University of Virginia Library

SCENE IX.

Agamemnon, Clytemnestra, Arsinoe, and Egysthus.
ARSINOE.
I had, my lord, a hearing to entreat:
Much cause have I to fear your dreadful rage.
I am, my lord, a very wretched wretch.
Fain would I speak, but terror mars my words;
I am not what I seem, nor what I was.

AGAMEMNON.
Thine is, dear nurse, a doleful case indeed.

ARSINOE.
This cruel woman! or what fitter name—

AGAMEMNON.
Kind, loving nurse, most cruel she has been.

ARSINOE.
Oh! my dear lord, if I had strength of grasp,
I would, this instant, give her doom myself.

CLYTEMNESTRA.
I told you true, she is beside herself.
Speak you, Egysthus, spare your true love's blushes.
Come, come with me, Arsinoe, and be calm.
I'll lead her hence, my lord, and calm her fears.
Come, come, I say; you shall have our consent
While I am with you and Egysthus here:
Be not afraid.—Restrain your jealousy;
Come, come, Arsinoe; come, trait'ress, come.