monarchs of past days, and armed warriors are disclosed 35

standing in the entrance.

“But the palace within is a confused scene of shrieking

and piteous disorder; the vaulted chambers wail from

their hollow depths with female lamentation; the noise

strikes the golden stars above. The terror-stricken matrons

are running to and fro through the spacious courts, clinging

claspingly to the gates and printing them with kisses.

On presses Pyrrhus with all his father’s might; neither 5

barrier of oak nor yet living guard can resist him; the