Aeschylus - The Libation Bearers (Lines 656-698) lyrics

ORESTES: I am a stranger, from Daulis, close to Delphi, I'd just set out, packing my own burden bound for Argos (here I'd put my burden down and rest), when I met a perfect stranger, out of the blue, 660 who asks about my way and tells me his. Strophios, a Phocian, so I gathered in conversation. 'Well, my friend,' he says, 'out for Argos in any case? Remember to tell the parents he is dead, Orestes... promise me please 665 (it's only right), it will not slip your mind. Then whatever his people want, to bring him home or bury him here, an alien, all outcast here forever, won't you ferry back their wishes? As it is, a bronze urn is armour to his embers. 670 The man's been mourned so well...' I only tell you what I heard. And am I speaking now with guardians, kinsmen who will care? It's hard to say. But a parent ought to know. CLYTAEMNESTRA: I, I- your words, you storm us, raze us to the roots, 675 you curse of the house so hard to wrestle down! How you range-targets at peace, miles away, and a shaft from your lookout brings them down. You strip me bare of all I love, destroy me, now - Orestes. 680 And he was trained so well, we'd been so careful, kept his footsteps clear of the quicksand of d**h. Just now, the hope of the halls, the surgeon to cure our Furies' lovely revel - he seemed so close, he's written off the rolls. ORESTES: If only I were... 685 my friends, with hosts as fortunate as you if only I could be known for better news and welcomed like a brother. The tie between the host and stranger, what is kinder? But what an impiety, so it seemed to me, 690 not to bring this to a head for loved ones. I was bound by honour, bound by the rights of hospitality. CLYTAEMNESTRA: Nothing has changed. For all that you receive what you deserve, as welcome in these halls as one of us. 695 Wouldn't another bear the message just as well? But you must be worn from the long day's journey - time for your rewards.