My heart is filled with fears, my courage fails;

And, bent on flight, my feet unwilling move.420

Tantalus [one of Thyestes' sons]: Why, O my father, dost thou falter so

With steps uncertain, turn away thy face,

And hold thyself as on a doubtful course?

Thyestes [in soliloquy]: Why hesitate, my soul, or why so long

Deliberate upon a point so clear?

To such uncertain things dost thou intrust

Thyself as throne and brother? And fearest thou

Those ills already conquered and found mild?425