AGAMEMNON

WATCHMAN

[Upon the roof of the palace of Agamemnon at Argos]

Release from this weary task of mine has been my cry unto the gods throughout my long year’s watch, wherein, couchant upon the palace roof of the Atreidae, upon my bended arm, like a hound, I have learned to know aright the conclave of the stars of night, yea those radiant potentates conspicuous in the firmament, bringers of winter and summer unto mankind [the constellations, what time they wane and rise].

So now I am still awatch for the signal-flame, the gleaming fire that is to harbinger news from Troy and tidings of its capture. For thus rules my Queen, woman in sanguine heart and man in strength of purpose. And whenever I make here my bed, restless and dank with dew and unvisited by dreams—for instead of sleep fear stands ever by my side, so that I cannot close my eyelids fast in sleep—and whenever I am minded to sing or hum a stave (and thus apply an antidote of song to ward off drowsiness), then it is my tears start forth, as I bewail the fortunes of this our house, not ordered for the best as in days agone. But to-night may there come