Robert Fagles - Eumendides (lines 409 to 448) lyrics

ATHENA: From another world I heard a call for help. I was on the Scamander's banks, just claiming Troy. The Achaean warlords chose the hero's share of what their spear had won they decreed that land, root and branch all mine, for all time to be, for Theseus' sons a rare, matchless gift. Home from the wars I co me, my pace unflagging, wingless, flown on the whirring, breasting cape that yokes my racing spirit in her prime. Unfurling the aegis, seeing ORESTESand the furies at her shrine. And I see some new companions on the land. Not fear, a sense of wonder fills my eyes. Who are you? I address you all as one: you, the stranger seated at my idol, and you, like no one born of the sown seed, no goddess watched by the gods, no mortal either, not to judge by your look at least, your features... Wait, I call my neighbours into question. They've done nothing wrong. It offends the rights, it violates tradition. Leader: You will learn it all, young daughter of Zeus, cut to a few words. We arc the everlasting children of the Night. Deep in the halls of Earth they call us Curses. Athena: Now I know your birth, your rightful name Leader: But not our powers, and you will learn them quickly. Athena: I can accept the facts, just tell them clearly. Leader: Destroyers of life: we drive them from their houses. Athena: And the murderer's flight, where does it all end? Leader: Where there is no joy, the word is never used. ATHENA: Such flight for him? You shriek him on to that? Leader: Yes, he murdered his mother called that murder just. Athena: And nothing forced him on, no fear of someone's anger? Leader: What spur could force a man to k** his mother? Athena: Two sides are here, and only half is heard. Leader: But the oath he will neither take the oath nor give it, no, his will is set. Athena: And you are set on the name of justice rather than the act. Leader: How? Teach us. You have a genius for refinements. Athena: Injustice, I mean, should never triumph thanks to oaths. Leader: Then examine him yourself, judge him fairly. ATHENA: You would turn over responsibility to me, to reach the final verdict? Leader: Certainly. We respect you. You show us respect.