Robert Fagles - Agamemnon lines 864 to 907 lyrics

(Turning to AGAMEMNON) And so our child is gone, not standing by our, side 865 the bond of our dearest pledges, mine and yours; by all rights our child should be here.. Orestes. You seem startled. You needn't be. Our loyal brother-in-arms will take good care of him, Strophios the Phocian 870 He warned from the start we court two griefs in one. You risk all on the wars – and what if the people rise up howling for the king, and anarchy should dash our plans? Men, it is their nature, trampling on the fighter once he's down. 875 Our child is gone. That is my self-defence and it is true. For me, the tears that welled like springs are dry. I have no tears to spare. I'd watch till late at night, my eyes still burn, I sobbed by the torch I lit for you alone. 880 (Glancing towards the palace) I never let it die…but in my dreams the high thin wail of a gnat would rouse me, piercing like a trumpet – I could see you suffer more than all the hours that slept with me could ever bear. 885 I endured it all. And now, free of grief, I would salute that man the watchdog of the fold, the mainroyal, saving stay of the vessel, rooted oak that thrusts the roof sky-high, the father's one true heir. 890 Land at dawn to the shipwrecked past all hope, light of the morning burning off the night of storm, the cold clear spring to the parched horseman - O the ecstasy, to flee the yoke of Fate! It is right to use the titles he deserves. 895 Let envy keep her distance. We have suffered long enough. (Reaching towards AGAMEMNON) Come to me now, my dearest, down from the car of war, but never set the foot that stamped out troy on earth again, my great one. Women, why delay? You have your orders. 900 Pave his way with tapestries. (They begin to spread the crimson tapestries between the king and the palace doors.) Quickly. Let the red stream flow and bear him home to the home he never hoped to see – Justice, lead him in! Leave all the rest to me. The spirit within me never yields to sleep. 905 We will set things right, with the god's help. We will do whatever Fate requires.