Page:House of Atreus 2nd ed (1889).djvu/127

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THE LIBATION-BEARERS.
91

Or, I am kin to thee, and here, as thou,
I come to weep and deck our father's grave.
Aid me, ye gods! for well indeed ye know
How in the gale and counter-gale of doubt,
Like to the seaman's bark, we whirl and stray.
But, if God will our life, how strong shall spring,
From seed how small, the new tree of our home!—
Lo ye, a second sign—these footsteps, look,—
Like to my own, a corresponsive print;
And look, another footmark,—this his own,
And that the foot of one who walked with him.
Mark, how the heel and tendons' print combine,
Measured exact, with mine coincident!
Alas, for doubt and anguish rack my mind.


Orestes (approaching suddenly).

Pray thou, in gratitude for prayers fulfilled,
Fair fall the rest of what I ask of heaven.


Electra.

Wherefore? what win I from the gods by prayer?


Orestes.

This, that thine eyes behold thy heart's desire.


Electra.

On whom of mortals know'st thou that I call?


Orestes.

I know thy yearning for Orestes deep.


Electra.

Say then, wherein event hath crowned my prayer?