Page:House of Atreus 2nd ed (1889).djvu/138

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102
THE LIBATION-BEARERS.

Bethink thee, hearing, of the shame, the pain
Wherewith that sire was slain!


Electra.

Yea, such was the doom of my sire; well-a-day,
I was thrust from his side,—
As a dog from the chamber they thrust me away,
And in place of my laughter rose sobbing and tears,
As in darkness I lay.
O father, if this word can pass to thine ears,
To thy soul let it reach and abide!


Chorus.

Let it pass, let it pierce, through the sense of thine ear,
To thy soul, where in silence it waiteth the hour!
The past is accomplished; but rouse thee to hear
What the future prepareth; awake and appear,
Our champion, in wrath and in power!


Orestes.

O father, to thy loved ones come in aid.


Electra.

With tears I call on thee.


Chorus.

Listen and rise to light!
Be thou with us, be thou against the foe!
Swiftly this cry arises even so
Pray we, the loyal band, as we have prayed!


Orestes.

Let their might meet with mine, and their right with my right.