Part 12 (1/2)

LEADER.

I think the deed is done. It was the King Who groaned.... Stand close, and think if anything....

[_The Old Men gather together under the shock, and debate confusedly._

ELDER B.

I give you straight my judgement. Summon all The citizens to rescue. Sound a call!

ELDER C.

No, no! Burst in at once without a word!

In, and convict them by their dripping sword!

ELDER D.

Yes; that or something like it. Quick, I say, Be doing! 'Tis a time for no delay.

ELDER E.

We have time to think. This opening ... They have planned Some scheme to make enslavement of the land.

ELDER F.

Yes, while we linger here! They take no thought Of lingering, and their sword-arm sleepeth not!

ELDER G.

I have no counsel. I can speak not. Oh, Let him give counsel who can strike a blow!

ELDER H.

I say as this man says. I have no trust In words to raise a dead man from the dust.

ELDER I.

How mean you? Drag out our poor lives, and stand Cowering to these defilers of the land?

ELDER J.

Nay, 'tis too much! Better to strive and die!

Death is an easier doom than slavery.

ELDER K.

We heard a sound of groaning, nothing plain, How know we--are we seers?--that one is slain?

ELDER L.

Oh, let us find the truth out, ere we grow Thus pa.s.sionate! To surmise is not to know.

LEADER.

Break in, then! 'Tis the counsel ye all bring, And learn for sure, how is it with the King.

[_They cl.u.s.ter up towards the Palace Door, as though to force an entrance, when the great Door swings open, revealing_ CLYTEMNESTRA, _who stands, axe in hand, over the dead bodies of_ AGAMEMNON _and_ Ca.s.sANDRA.