Of water on her face. Her languid eyes
Again behold the light of day. Arise,
Cassandra, and recall thy sluggish sense.
That shelter from our woes, so long desired, 790
Is here at last. This is a festal day.
Cassandra: Remember Ilium's festal day.
Agamemnon: But come,
We'll kneel before the shrine.
Cassandra: Before the shrine
My father fell.
Agamemnon: We will together pray
In thankfulness to Jove.
Cassandra: Hercean Jove?
Agamemnon: Thou think'st of Ilium?
Cassandra: And Priam too.
Agamemnon: This is not Troy. 795
Cassandra: Where a Helen is, is Troy.
Agamemnon: Fear not thy mistress, though in captive's bonds.
Cassandra: But freedom is at hand.
Agamemnon: Live on secure.
Cassandra: I think that death is my security.
Agamemnon: For thee there's naught to fear.
Cassandra: But much for thee.
Agamemnon: What can a victor fear?
Cassandra: What least he fears.
Agamemnon: Keep her, ye faithful slaves, in careful guard, 800
Till she shall throw this mood of madness off,
Lest in unbridled rage she harm herself.
To thee, O father, who the blinding bolt
Dost hurl, at whose command the clouds disperse,
Who rul'st the starry heavens and the lands,
To whom triumphant victors bring their spoils;
And thee, O sister of thy mighty lord, 805
Argolic Juno, here I offer now
All fitting gifts—and so fulfil my vow.
[Exit into the palace.]
Chorus of Argive women: O Argos, famed for thy worthy sons,
And dear to the jealous Juno's heart,
How mighty the children who feed at thy breast! 810
