In the midst of loud alarms? But now

Throughout Mycenae's borders rang

The noisy prelude of a strife

'Twixt brothers' arms. Here mothers pale

Embraced their sons, and the trembling wife

Looked on her arméd lord in fear,

While the sword to his hand reluctant came,565

Foul with the rust of peace.

One strove to renew the tottering walls,

And one to strengthen the shattered towers,