[437]. The story of the Lemnian women is told by Herodotos (vi. 138). They rose up against their husbands and put them all to death; and the deed passed into a proverb, so that all great crimes were spoken of as Lemnian. This guilt is that alluded to in Strophe III.
[438]. In every case of which the Chorus had spoken guilt had been followed by retribution. So, it is implied, it will be in that which is present to their thoughts.
[439]. Sc., is not forgotten or overlooked, but will assuredly meet with its due punishment.
[440]. So in Homer (Il. xxii. 444), the warm bath is prepared by Andromache for Hector on his return from the battle in which he fell.
[441]. As in her speeches in the Agamemnon (vv. 595, 884), Clytæmestra's words here also are full of significant ambiguity. The “things that befit the house,” the proposed conference with Ægisthos, her separation of Orestes from his companions, are all indications of suspicion already half aroused. The last three lines were probably spoken as an “aside.”
[442]. Suasion is personified, and invoked to come and win Clytæmnestra to trust herself in the power of the two avengers.
[443]. An alternative rendering is,
“Nay, say not that to him with show of hate.”
[444]. Apollo in the shrine at Delphi.
[445]. Hermes invoked once more, as at once the patron of craft and the escort of the dead.