0:06:21.947,0:06:27.277 Who from the accursed regions of the dead haleth me forth, 0:06:27.277,0:06:31.277 snatching at food which ever fleeth from my hungry lips? 0:06:31.368,0:06:38.280 Hath something worse been found than parching thirst midst water, 0:06:38.280,0:06:42.318 worse than ever-gaping hunger? 0:06:44.128,0:06:46.828 To what new suffering am I shifted? 0:06:47.968,0:06:52.267 O whoe’er thou art, harsh judge of shades, 0:06:52.267,0:06:55.787 who dost allot fresh punishments to the dead, 0:06:55.787,0:06:59.607 if aught can be added to my sufferings 0:06:59.607,0:07:03.877 whereat e’en the guardian of our dread prison-house would quake, 0:07:03.877,0:07:07.157 whereat sad Acheron would be seized with dread, 0:07:07.157,0:07:12.231 with fear whereof I, too, should tremble, seek thou it out. 0:07:15.370,0:07:23.690 Now from my seed a multitude is coming up which its own race shall out-do, 0:07:23.690,0:07:26.800 which shall make me seem innocent, 0:07:28.740,0:07:32.740 and dare things yet undared. 0:07:34.177,0:07:37.717 Whatever space is still empty in the unholy realm, 0:07:37.717,0:07:39.240 I shall fill up. 0:07:50.597,0:07:55.307 Go on, you hated shade, 0:07:55.307,0:08:00.780 and spur the wicked house-gods with your rage. 0:08:00.780,0:08:02.528 Let all compete in every crime, 0:08:02.528,0:08:06.535 let each side unsheathe the sword in turn: 0:08:06.535,0:08:10.635 no limit to this anger, no shame. 0:08:11.945,0:08:15.205 Let heedless fury goad their minds, 0:08:16.300,0:08:21.893 let the parents’ frenzy and their ceaseless sin[br]devolve upon the sons. 0:08:22.375,0:08:29.305 Let the shaky fortune of this bestial house revert from king to king, 0:08:31.977,0:08:35.977 let wretch be rendered ruler 0:08:35.977,0:08:38.150 and ruler be made wretch. 0:08:39.232,0:08:43.612 Let anger find no act taboo. 0:08:44.386,0:08:47.524 Let brother fear his brother, 0:08:47.524,0:08:51.274 father fear his son, and son his father. 0:08:51.496,0:08:54.466 O let the children die a dreadful end, 0:08:55.146,0:08:57.901 but let their birth be worse, 0:08:57.951,0:09:01.451 let the wife-abomination be a menace to her mate. 0:09:01.451,0:09:06.710 In this godless house, let incest be like any crime! 0:09:06.506,0:09:14.860 Let right, and trust, and every law lie dead for brothers. 0:09:14.547,0:09:16.287 Confuse the house-gods, 0:09:16.287,0:09:19.191 summon hatred, death, and slaughter, 0:09:19.191,0:09:22.263 and fill all the house with Tantalus. 0:09:22.545,0:09:25.944 Let blood discolor the family hearth, 0:09:25.944,0:09:28.334 let the dinner plates be set. 0:09:29.745,0:09:32.365 This day’s my gift to you. 0:09:32.365,0:09:36.365 I loose your hunger for this meal. 0:09:36.365,0:09:38.178 Sate your starvation. 0:09:39.717,0:09:43.217 I have found a feast which even you would flee— 0:09:43.217,0:09:45.590 but stop! 0:09:45.590,0:09:47.750 Where do you rush in haste? 0:09:49.159,0:09:53.560 Back to my pools and streams and fleeing waters, 0:09:53.560,0:09:57.103 back to the laden tree which shuns my very lips. 0:09:58.294,0:10:03.240 Let me return to the black couch of my prison-house; 0:10:03.240,0:10:10.154 let it be mine, if I seem too little wretched, to change my stream. 0:10:14.535,0:10:21.895 Whoe’er thou art, by the fates’ law bidden to[br]suffer allotted punishment: 0:10:22.575,0:10:29.105 believe me who know, and love your punishments. 0:10:29.422,0:10:34.802 Oh, when shall it fall to me to escape the upper world? 0:10:41.965,0:10:45.965 First convulse your home. 0:10:46.718,0:10:49.868 ’Tis meet for me to suffer punishments, 0:10:49.868,0:10:51.788 not be a punishment. 0:10:54.145,0:10:57.597 I am sent as some deadly exhalation from the riven earth, 0:10:57.597,0:11:01.597 or as a pestilence, spreading grievous plague among the people, 0:11:03.772,0:11:09.682 that I a grandsire may lead my grandsons into fearful crime. 0:11:12.543,0:11:17.944 I warn ye, defile not your hands with accursed slaughter, 0:11:17.944,0:11:21.213 nor stain your altars with a madman’s crime. 0:11:23.561,0:11:27.101 Here will I stand and prevent the evil deed. 0:11:27.439,0:11:30.249 Why with thy scourge dost fright mine eyes? 0:11:30.249,0:11:39.149 Why deep in my inmost marrow dost rouse hunger pains? 0:11:46.832,0:11:48.102 I follow thee. 0:12:12.236,0:12:18.386 This delirium—deal this throughout your house, 0:12:18.386,0:12:20.866 let them rave like this, 0:12:20.866,0:12:25.306 and like this hate and thirst in turn for kindred blood. 0:12:28.488,0:12:32.488 Your home can sense that you are home, 0:12:32.488,0:12:36.488 it shrinks in every part from hell’s contagion. 0:12:41.453,0:12:45.453 And now—it’s done in full! 0:13:01.235,0:13:06.365 Daughter of Tyndareus, Queen Clytemnestra, 0:13:06.365,0:13:09.327 What is happening? What is the news? 0:13:09.327,0:13:12.718 What message has persuaded you, 0:13:12.718,0:13:16.718 that you have sent round word to make sacrifices? 0:13:26.985,0:13:32.935 I have authority to tell how the twin-throned rulers of the Achaeans 0:13:32.935,0:13:35.985 were sped with avenging spear and hand 0:13:35.985,0:13:40.705 to the Teucrian land by a fierce warlike bird of omen, 0:13:41.398,0:13:45.398 the kings of birds appearing to the kings of ships, 0:13:47.229,0:13:55.489 eating a hare, pregnant with many offspring, 0:13:57.392,0:14:03.120 her final run cut short. 0:14:04.979,0:14:08.169 And the worthy prophet to the army saw it, 0:14:08.169,0:14:11.379 and recognized the two warlike Atreidae, 0:14:11.379,0:14:13.828 different in their temper, 0:14:13.828,0:14:17.521 in the feasters on the hare who sped the rulers on their way; 0:14:17.521,0:14:21.531 and thus he spoke, interpreting the portent: 0:14:21.844,0:14:27.719 “In time this expedition will capture the city of Priam: 0:14:28.554,0:14:33.680 only let no divine resentment overshadow the great curb of Troy, 0:14:33.680,0:14:39.360 striking it before it can act, once it has been mustered. 0:14:39.668,0:14:43.738 For holy Artemis, out of pity, 0:14:43.738,0:14:47.818 bears a grudge against the winged hounds of her father 0:14:47.818,0:14:51.228 who slaughtered the wretched hare, litter and all, 0:14:51.228,0:14:55.228 before it could give birth.” 0:14:58.900,0:15:04.140 And then the senior leader of the Achaean fleet, 0:15:04.140,0:15:08.310 when the Achaean host was grievously afflicted by foul weather 0:15:08.310,0:15:11.468 which emptied their stomachs at Aulis, 0:15:13.308,0:15:17.579 and winds coming from the Strymon 0:15:17.579,0:15:22.609 making time seem twice as long 0:15:23.123,0:15:28.953 wore down and shredded the flower of the Argives; 0:15:29.947,0:15:32.770 And when the prophet also cried forth 0:15:32.770,0:15:35.582 another remedy for the hateful storms, 0:15:35.582,0:15:39.702 one more grievous for the leaders, 0:15:40.195,0:15:45.450 declaring Artemis as their cause, 0:15:45.136,0:15:51.901 so that the Atreidae struck the ground with their staffs 0:15:53.461,0:15:57.601 and could not hold back their tears— 0:15:57.601,0:16:06.161 and the senior king spoke, and said this: 0:16:14.437,0:16:18.607 Obey, obey, or a heavy doom will crush me! 0:16:18.887,0:16:22.933 Oh but doom will crush me once I rend my child, 0:16:22.933,0:16:25.503 the glory of my house— 0:16:25.503,0:16:28.416 a father’s hands are stained, 0:16:28.416,0:16:34.126 blood of a young girl streaks the altar. 0:16:36.229,0:16:38.719 Pain both ways and what is worse? 0:16:39.759,0:16:42.669 Desert the fleets, fail the alliance? 0:16:44.399,0:16:47.283 No, but stop the winds with a virgin’s blood, 0:16:47.283,0:16:51.570 feed their lust, their fury? Feed their fury! 0:16:51.570,0:16:52.976 Law is law! 0:17:00.235,0:17:01.735 Let all go well. 0:17:11.907,0:17:17.270 And when he put on the yokestrap of necessity, 0:17:19.231,0:17:23.231 from that point he turned to a mindset 0:17:26.515,0:17:30.450 that would stop at nothing. 0:17:30.450,0:17:31.750 In short, 0:17:32.661,0:17:36.921 he brought himself to become the sacrificer of his daughter. 0:17:38.845,0:17:45.577 Her pleas, her cries of “Father!” and her maiden years, 0:17:45.577,0:17:50.557 were set at naught by the war-loving chieftains. 0:17:50.557,0:17:55.297 After a prayer, her father told his attendants 0:17:57.147,0:17:59.500 to lift her right up 0:17:59.500,0:18:01.839 over the altar with all their strength, 0:18:01.839,0:18:05.339 like a yearling goat, face down, 0:18:05.339,0:18:09.943 so that her robes fell around her, 0:18:11.198,0:18:14.318 and by putting a guard on her fair face and lips 0:18:14.318,0:18:18.858 to restrain speech that might lay a curse on his house— 0:18:19.122,0:18:24.332 by force, by the silencing power of a bridle. 0:18:24.560,0:18:26.790 As she poured saffron dye 0:18:26.790,0:18:30.357 towards the ground 0:18:30.357,0:18:33.922 she cast on each of her sacrificers 0:18:33.922,0:18:36.622 a glance darted from her eye, 0:18:39.482,0:18:42.442 a glance to stir pity, 0:18:43.882,0:18:48.120 wanting to address them[br]by name 0:18:48.534,0:18:51.454 —because often 0:18:54.874,0:18:59.440 at the rich banquets in her father’s dining-chambers 0:18:59.440,0:19:01.410 she had sung. 0:19:10.297,0:19:14.787 I have come, Clytemnestra, in reverence towards your[br]power: 0:19:14.787,0:19:20.857 for it is proper to honor the wife of one’s[br]paramount ruler 0:19:20.857,0:19:26.470 when the male throne is unoccupied. 0:19:26.449,0:19:31.719 I would be glad to hear if you have learned any good news, 0:19:31.719,0:19:33.668 or if you have not 0:19:33.668,0:19:40.888 but are sacrificing in hope of receiving good tidings 0:19:41.228,0:19:45.758 —but I will bear no grudge if you keep silence. 0:19:47.462,0:19:52.720 Good news. Joy surpassing all your hopes! 0:19:52.720,0:19:56.322 The Greeks have captured Priam’s town! 0:19:59.569,0:20:01.259 What are you saying? 0:20:02.480,0:20:06.808 Your words escaped me, they were so incredible. 0:20:06.808,0:20:09.140 Troy belongs to us! 0:20:09.140,0:20:11.300 Clear? 0:20:12.502,0:20:14.752 What has persuaded you of this? 0:20:15.116,0:20:17.486 Have you any evidence for it? 0:20:17.802,0:20:18.592 I have. 0:20:18.592,0:20:21.662 Unless some god fooled me. 0:20:22.663,0:20:26.663 Have you been awed by a persuasive vision in a dream? 0:20:28.896,0:20:32.686 I would not trust a mind asleep. 0:20:35.670,0:20:41.167 Within what time has the city actually been sacked? 0:20:41.476,0:20:45.476 In the night, this past night. 0:20:47.730,0:20:51.653 And what messenger could come here with such speed? 0:20:53.361,0:20:55.364 Hephaistos, god of fire! 0:20:55.364,0:20:57.728 He sped forth a blazing flame from Ida! 0:20:57.728,0:21:02.923 Beacon after beacon as the fire messenger moved 0:21:02.923,0:21:06.468 from Ida to the rock of Lemnos, 0:21:06.468,0:21:09.715 to the crag of Athos third. 0:21:09.715,0:21:14.206 This was my lightbringing strategy, 0:21:14.206,0:21:21.666 torch to torch over the entire course. 0:21:21.666,0:21:25.373 Such is the proof and evidence I offered you, 0:21:25.373,0:21:29.373 sent by my husband from Troy to me personally. 0:21:31.537,0:21:35.537 I would like to hear these words again, 0:21:35.537,0:21:38.487 from beginning to end,[br]as you have spoken them, 0:21:38.487,0:21:42.487 and to marvel at them. 0:21:43.203,0:21:47.232 Troy is ours on this day. 0:21:47.612,0:21:55.152 Some fall on the bodies of their husbands, fathers, brothers 0:21:55.152,0:22:01.152 and cry out grief from throats no longer free. 0:22:01.806,0:22:07.216 The others quartered now in captured Trojan homes, 0:22:07.216,0:22:12.560 escaped from frost and dew, 0:22:12.560,0:22:14.216 they’ll sleep like happy men 0:22:14.216,0:22:18.446 the whole night through without watch. 0:22:23.732,0:22:26.820 Let no mad impulse strike the army 0:22:26.820,0:22:30.200 to ravish what they should not, overcome by greed. 0:22:30.200,0:22:31.191 They’re not home yet. 0:22:31.191,0:22:33.971 Yet even if they make it home without offending gods 0:22:33.971,0:22:36.911 the agony of those who died may wake again— 0:22:36.911,0:22:38.641 —I pray no sudden shift to evil. 0:22:42.242,0:22:45.975 Such are my woman words. 0:22:46.205,0:22:49.575 May the good prevail. Unambiguously. 0:22:52.611,0:22:55.239 Lady, you have spoken wisely, 0:22:56.229,0:22:59.731 like a sensible man. 0:23:17.883,0:23:22.193 Idle, inert, impotent, and unavenged: 0:23:22.193,0:23:23.863 after so many crimes, 0:23:23.863,0:23:26.100 after your brother’s treachery 0:23:26.100,0:23:27.850 and the breaking of every principle, 0:23:27.850,0:23:31.850 do you act with futile complaints—you, Atreus in anger? 0:23:32.310,0:23:35.871 This mighty house of famous Pelops itself— 0:23:35.871,0:23:40.243 —let it fall even on me, so long as it falls on my brother. 0:23:41.210,0:23:46.320 I must dare some fierce, bloody outrage, 0:23:46.320,0:23:50.320 such as my brother would have wished his own. 0:23:52.481,0:23:57.661 You do not avenge crimes unless you surpass them. 0:23:57.710,0:24:01.710 And what could be cruel enough to vanquish him? 0:24:02.208,0:24:07.228 I know the man’s intractable nature: 0:24:07.267,0:24:12.507 he cannot be bent, but he can be broken. 0:24:14.437,0:24:16.437 He must be attacked first, 0:24:16.437,0:24:18.147 lest he attack me at rest. 0:24:18.147,0:24:20.897 He will either destroy or be destroyed. 0:24:20.977,0:24:24.638 Are you not afraid the people will speak against you? 0:24:24.697,0:24:26.947 They must want what they do not want! 0:24:26.947,0:24:29.890 A king should want the good, 0:24:29.890,0:24:31.289 his wishes match his people’s. 0:24:31.644,0:24:35.924 Where a sovereign is permitted only what is honorable, 0:24:35.924,0:24:37.998 he rules on sufferance. 0:24:38.245,0:24:40.585 Remember that harming a brother, 0:24:40.585,0:24:42.515 even a bad one, is wrong. 0:24:42.515,0:24:44.540 Anything that is wrong in dealing with a brother 0:24:44.540,0:24:46.270 is right in dealing with him. 0:24:46.270,0:24:49.310 What has he left untouched by guilt, 0:24:49.310,0:24:52.545 when has he refrained from crime? 0:24:52.545,0:24:55.150 He stole my wife by adultery 0:24:55.150,0:24:56.818 and my kingdom by theft; 0:24:56.818,0:25:00.509 by deceit he obtained our ancient symbol of power, 0:25:00.509,0:25:02.879 by deceit he brought turmoil on the house. 0:25:02.879,0:25:08.141 From this act flowed all the evil of our mutual destruction. 0:25:08.141,0:25:12.361 I roamed my own realm, a trembling exile; 0:25:13.532,0:25:18.512 no part of what is mine is safe from treachery; 0:25:18.578,0:25:20.980 my wife is defiled, 0:25:20.980,0:25:22.468 my confidence in power shaken, 0:25:22.468,0:25:28.108 my house tainted, its blood uncertain; 0:25:28.108,0:25:30.468 nothing is sure— 0:25:30.468,0:25:33.380 —except my brother’s enmity. 0:25:33.380,0:25:35.796 Look to Tantalus and Pelops: 0:25:35.796,0:25:40.726 my hands are called to follow their examples. 0:25:41.544,0:25:46.856 Tell me how to slay that fearsome creature. 0:25:46.856,0:25:49.326 Let your enemy die by the sword, 0:25:49.326,0:25:50.806 and breathe his last. 0:25:50.871,0:25:52.818 You talk about punishment’s conclusion: 0:25:52.818,0:25:54.834 I want the punishment! 0:25:55.715,0:25:58.750 Slaying is for a lenient tyrant; 0:25:59.199,0:26:03.199 in my kingdom death is something people beg for. 0:26:03.528,0:26:05.868 But are you not moved by affection? 0:26:05.868,0:26:10.978 Begone, Affection, if ever you existed at all in our house! 0:26:10.978,0:26:13.541 Let the dread band of Furies come, 0:26:13.541,0:26:15.651 and the Erinys of strife 0:26:15.651,0:26:18.791 and Megaera brandishing her twin torches. 0:26:18.791,0:26:25.162 The madness firing my heart is not big enough, 0:26:25.162,0:26:29.632 I want to be filled with some greater monstrosity. 0:26:29.905,0:26:32.335 You are mad! What is your plan? 0:26:32.973,0:26:37.483 Nothing conforming to the limits of ordinary bitterness. 0:26:37.483,0:26:42.283 I shall leave no deed undone—and none is enough. 0:26:42.283,0:26:43.573 Death by the sword? 0:26:43.573,0:26:44.873 Insufficient. 0:26:44.873,0:26:46.373 Burning? 0:26:46.639,0:26:48.929 Still insufficient. 0:26:49.845,0:26:53.265 Then what means can your huge resentment use? 0:26:53.893,0:26:57.400 Thyestes himself. 0:26:57.400,0:27:00.614 Too much! even for your rage. 0:27:01.999,0:27:03.487 I admit it. 0:27:03.487,0:27:06.677 The ground moans from its lowest depths, 0:27:06.677,0:27:09.879 the sky thunders though cloudless, 0:27:09.879,0:27:13.139 the house cracks throughout its structure as if shattered, 0:27:13.139,0:27:16.310 and the house gods shake and avert their faces. 0:27:16.310,0:27:19.861 Let it be done, let it be done, 0:27:19.861,0:27:23.486 this outrage that makes you gods afraid! 0:27:23.539,0:27:26.350 So what are you planning to do? 0:27:27.547,0:27:31.304 Something more, greater than the commonplace, 0:27:31.304,0:27:34.914 beyond normal human limits, 0:27:34.914,0:27:39.500 is swelling in my spirit and jolting my sluggish hands. 0:27:40.300,0:27:46.800 What it is I do not know, but it is something mighty! 0:27:48.640,0:27:50.190 So be it. 0:27:50.190,0:27:51.789 Seize on it, my spirit! 0:27:51.789,0:27:57.589 The deed is worthy of Thyestes and worthy of Atreus: 0:27:57.589,0:27:59.603 let each perform it. 0:28:03.520,0:28:06.251 Let the father rend his children avidly, 0:28:06.251,0:28:10.810 gleefully, and eat his own flesh. 0:28:11.467,0:28:18.527 Why has Atreus remained innocent so long? 0:28:18.527,0:28:24.837 Now the whole picture of the carnage hovers before [br]my eyes— 0:28:24.837,0:28:29.700 —childlessness stuffed down the father’s throat! 0:28:30.615,0:28:34.615 Why take fright again, my spirit? 0:28:34.870,0:28:37.680 It must be dared; do it! 0:28:39.370,0:28:44.222 The principal outrage in this crime— 0:28:44.222,0:28:47.200 —he will commit it himself. 0:28:47.511,0:28:49.761 But how will you deceive him 0:28:49.761,0:28:52.881 to put his foot into our net and be trapped? 0:28:52.982,0:28:56.262 He knows you hate him; he suspects you. 0:28:56.262,0:28:58.609 He desires my kingdom. 0:28:58.609,0:29:01.904 In this desire he will do what he thinks the greatest evil: 0:29:01.904,0:29:03.464 see his brother. 0:29:03.464,0:29:05.794 But who can make him trust you? 0:29:05.794,0:29:07.894 Who can make him believe it? 0:29:08.469,0:29:13.589 I shall give my sons a mandate to take to their uncle: 0:29:13.589,0:29:17.859 that he should leave a wandering exile’s lodgings, 0:29:17.859,0:29:20.148 trade his wretchedness for a throne, 0:29:20.148,0:29:22.980 and reign in Argos as coruler. 0:29:22.980,0:29:25.800 On the one side his old passion for power, 0:29:25.800,0:29:29.621 on the other grim poverty and hard toils, 0:29:29.621,0:29:32.252 will subdue the fellow, 0:29:32.252,0:29:35.876 however toughened by so many troubles. 0:29:35.876,0:29:38.716 Pick other agents for your savage plan. 0:29:38.716,0:29:41.186 If you teach them to turn on their uncle, 0:29:41.186,0:29:43.853 they will turn on their father. 0:29:43.853,0:29:46.626 Crime often comes back round again to its teacher. 0:29:46.626,0:29:51.319 Though no one teach them the ways of deceit [br]and crime, 0:29:51.319,0:29:53.422 kingship will teach it. 0:29:53.697,0:29:55.679 You fear their becoming evil? 0:29:55.679,0:29:57.544 They are born so. 0:29:57.894,0:30:01.440 Will the boys be told of the plot? 0:30:02.547,0:30:09.870 What need is there to involve my children in my crime? 0:30:11.577,0:30:14.857 Let my hatred unfold through me— 0:30:15.690,0:30:19.540 —You are going wrong, you are retreating, my spirit! 0:30:19.909,0:30:23.549 If you spare your own, you will spare those too. 0:30:23.650,0:30:27.650 Agamemnon must serve my scheme knowingly, 0:30:27.980,0:30:30.940 and Menelaus assist his brother knowingly. 0:30:30.940,0:30:33.266 Let me gain assurance 0:30:33.266,0:30:35.956 about my questionable sons from this crime: 0:30:36.765,0:30:40.527 if they reject war and refuse to pursue the feud, 0:30:40.527,0:30:44.787 if they call him uncle, he is their father. 0:30:45.873,0:30:50.483 But great schemes betray a person 0:30:51.103,0:30:52.932 even against his will. 0:30:54.292,0:30:57.932 They must not know how great a business they are agents in. 0:30:57.932,0:31:01.962 And you, keep my venture secret. 0:31:01.962,0:31:03.659 I need no warning. 0:31:20.563,0:31:23.683 Prompted by the fire that brought good news, 0:31:23.683,0:31:27.673 word has passed swiftly through the city; 0:31:27.673,0:31:31.703 but who knows whether it is true, 0:31:31.703,0:31:35.223 or some divine deception? 0:31:38.200,0:31:42.200 I see, coming here from the seashore, a herald. 0:31:42.200,0:31:44.846 Hail, soil of my fathers, land of Argos! 0:31:44.846,0:31:46.690 On this day, after nearly ten years, 0:31:46.690,0:31:48.876 I have come back to you, 0:31:48.876,0:31:51.546 achieving one of my hopes, after the shipwreck of so many: 0:31:51.546,0:31:55.106 for I never thought that I would die in this Argive land 0:31:55.106,0:31:57.952 and be able to share my beloved family tomb. 0:31:57.952,0:31:59.918 Hail, palace, beloved home of my kings, 0:31:59.918,0:32:04.708 and august seats, and you deities who face the sun! 0:32:15.659,0:32:19.659 Let these eyes of yours be bright, if they ever have been before, 0:32:19.659,0:32:23.199 as you welcome your king home in glory at long last; 0:32:23.199,0:32:26.579 for he has come, bringing light out of darkness to you and to all these people— 0:32:26.579,0:32:29.675 —King Agamemnon! 0:32:29.675,0:32:33.625 Give him a noble welcome, for that is truly proper, 0:32:33.625,0:32:35.743 when he has dug up Troy 0:32:35.743,0:32:37.743 with the mattock of Zeus the Avenger, 0:32:39.403,0:32:45.443 with which the ground has been worked over 0:32:45.443,0:32:50.343 and the seed of the whole country destroyed. 0:32:56.613,0:32:58.300 All happiness to you, 0:32:58.300,0:33:01.193 herald of the Achaeans returning from the war. 0:33:01.193,0:33:02.423 I am happy; 0:33:02.423,0:33:05.530 if the gods decree my death, I will no longer complain. 0:33:06.508,0:33:10.968 Were you prostrated by longing for this land of your fathers? 0:33:10.968,0:33:14.567 So much so that my eyes now fill with tears of joy. 0:33:18.887,0:33:21.481 Just as much I often groaned aloud 0:33:21.481,0:33:24.392 in the gloominess of my heart. 0:33:24.543,0:33:26.263 From what source 0:33:26.263,0:33:29.930 did this miserable bitterness come over the people? 0:33:29.167,0:33:34.437 I have long used silence to protect me against harm. 0:33:34.841,0:33:36.391 Why, may I ask? 0:33:36.391,0:33:39.484 Were you afraid of someone, in the rulers’ absence? 0:33:39.484,0:33:42.676 So that now, as you put it, 0:33:43.644,0:33:47.644 even death would be a great favor. 0:33:51.367,0:33:53.797 Yes, for we have been successful! 0:33:53.797,0:33:55.897 In these affairs, over a long period, 0:33:55.897,0:33:58.817 there are some things that one can say fall out well, 0:33:58.817,0:34:02.817 and on the other hand some that do have drawbacks. 0:34:09.427,0:34:13.827 Who, except the gods, is free from pain for the whole of his lifetime? 0:34:14.857,0:34:16.767 Why should one mourn over these things? 0:34:17.477,0:34:18.724 The suffering is past! 0:34:18.724,0:34:20.496 For the dead, it is so thoroughly past 0:34:20.496,0:34:23.015 that they don’t even have to worry about reveille any more. 0:34:23.015,0:34:27.734 Why should we reckon the lost ones into the account, why should the living be expected to grieve over the spite of fortune? 0:34:27.734,0:34:29.583 Well, you have heard everything. 0:34:41.790,0:34:45.790 I raised my shout of joy a while ago. 0:34:48.358,0:34:52.108 There were of course those who rebuked me saying, 0:34:52.108,0:34:57.828 “You’ve convinced yourself that Troy is sacked because of a beacon! 0:34:57.828,0:35:00.417 How like a woman!” 0:35:02.761,0:35:07.041 And now, what need for you to tell me more? 0:35:07.041,0:35:09.835 From the king himself I shall learn everything— 0:35:09.835,0:35:11.844 —how best to welcome him[br]oh I’m excited— 0:35:11.844,0:35:14.085 —what day is sweeter for a wife 0:35:14.085,0:35:17.305 than when she runs to open the door 0:35:17.305,0:35:20.315 for her husband back from war?— 0:35:20.787,0:35:24.787 You’ll find your loyal wife just as you left her, 0:35:24.787,0:35:28.367 guarding the house like a good dog, 0:35:28.367,0:35:31.317 enemy to your enemies, quite unchanged. 0:35:31.317,0:35:35.547 She broke no seal while you were away. 0:35:35.547,0:35:39.547 And she knows no more of secret sex or scandal 0:35:39.602,0:35:44.582 than she does of dipping bronze. 0:35:51.661,0:35:56.358 That is what she has said, 0:35:56.358,0:36:01.548 and if you understand it through [br]clear interpreters it is a . . . 0:36:01.548,0:36:05.548 plausible speech. 0:36:29.133,0:36:33.415 At last I see the long-desired housetops of my homeland, the wealth of Argos, 0:36:34.335,0:36:38.335 and what seems to miserable exiles the greatest and highest good— 0:36:39.061,0:36:44.092 the reaches of my native soil 0:36:44.092,0:36:46.592 and the gods of my fathers 0:36:46.592,0:36:49.692 (if there really are gods). 0:36:50.645,0:36:52.855 Argos will come to meet me, 0:36:52.855,0:36:55.503 the people will come in crowds— 0:36:55.995,0:36:59.065 —but so will Atreus, of course. 0:37:01.395,0:37:04.553 Better hurry back to your forest refuges, 0:37:04.553,0:37:07.143 to those dense woods 0:37:07.143,0:37:11.143 and your life among the beasts and comparable to theirs. 0:37:11.733,0:37:14.685 There is no reason for this bright luster of kingship 0:37:14.685,0:37:18.138 to blind your eyes with its false glitter. 0:37:20.029,0:37:24.029 When you examine a gift, look at the giver too. 0:37:27.692,0:37:31.692 Just now, amid what everyone considers hardships, 0:37:32.183,0:37:36.183 I was courageous and happy. 0:37:39.160,0:37:43.160 But now I am relapsing into fears; 0:37:44.855,0:37:50.355 my spirit falters and wants to turn [br]my body back, 0:37:53.603,0:37:56.683 my steps are forced and reluctant. 0:37:58.463,0:38:03.343 The beast is held fast in the nets I set out. 0:38:03.343,0:38:06.104 I see both the man and, along with him, 0:38:06.104,0:38:10.762 the hopes of that detested line, joined with their father. 0:38:12.285,0:38:15.587 Now my hatred is on a firm footing. 0:38:17.147,0:38:23.537 He has come into my hands, at last [br]Thyestes has come— 0:38:23.537,0:38:25.511 —yes, in his entirety. 0:38:25.511,0:38:28.412 I can scarcely restrain my spirit, 0:38:28.412,0:38:31.415 my rancor can scarcely be reined in. 0:38:31.415,0:38:36.295 When anger senses blood, it knows no concealment. 0:38:36.295,0:38:39.685 But concealed it must be. 0:38:40.305,0:38:47.025 See how his hair is heavy with grime and shrouds his dismal face, 0:38:47.025,0:38:50.265 How foul and limp his beard. 0:38:50.265,0:38:52.475 —But good faith must be demonstrated. 0:38:53.843,0:38:56.615 I am delighted to see my brother. 0:38:56.770,0:39:02.340 Let me feel once more the embrace I have longed for! 0:39:06.523,0:39:10.193 Any anger that existed must be in the past. 0:39:10.193,0:39:16.163 From this day blood and family ties must be cherished, 0:39:16.823,0:39:21.123 and hatred must be condemned and expelled from our hearts. 0:39:28.573,0:39:31.179 I could explain everything away, 0:39:31.179,0:39:33.932 if you were not like this. 0:39:35.822,0:39:42.172 But I confess, Atreus, I confess, 0:39:42.172,0:39:45.952 I committed all that you thought I had. 0:39:45.952,0:39:50.832 The fraternal affection you show today [br]has made my case indefensible. 0:39:50.832,0:39:58.772 A man is obviously guilty if he seems guilty to such a good brother. 0:39:59.801,0:40:03.531 I must plead with tears. 0:40:04.153,0:40:07.733 You are the first to see me supplicate. 0:40:07.733,0:40:13.483 These hands, that have touched no one’s feet before, implore you; 0:40:15.363,0:40:17.696 let all anger be set aside, 0:40:17.696,0:40:21.696 let passion be erased and gone. 0:40:23.437,0:40:29.217 As hostages of my good faith take these innocents, brother. 0:40:29.232,0:40:31.818 Take your hand from my knees, 0:40:32.388,0:40:35.818 and come to my embrace instead. 0:40:37.317,0:40:42.417 You too, protectors of old men—so many youngsters! 0:40:42.417,0:40:45.337 —come cling about my neck. 0:40:49.367,0:40:51.577 Off with these filthy clothes— 0:40:51.577,0:40:54.093 —have pity on our eyes— 0:40:54.988,0:41:00.738 —and accept finery equal to mine; 0:41:00.738,0:41:06.248 prosper and take on a share of your brother’s power. 0:41:08.722,0:41:10.792 The gods grant you, brother, 0:41:10.792,0:41:14.792 the rewards you deserve so richly. 0:41:14.792,0:41:19.703 But my foul state unfits my head for the royal [br]emblem, 0:41:19.703,0:41:25.963 and my luckless hand shrinks from the scepter. 0:41:26.327,0:41:30.327 Let me just blend in with the common people. 0:41:30.327,0:41:33.613 This throne has room for two. 0:41:33.703,0:41:38.233 All that is yours, brother, I regard as mine. 0:41:39.520,0:41:43.610 Who would refuse the inflow of Fortune’s gifts? 0:41:43.746,0:41:47.746 Anyone who has experienced how easily they ebb. 0:41:49.985,0:41:54.675 You forbid your brother to win great glory? 0:41:55.088,0:41:59.088 Your glory is already complete, 0:41:59.088,0:42:01.884 mine still to be won. 0:42:01.884,0:42:05.884 It is my fixed purpose to reject the throne. 0:42:06.372,0:42:12.522 I shall abandon my share, unless you accept yours. 0:42:34.600,0:42:35.670 I accept. 0:42:36.550,0:42:39.553 I shall bear the title of king imposed on me, 0:42:39.553,0:42:43.553 but the laws and army will be subject to you, along with myself. 0:42:43.553,0:42:49.793 Wear this bond set on your venerable head. 0:42:49.793,0:42:50.993 For my part, 0:42:50.993,0:42:54.993 I shall offer the designated victims to the gods above. 0:43:42.355,0:43:45.695 Come now, my king, 0:43:45.695,0:43:50.865 sacker of Troy, offspring of Atreus, 0:43:53.553,0:43:56.213 how shall I address you? 0:43:56.213,0:43:59.143 To me, at that time, 0:43:59.143,0:44:03.373 when you were leading forth an expedition 0:44:03.373,0:44:05.823 on account of Helen— 0:44:05.823,0:44:09.383 —I will not conceal this from you— 0:44:10.283,0:44:14.690 you seemed painted in very ugly colours, but now, 0:44:14.690,0:44:19.790 from the depths of my heart and with affection, 0:44:19.790,0:44:24.680 I am friendly to those 0:44:24.680,0:44:31.030 who have made a good end of their labours. 0:44:32.513,0:44:34.403 Look for the smoke— 0:44:34.403,0:44:37.283 it is the city’s seamark, building even now. 0:44:37.283,0:44:41.237 The storms of ruin live! 0:44:43.377,0:44:48.367 For that we must thank the gods with a sacrifice 0:44:48.367,0:44:54.087 our sons will long remember: 0:44:54.657,0:45:03.747 crashing through their walls our bloody lion lapped its fill, 0:45:06.145,0:45:13.680 gorging on the blood of kings. 0:45:17.265,0:45:20.305 And your concern, old man, is on my mind. 0:45:20.305,0:45:23.705 I hear you and agree, I will support you. 0:45:24.755,0:45:28.364 And now this cause involving men and gods. 0:45:28.364,0:45:30.544 We must summon the city for a trial, 0:45:30.544,0:45:32.864 found a national tribunal. 0:45:35.591,0:45:36.986 Whatever’s healthy, 0:45:36.986,0:45:39.238 shore it up with law and help it flourish. 0:45:39.238,0:45:41.428 Wherever something calls for drastic cures 0:45:41.428,0:45:43.628 we make our noblest effort: 0:45:43.628,0:45:46.858 amputate or wield the healing iron, burn the cancer at the roots. 0:45:50.338,0:45:53.105 Now I go to my father’s house— 0:45:53.105,0:45:55.928 I give the gods my right hand, my first salute. 0:45:55.928,0:45:58.748 The ones who sent me forth have brought me home. 0:45:59.445,0:46:02.375 Victory, you have sped my way before, 0:46:02.375,0:46:04.995 now speed me to the last. 0:46:07.811,0:46:13.911 I am not ashamed to tell you of my husband loving ways. 0:46:14.793,0:46:16.523 The fact is, 0:46:16.523,0:46:24.913 life got hard for me when he was off at Troy. 0:46:27.179,0:46:32.489 It’s a terrible thing for a woman to sit alone in a house, 0:46:34.039,0:46:39.609 listening to rumors and tales of disaster one after another arriving— 0:46:42.492,0:46:49.958 why, had this man sustained as many wounds as people told me, 0:46:49.958,0:46:55.128 he’d be fuller of holes than a net! 0:46:55.128,0:46:59.290 To die as often as they reported 0:46:59.290,0:47:02.708 he’d need three bodies 0:47:02.708,0:47:05.598 and three cloaks of earth— 0:47:05.598,0:47:08.018 —one for each burial. 0:47:10.252,0:47:14.172 So often did nasty rumors reach me, 0:47:15.432,0:47:19.912 I hung up a noose for my neck more than once. 0:47:20.552,0:47:24.552 Other people had to cut me down. 0:47:32.363,0:47:34.946 That’s why our boy—yours and mine— 0:47:34.946,0:47:38.681 Orestes, is not standing here, as he should be. 0:47:38.681,0:47:40.025 Don’t worry. 0:47:40.025,0:47:46.035 Strophios has him, our Phokian ally. 0:47:46.285,0:47:50.525 So now, with all that over, with my mind grief free, 0:47:50.525,0:47:52.405 I salute my man: 0:47:52.405,0:47:54.235 he is the watchdog of the palace, 0:47:54.235,0:47:56.505 forestay of the ship, 0:47:56.505,0:47:59.752 pillar of the roof, 0:47:59.752,0:48:01.595 only son of his father. 0:48:05.130,0:48:09.130 And now, dear one— 0:48:09.130,0:48:11.550 What are you waiting for? 0:48:11.550,0:48:13.630 You have your orders— 0:48:13.630,0:48:15.996 —strew the ground with fabrics, now! 0:48:15.996,0:48:18.106 Make his path crimsoncovered! 0:48:18.106,0:48:20.276 purplepaved! redsaturated! 0:48:20.276,0:48:23.876 So Justice may lead him to the home he never hoped to see. 0:48:26.701,0:48:28.805 There is Leda’s daughter, 0:48:29.415,0:48:32.515 the keeper of my house. 0:48:32.825,0:48:35.305 And the speech to suit my absence, 0:48:35.305,0:48:38.374 much too long. 0:48:39.335,0:48:41.602 But the praise that does us justice, 0:48:41.602,0:48:45.912 let it come from others, then we prize it. 0:48:47.907,0:48:51.377 This—you treat me like a woman. 0:48:51.377,0:48:54.517 Grovelling, gaping up at me— 0:48:54.667,0:49:01.047 what am I, some barbarian peacocking out of Asia? 0:49:01.047,0:49:04.887 Never cross my path with robes and draw the lightning. 0:49:05.467,0:49:10.890 Never—only the gods deserve the pomps of honor 0:49:10.890,0:49:13.997 and the stiff brocades of fame. 0:49:13.997,0:49:15.637 To walk on them ... 0:49:15.637,0:49:19.887 I am human, and it makes my pulses stir with dread. 0:49:22.053,0:49:26.283 Give me the tributes of a man and not a god. 0:49:27.434,0:49:31.434 Oh come on, relax your principles. 0:49:31.948,0:49:34.808 My principles? Once I violate them I am lost. 0:49:35.184,0:49:40.884 Would you have done it for the gods to satisfy a vow? 0:49:42.035,0:49:47.435 Yes, if a prophet called for a last, drastic rite. 0:49:47.673,0:49:54.453 What about Priam, if he’d won the war? 0:49:56.216,0:49:59.746 Striding on the tapestries of god, I see him now. 0:49:59.961,0:50:03.581 Still you fear the blame of common men? 0:50:04.541,0:50:07.885 The voice of the people—aye, they have enormous power. 0:50:07.885,0:50:11.635 Unenvied means unenviable, you know. 0:50:12.273,0:50:16.653 And where’s the woman in all this lust for glory? 0:50:17.179,0:50:21.529 Yet a winner must acknowledge his victory. 0:50:21.989,0:50:25.226 Victory in this war of ours, it means so much to you? 0:50:25.329,0:50:26.769 Agree! 0:50:27.003,0:50:31.003 You’re still in charge if you give way to me by choice. 0:50:35.277,0:50:37.899 Enough. If you are so determined— 0:50:37.899,0:50:40.999 Let someone help me off with these at least. 0:50:47.279,0:50:51.279 Hurry, and while I tread his splendours dyed red in the sea, 0:50:51.279,0:50:55.279 may no god watch and strike me down with envy from on high. 0:50:55.578,0:50:57.798 I feel such shame— 0:50:57.798,0:51:00.328 to tread the life of the house, 0:51:00.328,0:51:04.328 a kingdom’s worth of silver in the weaving. 0:51:07.636,0:51:09.456 Done is done. 0:51:11.617,0:51:17.345 Escort this stranger in, 0:51:17.345,0:51:19.075 be gentle. 0:51:20.410,0:51:28.330 The gift of the armies, flower and pride of all the wealth we won, 0:51:28.330,0:51:30.220 she follows me from Troy. 0:51:36.458,0:51:37.568 And now, 0:51:37.568,0:51:40.318 since you have brought me down with your insistence, 0:51:40.318,0:51:43.098 just this once I enter my father’s house, 0:51:43.098,0:51:45.439 trampling royal crimson as I go. 0:52:04.339,0:52:09.759 There is the sea and who shall drain it dry? 0:52:09.759,0:52:11.989 It breeds the purple stain, 0:52:11.989,0:52:14.789 the dark red dye we use to color our garments, 0:52:14.789,0:52:15.869 costly as silver. 0:52:15.869,0:52:20.019 This house has an abundance. 0:52:20.019,0:52:23.509 Thanks be to gods, no poverty here. 0:52:28.466,0:52:30.534 Zeus, Zeus, 0:52:32.644,0:52:34.504 god of things perfect, 0:52:34.754,0:52:36.877 accomplish my prayers. 0:52:39.155,0:52:42.136 Concern yourself here. 0:52:42.136,0:52:44.416 Perfect this. 0:52:46.444,0:52:48.544 Get yourself into the house, 0:52:48.544,0:52:51.126 I'm talking to you, Kassandra. 0:52:53.803,0:52:55.753 She's just been talking to you, you know, and she's spoken very clearly. 0:52:55.753,0:52:57.813 You've been captured, caught in a deadly net; you should obey her, if you're going to--— 0:52:57.813,0:52:59.509 but perhaps you won't. 0:52:59.509,0:53:07.149 Unless she speaks some unintelligible[br]foreign tongue and chirrups like a swallow, 0:53:07.149,0:53:11.149 I should be reaching through into her understanding. 0:53:15.085,0:53:16.955 Follow her. 0:53:16.955,0:53:24.135 Leave your seat in this carriage, and comply with her words. 0:53:24.976,0:53:28.976 I can’t waste time like this in the doorway. 0:53:28.976,0:53:34.916 Already the animals stand at the hearth ready for slaughter. 0:53:35.586,0:53:39.486 So you get a move on, or you’ll miss the whole ceremony. 0:53:39.486,0:53:42.316 If you really don’t understand a word I’m saying 0:53:42.316,0:53:45.378 make some sign with your hand. 0:53:58.705,0:54:00.325 Oh she’s mad. 0:54:00.325,0:54:03.032 Hearkens only to her own mad mind. 0:54:03.032,0:54:08.782 I’ll not be insulted further. 0:54:14.649,0:54:20.049 I pity you, and I’m not going to be angry. 0:54:20.978,0:54:23.648 Come on, poor girl. 0:54:33.742,0:54:37.453 otototoi popoi da! 0:54:37.453,0:54:41.453 Apollo Apollo! 0:54:42.418,0:54:46.446 Why are you wailing like that about Loxias? 0:54:48.729,0:54:52.729 otototoi popoi da! 0:54:53.419,0:54:57.419 Apollo Apollo! 0:54:59.386,0:55:03.386 He is not the sort to come in contact with one who laments. 0:55:04.950,0:55:08.950 Apollo Apollo 0:55:10.085,0:55:13.955 waygod destroyer 0:55:16.944,0:55:19.514 where have you brought me 0:55:19.514,0:55:21.504 what house is this? 0:55:24.592,0:55:28.592 To the house of the Atreidae. 0:55:31.257,0:55:35.857 ah ah ah god-shunners kin-killers 0:55:35.857,0:55:39.494 child-charnel man-shambles 0:55:39.494,0:55:41.204 babe-spattered abattoir 0:55:42.738,0:55:47.688 The foreign woman seems to be as keen-scented as a hound; 0:55:47.688,0:55:52.524 she has got on the right trail to track down some murders. 0:55:53.480,0:55:55.030 I track down the witnesses 0:55:55.030,0:55:56.510 children babes 0:55:56.510,0:55:58.338 shrieking butcher 0:55:58.338,0:56:00.930 barbecued childflesh wolfed down by the father 0:56:05.170,0:56:08.500 Yes, we had indeed heard of your fame as a seer, 0:56:08.500,0:56:11.900 but we are not looking for any prophets. 0:56:12.249,0:56:13.807 io popoi 0:56:13.807,0:56:16.599 I see somebody evil something 0:56:16.599,0:56:19.339 agony agony more more more 0:56:19.339,0:56:21.563 no-one can bear it 0:56:21.563,0:56:23.696 no-one can stop it 0:56:23.696,0:56:26.286 help’s far away over the ocean 0:56:27.414,0:56:30.924 I do not know what this prophecy means. 0:56:32.004,0:56:37.254 The other one I did know: the whole city resounds with it. 0:56:38.868,0:56:39.988 io 0:56:40.287,0:56:44.537 husband bed-mate 0:56:44.920,0:56:49.180 body washed in your bath-trough 0:56:50.570,0:56:52.701 hand over hand 0:56:55.135,0:56:58.264 hauling the catch in 0:56:58.264,0:57:00.774 I still don’t understand. 0:57:03.581,0:57:08.501 e e papai papai 0:57:08.501,0:57:10.501 net hell-net 0:57:10.726,0:57:15.386 she-snare bed-mate blood-mate 0:57:15.538,0:57:19.167 the deathpack howls over its victim 0:57:19.167,0:57:23.167 the fiendswarm surrounds it for stoning 0:57:23.764,0:57:28.415 What do you mean by bidding this Fury raise a loud cry over the house? 0:57:28.791,0:57:30.078 a a 0:57:30.078,0:57:31.378 look there there look 0:57:31.378,0:57:33.908 bull cow bull cow don’t let them grapple 0:57:33.908,0:57:37.978 he’s caught in the robe-net 0:57:37.978,0:57:41.355 she gores him and gores him 0:57:43.565,0:57:46.745 butting and butting with blood-crusted horn 0:57:53.492,0:57:57.192 slumps into bathblood bloodsplash 0:57:57.192,0:58:00.482 him me him me him me 0:58:00.482,0:58:06.122 woecups mine slops over the brim 0:58:07.242,0:58:09.432 what have you brought me here for? 0:58:09.432,0:58:12.419 to die beside you what else? 0:58:13.217,0:58:18.817 Why have you uttered these words that are all too clear? 0:58:19.057,0:58:23.057 A babe hearing them could understand. 0:58:23.157,0:58:26.334 I am stricken by[br]your painful fate as if by a bloody bite, 0:58:26.334,0:58:34.214 as you cry and[br]whimper in a way that it shatters me to hear. 0:59:08.420,0:59:12.420 Off with the brideveil then. 0:59:12.420,0:59:16.790 Riddles are over. 0:59:18.159,0:59:22.159 Keep close on my track now[br]as I scent out the spoor of ancient transgression. 0:59:22.159,0:59:29.999 Listen. The rooftops. Monotonous humming[br]that drones on forever and means only terror. 0:59:29.999,0:59:34.519 The blood-bolstered fiend-swarm holds its debauches, 0:59:34.519,0:59:38.999 cacophonous squatters that can’t be evicted, 0:59:38.999,0:59:46.509 chant over and over the crime where it started[br]cursing a bedbond a bloodkin defiled[br]trampling all over the flowing bed-linen. 0:59:46.509,0:59:50.509 Have I shot wide or am I on target. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Swear I know all the curse of this bloodclan.