Antistrophe IV.
Firm based is Justice; Fate of yore
Forged weapon for the blow;
Deep-souled Erinys doth in time restore
Th' avenger to his home, and, lo!
Of ancient blood he pays the score.
[Enter Orestes and Pylades, with Attendants, all in the garb of travellers.]
Orestes.
[Knocking at the gate.
Boy, hear the knocking, at the outer gate;— 640
Who is within? Hola! Again I call.—
For the third time I crave a parley here,
If that Ægisthos heeds the stranger's rights.
Attendant.
Well, well, I hear. Who art thou, friend, and whence?
Orestes.
Me to the rulers of this house announce,
For unto them, bearer of news, I come.
Haste, for Night's dusky car rolls on apace,
And time it is for weary traveller
Anchor to drop in hospitable home.
Let one in trust, a woman bearing rule, 650
Come forth; yet more decorous were a man.
For when by bashfulness the tongue is swayed
Darkened is speech;—boldly man speaks to man,
And tells his message forth without reserve.
