The House of Atreus

im should fall Heaven's highest gift and gain!_ And then--but I beheld not, nor can tell, What further fate befel: But this is sure, that Calchas' boding strain Can ne'er be void or vain. This wage from Justice' hand do sufferers earn, The future to discern: And yet--farewell, O secret of To-morrow! Fore-knowledge is fore-sorrow. Clear with the clear beams of the morrow's sun, The future presseth on. Now, let the house's tale, how dark soe'er, Find yet an issue fair!-- So prays the loyal, solitary band That guards the Apian land.

[_They turn to Clytemnestra, who leaves the altars and comes forward._

O queen, I come in reverence of thy sway-- For, while the ruler's kingly seat is void, The loyal heart before his consort bends. Now--be it sure and certain news of good, Or the fair tidings of a flatt'ring hope, That bids thee spread the light from shrine to shrine, I, fain to hear, yet grudge not if thou hide.

CLYTEMNESTRA

As saith the adage, _From the wo