That ever wades through crime to other crime!

With blood we soothe the winds, with blood we war.170

Nurse: Yet by that blood a thousand vessels sailed.

Clytemnestra: But not with favoring omens did they sail;

The port of Aulis fairly drave them forth.

So launched in war, he still no better fared.

Smit with a captive's love, unmoved by prayer,175

He held as spoil the child of Phoebus' priest,

E'en then, as now, a sacred maiden's thrall.

Nor could the stern Achilles bend his will,