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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


AGAMEMNON: THE PURPLE CARPER by AESCHYLUS

First Line: THERE IS THE SEA - SHALL ANY STANCH IT UP?
Last Line: COMPLETION OF THY PLANS BE NOW THY CARE!

CLYT.

There is the sea -- shall any stanch it up? --
Still breeding, for its worth of silver weight,
Abundant stain, freshly renewable,
For purpling robes withal: nay, Heaven be praised,
The house, my lord, affords us plenty such;
'Tis not acquainted yet with penury.
I had vowed the trampling of a thousand robes,
Had the oracles enjoined it when I sought
Means for recovery of a life so precious!
Still from the living root the mantling green
Against the Dog-star spreads a leafy screen, --
So thou returning to thy hearth and home,
Warmth as in winter cries @3Behold me come!@1
Aye and when mellowing Zeus makes ripe and sweet
Wine from the young grape's bitter, cool in heat
Reigns within walls where moves the man complete; -- [@3As Agamemnon goes in@1.]
O Zeus completer, now complete my prayer,
Completion of thy plans be now thy care!



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