[Enter in rank and file the Chorus of Argive Elders, each leaning on his staff; during their slow and measured advance they sing the following Ode, the conclusion of which brings them in front of the stage.]
Chorus.
Lo the tenth year rolls apace 40
Since Priam's mighty challenger,
Lord Menelas and Atreus' heir,
Stalwart Atridæ,—by heaven's grace
Twin-throned, twin-sceptered,—from this land
A thousand sail, with Argives manned,
Unmoor'd,—a martial armament,
Warriors on just reprisal bent,
Fierce battle clanging from their breast,
Like vultures of their young bereaved,
Who, for their nestlings sorely grieved,
Wheel, eddying high above their nest,
By oarage of strong pennons driven, 50
Missing the eyrie-watching care
Of callow fledglings; but from heaven,
Some guilt-avenging deity,
Or all-retrieving Zeus, doth lend
An ear attentive to the cry
Of birds, shrill-wailing, sore-distrest,
And doth upon the guilty send
Erinys, late-avenging pest.
So for the dame, by many wooed,
Doth mighty Zeus, who shields the guest,
'Gainst Paris send th' Atridan brood; 60
