University of Virginia Library

SCENE THE THIRD.

Ægisthus, Agamemnon within.
Ægis.
Come forth,
Thyestes, from profound Avernus; come,
Now is the time: within this palace now
Display thy horrible shade. A copious banquet
Of blood is now prepared for thee, enjoy it:
Already o'er the heart of thy foe's son
Hangs the suspended sword; now, now he feels it:
An impious consort grasps it: it was fitting
That she, not I, did this: so much more sweet
To thee will be the vengeance, as the crime
Is more atrocious. An attentive ear
Lend to the dire catastrophe with me;
Doubt not she will accomplish it: disdain,
Love, terror, to the necessary crime
Compel the impious lady.

Aga.
Traitress! Ah! ...
My wife? ... Oh heaven ... I die ... ah trait'rous deed! ...

Ægis.
Die thou, yes, die. And thou redouble, lady,
The blows redouble; all the weapon hide
Within his heart; shed, to the latest drop,
The blood of that fell miscreant: in our blood
He would have bathed his hands.