 when for me another woman will be killed, a man will die for one who married evil. This is my last request before I die. [1320]

CHORUS LEADER I pity you, poor creature, and your death, which you have prophesied.

CASSANDRA One last time I feel the urge to speak, not sing a dirge about my death. I pray to the sun, here in the light of his most recent day, that those who carry out revenge for me will make my enemies pay with their blood 1570 for butchering a slave, an easy victim. Alas, for human life. When things go well, a shadow overturns it all. When badly, a damp sponge wipes away the picture. Of these two, the second is more pitiful. [1330]

[Cassandra exits slowly and deliberately through the palace doors, which close behind her]

CHORUS: To rest unsatisfied amid great wealth is in the nature of all human beings. No one can point and order it away from princely homes by uttering the words "Dissatisfaction, enter here no more!" 1580 Take Agamemnon. The powers in heaven permitted him to capture Priam's town, to return home honoured by the gods. But now, if he must pay the penalty for blood which other men before him shed and die in retribution for the dead [1340] he killed himself, what mortal human being who hears all this can boast he lives a life unscarred by fate?

[A scream comes from inside the palace]

AGAMEMNON [from inside] Help me! I'm hit . . . a deadly blow . . .

CHORUS LEADER Silence! 1590 Who cried out then? Something about a deadly blow.

AGAMEMNON [within] Aaagh! I'm hit again . . . a second blow . . .

CHORUS LEADER That's the king in there. Those cries, I think, tell us what's going on. Come now, let's decide what's best to do, our safest course of action.

[At this point the Chorus breaks up in panic, losing its unity as a group. Individual members speak to each other in great confusion]

CHORUS MEMBER ONE Here's my advice—summon all the people, call them to bring help up to the palace.

CHORUS MEMBER TWO I say we must attack the house at once, [1350] catch them at it, swords still wet with blood.

CHORUS MEMBER THREE My view is we should do something like that. 1600 I vote we act. There's no time to delay.

CHORUS MEMBER FOUR It's all so clear. This is their opening move— a sign they're going to tyrannize the city.

CHORUS MEMBER FIVE We're wasting time. They've thrown aside all sense of hesitation. Their hands won't rest.

CHORUS MEMBER SIX I don't know what scheme I could propose. It's up to those who can carry out the plan to tell us what to do.

CHORUS MEMBER SEVEN That's my view, too. [1360] I don't know how to bring the dead to life with nothing but our words.

CHORUS MEMBER EIGHT But just to stay alive, 1610 should we bow down before these tyrants, who desecrate the house?

CHORUS MEMBER NINE No. We can't do that. Death would be preferable, a gentler fate than such a tyranny.

CHORUS MEMBER TEN But should we assume, just on the basis of those groans we heard, that Agamemnon's dead?

CHORUS MEMBER ELEVEN Before we act, we must have clearer evidence. To guess like this is not really knowing what is true or not.

CHORUS LEADER That's it then—everyone agrees on this— [1370] we need to know more clearly how things stand 1620 with Agamemnon, son of Atreus.

[The palace doors open, revealing the bodies of Agamemnon and Cassandra. Clytaemnestra stands over them. She is covered in blood]

CLYTAEMNESTRA Before this moment I said many things to suit my purposes. I'm not ashamed to contradict them now. How else could I act on my hate for such a hateful man, who feigned his love, how else prepare my nets of agony so high no one could jump them? I've brooded on this struggle many years, the old blood feud. My moment's come at last, though long delayed. I stand now where I struck, 1630 where I achieved what I set out to do. I did all this. I won't deny the fact. [1380] Round this man I cast my all-embracing net, rich robes of evil, as if catching fish— he had no way out, no eluding fate. I stabbed him twice. He gave out two groans. Then as his limbs went limp, I hit again, a third blow, my prayerful dedication to Zeus, underground protector of the dead. He collapsed, snorting his life away, 1640 spitting great gobs of blood all over me, [1390] drenching me in showers of his dark blood. And I rejoiced—just as the fecund earth rejoices when the heavens send spring rains, and new-born flower buds burst into bloom. That's how things stand, old men of Argos. Be joyful, if that's how you feel. For me, this is my triumph. If it were fitting to pour libations on this corpse, I'd pour my curses out—that would be just. 1650 He filled the mixing bowls in his own house with such destructive misery, and now he drinks it to the dregs. He's home at last.

CHORUS LEADER What you say I find incredible! How can that tongue of yours gloat like this, exulting over your dead husband? [1400]

CLYTAEMNESTRA You're testing me, as if I were some silly woman. But my heart is fearless. Let me tell you what you already know—then you can praise or criticize me as you like. I don't care. 1660 This man is Agamemnon, my husband. He's a corpse, the work of this right hand, a work of justice. That's how matters stand.

CHORUS LEADER Woman, what earth-grown poison have you eaten, what evil drink drawn from the surging sea, that you're so mad to risk the public voice, the curses people mutter? You cast him off. You cut him down. So now you'll be thrown out, [1410] exiled from the city—a hateful thing to your own people.

CLYTAEMNESTRA So now 1670 you'd sentence me to banishment, send me from the city a thing accursed? Back then you made no accusation against this man lying here. He sacrificed his own child, that dear girl I bore in pain, to charm the winds from Thrace—and didn't care. To him she was a beast for slaughter. He had flocks of them—his farms were full. Shouldn't you have banished him from Argos in punishment for that polluting crime? 1680 [1420] You're strict enough when you pass judgment on what I've done. So let me caution you— I'm prepared to fight you head to head. If you win, well then, you can govern me. But if god lets me prevail, you old men will learn, old as you are, to behave yourselves.

CHORUS LEADER You're too ambitious, far too arrogant. Blood-drenched murder's made you mad. That's plain. Your eyes are full of blood. Now stroke for stroke you'll pay for what you've done. You've lost your friends, 1690 you've lost your honour . . . [1430]

CLYTAEMNESTRA [interrupting] Then hear this, too, the force behind my oath— by that Justice I exacted for my child, by Ate, goddess of destruction, by the Fury to whom I offered up this man, my hopes will never walk these halls in fear, so long as Aegisthus stokes the blazing fires in my hearth. And he's as loyal to me now as always, my shield, no man to trifle with. He'll boost my confidence. Here he lies, 1700 the man who abused his wife, seduced by every captive girl at Ilion— and here she lies, his concubine, his spear prize, [1440] the faithful prophetess who shared his bed. She also knew the rowing benches where sailors sweat. They get what they deserve. He's dead. She, like a swan, sang her last song, then died. Now she lies there, his sweetheart. She'll bring new thrills, fresh pleasures to my bed.

CHORUS Oh that some Fate would soon come, 1710 free from suffering and quick, bringing endless sleep, [1450] our last eternal sleep, now our gracious lord is dead. For a woman's sake he suffered much, and now by a woman's hand he died.

Alas for you, Helen, frantic woman. On your own, beneath Troy's walls, you slaughtered many lives, 1720 and more than many. Now you wear your final garland— one long remembered for the blood which will never wash away. [1460] Back then in this house lived a spirit of strife, a power that broke our king.

CLYTAEMNESTRA Don't torment yourself like this, invoking death and fate, or redirect your rage on Helen, as if she killed those men, 1730 all those Danaan lives, all by herself, and brought us pain past remedy.

CHORUS O spirit that falls upon this house, on Menelaus, on Agamemnon, descendants of Tantalus, you overpower me through these two sisters, [1470] each with power like a man. You consume my heart with grief. Perched on his corpse 1740 the hateful raven caws her song, her harsh triumphal tune.

CLYTAEMNESTRA Now you're talking sense, when you call on the demon of this house, who's eaten up three generations, the one who nurtures bloodlust in our guts. And so new blood spurts out before the old wound heals. [1480]

CHORUS You appeal to that huge fiend haunting this house, whose anger weighs it down, 1750 to that tale of evil fate insatiably consuming us. Alas, alas, the will of Zeus, the cause of everything, who brings all things about. What can come to mortal men except at Zeus' will? And in what's happened here what's not caused by the gods?

Alas, my king, my lord— 1760 How shall I weep for you? [1490] How speak of you with love? To lie entangled in the spider's web, gasping life away—a sacrilege— stretched out on this bed of shame, struck down in treachery, the two-edged sword wielded by your wife.

CLYTAEMNESTRA Are you saying this work is mine? That's not so. Don't think of me as Agamemnon's wife. 1770 The form of this corpse's wife was taken on [1500] by the ancient savage spirit of revenge. For that brutal meal prepared by Atreus, it sacrificed one full-grown man, payment for two butchered children.

CHORUS Who would ever say you bear no guilt for Agamemnon's murder? How could they? How? Yet that avenging spirit 1780 acting on his father's crime could well have egged you on. Black Ruin moves ahead with force [1510] through streams of family blood granting vengeance for the young served up as chunks of meat.

Alas, my king, my lord— How shall I weep for you? How speak of you with love? To lie entangled in the spider's web, 1790 gasping life away—a sacrilege— stretched out on this bed of shame, struck down in treachery, the two-edged sword wielded by your wife. [1520]

CLYTAEMNESTRA I don't think the man died wretchedly, like some poor slave. Surely his own deceit brought ruin on this house? His suffering matches exactly what he did himself. Remember my own Iphigeneia, 1800 his daughter, that sweet flower whom we mourn. So let him not boast out loud in Hades. He was the first to draw his sword, and by the sword he's been repaid.

CHORUS There's no clear way, and now [1530] this family's falling. I'm afraid. It's not just bloody drops. No, storms of blood rain batter down, destroying the house, while fate on yet another whetstone, 1810 hones the edge of Justice, for the next act, one more crime.

O Earth, my Earth— how I wish you'd swallowed me before I ever saw my king lying low on such bed, [1540] a silver-plated bath. Who will now bury him? Who will lament for him? Will you dare to do this, 1820 a woman mourning for the spirit of the husband she's just killed, complete the injustices you've done with wretched favours to the dead to expiate your monstrous crimes? As people stand around the grave to praise this god-like man, in tears, whose sad heart will be sincere? [1550]

CLYTAEMNESTRA That business is none of your concern. At our hands he collapsed in death. 1830 We'll bury him. But this house will not weep. No. Iphigeneia will meet him down there, as is fitting—the daughter greets her father happily by that swift stream of sorrow. Then she'll embrace the man with love.

CHORUS One disgrace exchanged for yet another, [1560] the struggle to decide is hard. The man who sins is sinned against, the killer pays the price. Yet while Zeus sits upon his throne 1840 this decree from god remains— the man who acts will suffer. Who can then cast from this house its self-perpetuating curse? This race is wedded to destruction.

CLYTAEMNESTRA Now you're close to getting at the truth. For my part, I'm prepared to swear an oath to the demon of the House of Atreus— I'll rest content with what's been done, [1570] hard though that is, if he'll leave this house alone, 1850 transferring family murder somewhere else, to some other clan. I don't need much, a small part of our wealth, if I can free these halls entirely of this madness, the urge we have to kill each other.

[Enter Aegisthus with armed attendants. The situation now grows increasingly tense, with the soldiers menacing the members of the Chorus, who begin to coalesce as a political unit, rediscovering their strength. This sense of a major irreconcilable political division and the threat of civil war grows increasingly acute until the end of the play]

AEGISTHUS [moving up to join Clytaemnestra by the palace doors] What a glorious day of retribution! Now I can say that once again the gods looking down on men avenge their crimes. How it fills my heart with joy to see this man stretched out here in a robe the Furies wove, 1860 [1580] full payment for deceitful treachery his father's hand devised. For Atreus, king of Argos, was this man's father. To set the record straight, my father, Thyestes, brother to Atreus, challenged his authority. So Atreus expelled him from his home and city. But Thyestes in his misery returned, a suppliant at his own hearth, praying fate would save him, he would not be killed, 1870 his own blood wouldn't stain his native ground. Atreus, the godless father of this man, [1590] welcomed him effusively, but not with love. He set up what seemed a celebration— a feast day with lots of meat, but served my father flesh of his own children. He sliced their toes and fingers off. Over these he diced the other parts, then passed this dish to Thyestes, where he sat beside him. My father then, in total ignorance, 1880 took the food he didn't recognize, and ate the meal which, as you've witnessed, destroyed the race. When Thyestes learns the abominable thing he's done, he screams, staggers back, vomits up the butchered flesh. Then, kicking down the banquet table to underscore his cry for justice, he calls down on the House of Atreus a curse no one can bear, "Let them all die, [1600] the race of Pleisthenes—all die like this."* 1890 That's why you see this man lying here. This murder was my plan for justice. For Atreus threw my broken father out, and me as well, his third son, still a child, an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes. But I grew up. And Justice brought me back. I seized the man who'd banished me. I planned each detail of this murderous scheme. Now I see him in the nets of Justice, [1610] I can face even my own death with joy. 1900

CHORUS LEADER To me you're contemptible, Aegisthus, getting pleasure from all this agony. You say you killed the king deliberately, and planned the cowardly slaughter on your own. I tell you—remember this—when justice comes, your head will not escape the people's cursing or death by stoning at their hands.

AEGISTHUS So you say—but you man the lower oars. Your masters on the higher tiers control the ship. You may be old, but you'll learn how painful 1910 it is at your age to be taught your place. [1620] Hunger pangs and chains, two worthy teachers, make excellent cures for teaching wisdom, even with old men. Surely you have eyes. Can't you see this? You shouldn't kick at thorns. You'll only hurt yourselves.

CHORUS MEMBER ONE You womanly creature! You stayed at home, waiting out the war, until the men came back. You soiled a real man's bed, then planned to kill our king.

AEGISTHUS This talk of yours will soon give you sufficient cause to weep. 1920 The tongue of Orpheus was not like yours— the pleasure of his voice drew all things to him. [1630] Your puny squawking merely irritates. But once I chain you up, my force has ways to make you more compliant.

CHORUS MEMBER TWO As if you rule in Argos! You, the one who plotted Agamemnon's death, but weren't brave enough to kill the man yourself!

AEGISTHUS Clearly it was the woman's role to trick him. I was not a man whom he would trust. 1930 After all, I'm an old enemy of his. But with his wealth I'll try to rule the people. Those who resist I'll strap under the yoke. [1640] It won't be light—not like a well-fed trace horse. No. Miserable starvation in the dark— then we'll see how docile they can be.

CHORUS MEMBER THREE You coward— why not kill the man yourself? Why rely upon that woman for the murder, a disgrace to her own country and its gods? Oh, can Orestes still see the light of day? 1940 If his good fortune holds, will he come home, win out, and kill the two of them up there?

AEGISTHUS [moving down to be with his troops] If that's the way you want to act and speak, you'll get your lesson fast. Men, stand ready. My trusty guard, your work's in front of you. [1650]

[The soldiers place their weapons at the ready and move into menace the Chorus. The Chorus stands its ground, raising their staves as weapons]

CHORUS LEADER Don't give way. Each of you, get your weapons ready.

AEGISTHUS [half drawing his sword] My hand is on my sword, as well. I'm not afraid to die.

CHORUS LEADER You say you'll welcome death. That's good to hear. We're happy to oblige.

[Clytaemnestra, alarmed at the way in which the conflict has grown, moves quickly between the guards led by Aegisthus and the Chorus]

CLYTAEMNESTRA Stop this, my dearest. 1950 Let's not act to bring on further trouble. Our wretched harvest is bountiful enough— we've reaped sufficient pain. No more bloodshed. You honourable old men, go home. Yield to fate, before you hurt yourselves. What we've done here we had to do. Let our troubles end right now. That we'll allow, even though our fate [1660] has struck a heavy blow. That's my advice, what a woman ought to say, if any here will act on it.

AEGISTHUS What about these men 1960 who let their tongues prattle on against me, hurling insults in my face, testing fate? They throw aside all moderate restraint to abuse their master.

CHORUS LEADER Men of Argos will never cringe before an evil man.

AEGISTHUS I'll get my own back soon enough.

CHORUS LEADER Not if fate brings Orestes home again.

AEGISTHUS I understand how exiles feed on hope.

CHORUS LEADER Go on. Fatten yourself up. While you still can, pollute all Justice.

AEGISTHUS You must know you'll pay 1970 [1670] for all this insolence to me.

CHORUS Keep on bragging— just like a cock beside his hen.

CLYTAEMNESTRA [pulling Aegisthus towards the palace doors] Leave them their feeble yelping. You and I control the house. We'll put things in order.

[Clytaemnestra and Aegisthus back slowly into the palace and close the doors, leaving the guards and Chorus still facing each other. Slowly the Chorus disintegrates and its members walk off one by one. The guards form up in front of the palace, an armed defence before the doors]

Notes on Agamemnon

*Priam: king of Troy, father of Paris (the man who abducted Helen). Agamemnon and Menelaus were the commanders of the expedition against Troy (with Agamemnon in the senior position). [Back to Text]

*Alexander: an alternative name for Paris, son of Priam. [Back to Text]

*Uranus and Cronos: Uranus was the original god, who was overthrown by his son Cronos. Then Cronos, in turn, was overthrown by his son Zeus. [Back to Text]

*Calchas tells Agamemnon he must sacrifice his daughter Iphigeneia to appease Artemis and stop the hostile winds. [Back to Text]

*The lines following describe Menelaus’ reaction to Helen’s disappearance. [Back to Text]

*Pelisthenes: In some legends Atreus had a son Pleisthenes who was raised by his brother Thyestes. Thyestes sent Pleisthenes to kill Atreus, but the latter killed him, not knowing it was his son. This was the cause of the notorious banquet. In other stories Pleisthenes (perhaps another person with the same name) is the husband of Aerope and father of Menelaus and Agamemnon. When Pleisthenes died, Atreus married Aerope and adopted the children. Aerope had a sexual affair with Thyestes, another cause for the quarrel between the two brothers, and was drowned for her adultery. [Back to Text]