I, schooled in many miseries, have learnt
How many refuges of cleansing shrines
And when imposeth silence. Lo, I stand
Fixed now to speak, for he whose word is wise
Commands the same
Thee not Apollo nor Athena's strength
Can save from perishing
Woe, for of choice he did his mother slay
? So the price of blood, his hands have shed
CHORUS:
Hear the hymn of hell,
Over the victim sounding,-
Chant of frenzy, chant of ill,
Sense and will confounding!
Round the soul entwining
Without lute or lyre -
Soul in madness pining
Wasting as with fire!
O child of Zeus, one word shall tell thee all
We are the children of eternal Night,
And Furies in the underworld are called
I slew her. I deny no word hereof
Drawn sword in hand, I gashed her neck. ('Tis told.)
Whatever thou art, in this my city's name,
As uncondemned, I take thee to my side
Behold, this man is free from guilt of blood
For half the votes condemn him, half set free!
Now, now ring out your chant, your joy's acclaim!
Let holy hands libations bear,
And torches' sacred flame.
All-seeing Zeus and Fate come down
To battle fair for Pallas' town!
Ring out your chant, ring out your joy's acclaim!
CHORUS