Part 18 (1/2)

ORESTES.

There are two songs running in my ears this hour past; and I know not fully even yet which of the two is better.

PYRRHUS.

Let it be something joyful, meet for a feast-day.

ORESTES.

I fancied before that one of my songs was very joyful; but now methinks there is no joy at all in either.

PYRRHUS.

[_After looking at him questioningly for a moment._] Then give us a good straight battle-piece, with no cowards in it, and no slaying by stealth.

ORESTES.

[_Excitedly._] That it shall be! No cowards, no slaying by stealth, and a clean, hard fight! Ay, and it is the easier too!

PRIEST.

You will call first upon the G.o.d, stranger.

ORESTES.

a.s.suredly; and the G.o.d can choose the end of the lay. [_Chanting._

”Lord of Man's hope, whom no man wors.h.i.+ppeth, Heart of his fears, and burthen of his breath, Queller of hate and love, hear, O Most Strong, Most Wrathful and Unrighteous, hear, O Death!”

MEN-AT-ARMS.

Good words! Good words!

PRIEST.

G.o.d avert the omen!

[_He goes and does purifications at the fire._

ALCIMEDON.

On his own head! By Thetis! this stranger has run over with evil words ever since he came.

PYRRHUS.

Choose another song, Sir Stranger! Men like not the name of Death.

ORESTES.

Not death! Shall I sing of women, then? They come nearest. [_Chants._