Get help now
  • Pages 2
  • Words 352
  • Views 489
  • Download

    Cite

    Clare
    Verified writer
    Rating
    • rating star
    • rating star
    • rating star
    • rating star
    • rating star
    • 4.7/5
    Delivery result 3 hours
    Customers reviews 346
    Hire Writer
    +123 relevant experts are online

    Aeschylus’ Clytemnestra: A Monologue

    Academic anxiety?

    Get original paper in 3 hours and nail the task

    Get help now

    124 experts online

    A monologue from the play by Aeschylus

    NOTE: This monologue is reprinted from The Dramas of Aeschylus. Trans. Anna Swanwick. London: George Bell and Sons, 1907.

    CLYTEMNESTRA: Though much to suit the times before was said,
    It shames me not the opposite to speak:
    For, plotting against foes,–our seeming friends,–
    How else contrive with Ruin’s wily snare,
    Too high to overleap, to fence them round?
    To me, not mindless of an ancient feud,
    Hath come at last this contest;–late indeed.
    The deed achieved, here stand I, where I slew.
    So was it wrought (and this I’ll not deny),
    That he could neither ‘scape, nor ward his doom;
    Around him, like a fish-encircling net,
    This garment’s deadly splendour did I cast;–
    Him twice I smote, and he, with twofold groan,
    His limbs relaxed;–then, prostrate where he lay,
    Him with third blow I dowered, votive gift
    To nether Hades, saviour of the dead.
    Thus as he fell he chafed his soul away;
    And gurgling forth the swift death-tide of blood,
    He smites me with black drops of gory dew,
    Not less exultant than, with heaven-sent joy
    The corn-sown land, in birth-hour of the ear.
    For this great issue, Argive Senators,
    Joy ye, if joy ye can, but I exult.
    Nay, o’er the slain were off’rings meet,–with right
    Here were they poured,–with emphasis of right.
    Such goblets having filled with cursed ills
    At home,–himself on his return drains off.
    Me thou dost doom to exile,–to endure
    The people’s hate, their curse deep-muttered,–thou,
    Who ‘gainst this man of yore hadst naught to urge.
    He, all unmoved, as though brute life he quenched,
    The while his fleecy pastures teem’d with flocks,
    His own child slaughtered,–of my travail throes
    To me the dearest,–charm for Thracian blasts.
    Him shouldst thou not have chased from land and home
    Just guerdon for foul deed’stern judge thou art
    When me thou dost arraign;–but, mark my words,
    (Nerved as I am to threat on equal terms,)
    If with strong hand ye conquer me, then rule;–
    But should the god decree the opposite,
    Though late, to sober sense shalt thou be schooled.

    This essay was written by a fellow student. You may use it as a guide or sample for writing your own paper, but remember to cite it correctly. Don’t submit it as your own as it will be considered plagiarism.

    Need custom essay sample written special for your assignment?

    Choose skilled expert on your subject and get original paper with free plagiarism report

    Order custom paper Without paying upfront

    Aeschylus’ Clytemnestra: A Monologue. (2017, Dec 29). Retrieved from https://artscolumbia.org/agamemnon-3-40335/

    We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you’re on board with our cookie policy

    Hi, my name is Amy 👋

    In case you can't find a relevant example, our professional writers are ready to help you write a unique paper. Just talk to our smart assistant Amy and she'll connect you with the best match.

    Get help with your paper