Libation Bearers
Aeschylus
Aeschylus, Volume 2. Smyth, Herbert Weir, translator. London; New York: William Heinemann; G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1926.
- In truth you have drawn out this plea of yours to your own content in showing honor to this unlamented tomb. As for the rest, since your heart is rightly set on action, put your fortune to the test and get to your work at once.
- It will be so. But it is in no way amiss to inquire how, from what motive,
- she came to send her libations, seeking too late to make amends for an irremediable deed. They would be a sorry gift to send to the senseless dead: I cannot guess what they mean. The gifts are too paltry for her offence.
- For though a man may pour out all he has in atonement for one deed of blood, it is wasted effort. So the saying goes. If indeed you know, tell me: I wish to learn.
- I know, my child, for I was there. It was because she was shaken by dreams and wandering terrors of the night
- that she sent these offerings, godless woman that she is.
- And have you learned the nature of the dream so as to tell it properly?
- She dreamed she gave birth to a serpent: that is her own account.
- And where does the tale end, and what is its consummation?
- She laid it to rest as if it were a child, in swaddling clothes.
- What food did it crave, the newborn viper?
- In her dream she offered it her own breast.
- Surely her nipple was not unwounded by the loathsome beast?
- No: it drew in clotted blood with the milk.
- Truly it is not without meaning: the vision signifies a man!