Chapter 6

AEGISTHUS

_Aegis_. Come forth, Thyestes, from profound Avernus; come, Now is the time; within this palace now Display thy dreadful 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 woman.--

AGAMEMNON (within)

_Aga_.--Treason! Ah! ... My wife?.. O Heavens!.. I die... O traitorous deed!

_Aegis._--Die, thou--yes, die! And thou redouble, woman. 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.