escaped The danger, for imperial Juno’s aid Preserved him. But when near Meleia’s heights About to land, a tempest seized and swept The hero thence across the fishy deep, Lamenting his hard lot, to that far cape Where once abode Thyestes, and where now His son Aegisthus dwelt. But when the gods Sent other winds, and safe at last appeared The voyage, they returned, and reached their home. With joy he stepped upon his native soil, And kissed the earth that bore him, while his tears At that most welcome sight flowed fast and warm. Him from a lofty perch a spy beheld, Whom treacherous Aegisthus planted there, Bribed by two golden talents. He had watched The whole year through, lest, coming unobserved, The king might make his prowess felt. The spy Flew to the royal palace with the news, And instantly Aegisthus planned a snare. He chose among the people twenty men, The bravest, whom he stationed out of sight, And gave command that others should prepare A banquet. Then with chariots and with steeds, And with a deadly purpose in his heart, He went, and, meeting Agamemnon, bade The shepherd of the people to the feast, And slew him at the board as men might slay A bullock at the crib. Of all who went With Agamemnon thither, none survived, And of the followers of Aegisthus none, But all were slaughtered in the banquet-hall’
“He spake; my heart was breaking, and I wept, While sitting on the sand, nor in my heart Cared I to live, or longer to behold The sweet light of the sun. But when there came Respite from tears and writhing on the ground, The Ancient of the Deep, who ne’er deceives, Spake yet again: ‘Atrides, lose no time In tears; they profit nothing. Rather seek The means by which thou mayst the soonest reach Thy native land. There thou perchance mayst find Aegisthus yet alive, or haply first Orestes may have slain him, and thyself Arrive to see the funeral rites performed.’
“He spake, and though afflicted still, my heart Was somewhat comforted; my spirit rose, And thus I answered him with winged words:—