Aeschylus, Libation Bearers
Herbert Weir Smyth, Ph. D., Ed.

Orestes
But since I would have you know, for I do not know how it will end: I think I am a charioteer driving my team far beyond the course. For my ungoverned wits are whirling me away overmastered, and at my heart fear wishes to sing and dance to a tune of wrath. [1025] But while I am still in my senses, I proclaim to those who hold me dear and declare that not without justice did I slay my mother, the unclean murderess of my father, and a thing loathed by the gods.

And for the spells that gave me the courage for this deed I count Loxias, the prophet of Pytho, [1030] my chief source. It was he who declared that, if I did this thing, I would be acquitted of wrongdoing. But if I refrained—I will not name the penalty; for no bowshot could reach such a height of anguish.

And now observe me, how armed with this branch and wreath I go as a suppliant, an outcast for the shedding of kindred blood, to the temple set square on the womb of the earth, [1035] the precinct of Loxias, and to the bright fire said to be imperishable.¹ To no other hearth did Loxias bid me turn. And as to the manner in which this evil deed was wrought, I charge all men of Argos in time to come to bear me witness. [1040] I go forth a wanderer, estranged from this land, leaving this repute behind, in life or death.

Chorus
And you have done well. Therefore do not yoke your tongue to an ill-omened speech, nor let your lips give vent to evil forebodings, [1045] since you have freed the whole realm of Argos by lopping off the heads of two serpents with a fortunate stroke.

Orestes
Ah, ah! You handmaidens, look at them there: like Gorgons, wrapped in sable garments, entwined with swarming snakes! I can stay no longer. [1050]