Part 11 (1/2)

Why should I grieve? Why pity these men's doom?

I who have seen the City of Ilion Pa.s.s as she pa.s.sed; and they who cast her down Have thus their end, as G.o.d gives judgement sure....

I go to drink my cup. I will endure To die. O Gates, Death-Gates, all hail to you!

Only, pray G.o.d the blow be stricken true!

Pray G.o.d, unagonized, with blood that flows Quick unto friendly death, these eyes may close!

LEADER.

O full of sorrows, full of wisdom great, Woman, thy speech is a long anguish; yet, Knowing thy doom, why walkst thou with clear eyes, Like some G.o.d-blinded beast, to sacrifice?

Ca.s.sANDRA.

There is no escape, friends; only vain delay.

LEADER.

Is not the later still the sweeter day?

Ca.s.sANDRA.

The day is come. Small profit now to fly.

LEADER.

Through all thy griefs, Woman, thy heart is high.

Ca.s.sANDRA.

Alas! None that is happy hears that praise.

LEADER.

Are not the brave dead blest in after days?

Ca.s.sANDRA.

O Father! O my brethren brave, I come!

[_She moves towards the House, but recoils shuddering._

LEADER.

What frights thee? What is that thou startest from?

Ca.s.sANDRA.

Ah, faugh! Faugh!

LEADER.

What turns thee in that blind Horror? Unless some loathing of the mind ...