The Tragedies of Seneca / Translated into English Verse, to Which Have Been Appended Comparative Analyses of the Corresponding Greek and Roman Plays, and a Mythological Index

by Lucius Annaeus Seneca

A cavern huge within a mountain's hold

Is her dark prison. Her will I call forth,95

And from the deepest realms of Dis bring up

Whate'er thou hast escaped: base Crime shall come;

Impiety that fiercely stains its hands

In kindred blood; the shape of Error, too,

And Fury ever armed against itself.

This, this assistance shall my grief employ.

Come then, ye ever-faithful slaves of Dis,100

Begin your task. Shake high the blazing torch;