THE 'AGAMEMNON' AND < TRACHINI^ 31 



any longer, but possibly in this. When she went forth with 

 Heracles a new-made bride, the centaur Nessus had laid wanton 

 touch on her, and as she speaks the spirit of the scene comes 

 back. Once more with glorious reminiscence of the power in 

 that bow and archer, she, for the last time, triumphs in the 

 thought of her hero : 



And I cried out ; and he, 

 Zeus' son, turned suddenly, and from his bow 

 Sent a winged shaft that whizzed into his chest 

 To the lungs. 



Then Nessus, dying, told her that his blood was a charm, a 

 charm of soul for Heracles that never through the eye he 

 should receive another love than hers. And she, guileless 

 woman, too fondly had treasured up this fatal gift, had learned 

 by heart most carefully each treacherous word of the dying 

 monster, and now she has applied the charm ; the robe is ready. 

 Some doubt appears in her friends' faces, and the pride of 

 Deianira's virtue is infinitely touching when, with some slight 

 trace of haughtiness, she says : 



No criminal attempts 



Could e'er be mine. Far be they from my thought, 

 As I abhor the woman who conceives them. 

 But if by any means through gentle spells . . . 



(here all her face lightens, and the casket is in her hand again, 

 advanced almost with joy) 



And bonds on Heracles' affection, we 

 May triumph o'er this maiden in his heart, 

 My scheme is perfected. 



Alas ! the eagerness, the faith of the queenly woman are all to 

 bring such utter woe. The girls are not swept away by the 

 torrent of hope ; for an instant their faces check her. 



Unless you deem 

 My action wild. If so, I will desist. 



The girls timidly say they think she has no proof that the charm 

 will succeed. The check makes even this gracious queen a little 

 angry. True woman, she says : 



My confidence is grounded on belief. 



