Aeschylus (525–456 B.C.). The Furies.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.

Lines 60–72


The Temple at Delphi


THE PYTHIAN PRIESTESS

Crouched on the altar-steps, a grisly band 60
Of women slumbers—not like women they,
But Gorgons rather; nay, that word is weak,
Nor may I match the Gorgons’ shape with theirs!
Such have I seen in painted semblance erst— 64
Winged Harpies, snatching food from Phineus’ board,—
But these are wingless, black, and all their shape
The eye’s abomination to behold.
Fell is the breath—let none draw nigh to it— 68
Wherewith they snort in slumber; from their eyes
Exude the damnèd drops of poisonous ire:
And such their garb as none should dare to bring
To statues of the gods or homes of men.