Through whom thou plann'st another to deceive?
Atreus: That so they may themselves be free from guilt.
For what the need of implicating them
In crimes of mine? Nay, through my acts alone
My hate shall work its ends. But hold, my soul,
Thou doest ill, thou shrinkest from the task.
If thou dost spare thine own, thou sparest his 325
As well. So then let Agamemnon be
The conscious minister of my designs,
And wittingly let Menelaüs help
His father's plans. And by this test of crime,
Let their uncertain birth be put to proof:
If they refuse to wage this deadly war,
And will not serve my hatred; if they plead
He is their uncle—then is he their sire.
So let them go. But no! a look of fear 330
Has oft revealed the heart. And weighty plans,
E'en 'gainst the stoutest will, betray themselves.
They shall not know of how great consequence
Their mission is.
[To Attendant.]
And do thou hide it too.
Attendant: No warning do I need, for in my breast
lt shall be hid by fear and loyalty.
But more shall loyalty prevail with me. 335
Chorus: At last our royal family,
The race of ancient Inachus,
Hath quelled the brothers' deadly strife
What fatal madness drives you on
To shed by turns each other's blood, 340
And gain the throne through paths of crime?
O ye who lust for regal state,
Ye know not where true power is found;
For riches cannot make a king,
Nor Tyrian garments richly dyed, 345
Nor royal crowns upon the brow,
Nor portals glittering with gold.
But he is king who knows no fear,
