Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1898) v3.djvu/305

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IPHIGENEIA AT AULIS.

Night. A lamp burning in Agamemnon's tent. Old Servant waiting without. Agamemnon appears at entrance of tent.


Agamemnon.

Ancient, before this tent come stand.


Old Servant (coming forward).

I come. What purpose hast thou in hand,
Agamemnon, my king?


Agamemnon.

And wilt thou not hasten?


Old Servant.

I haste.
For the need of mine eld scant sleep provideth—
This eld o'er mine eyelids like vigilant sentry is placed. 5


Agamemnon.

What star in the heaven's height yonder rideth?[1]

  1. Agamemnon, absorbed in his occupation within, has taken no note of the lapse of time. Now he suddenly recognises that the element of time is all-important, both