Aeschylus quotes

Discuss the culture of Alexander's world and his image in art

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Alexias
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Aeschylus quotes

Post by Alexias »

I came across this recently from 'Agamemnon' by Aeschylus. I am unsure of the translator, but it is from 'Greek Drama' edited by Moses Hadas 1965.
for oft had she sung where men were met at her father's noble board, with pure voice virginally doing dear honour to the grace and blessing that crowned her father's feast.
The 'she' is the sacrificed Iphigenia, Agamemnon and Clytemnestra's daughter.

What is interesting is that, at least in Aeschylus's day, Greek women were not in strict purdah. A father would have been able to show off a marriageable daughter or niece to prospective husbands and fathers-in-law, in the safety of his home. It also recalls a young Alexander debating with another boy before Philip and his guests to entertain them. More importantly though, it gives a possible how and when Philip could have met and fallen in love with Cleopatra on a socially acceptable occasion. It also raises a slight suspicion about whether Attalus was deliberately trying to entice Philip.

Here is another quote from 'Eumenides', by Orestes after his murder of his mother Clytemnestra. It could have been quoted at, or by, Alexander after the murder of Cleitus. We know he was fond of quoting from plays.
Time purifies all things, as it grows old along with them.
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