University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Clytemnestra, her Attendant, and the Man who observed the Signal.
Clytemnestra.
Are you then sure that you beheld this Signal?
Or was it not some Vision of the Brain,
That painted, while you slept, your waking Wish?
Or else perhaps some Meteor of the Night?

Man.
Madam, Troy doubtless lies one Heap of Ruins;
I saw the Signal of it's Fate distinctly.
The Night was dark and still. A heavier Gloom
Ne'er cover'd Earth. In low'ring Clouds, the Stars
Were muffled deep; and not one Ray, below,
O'er all Mycenæ glimmer'd, or around it.

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When strait, at farthest East, a ruddy Light
Sprung up, and, wide-encreasing, roll'd along;
By turns diminish'd, and by turns renew'd,
A Wave of Fire: at last, it flam'd confess'd,
From Isle to Isle, and beachy Point to Point;
Till the last Blaze at Nauplia ended, plain.
A glorious Sight! and as a Greek rejoic'd me.

Clytemnestra.
How sits the Wind?

Man.
It blows from Troy, direct;
A bold and steady Gale.

Clytemnestra.
'Tis well. Retire.
Your Care and faithful Pains shall be rewarded.