This is the first day when I literally did not spend any time on the Learning activities. The day was spent driving to Lethbridge, and I did not feel sharp enough when we arrived home to continue reading or note taking. These notes were created on Feb. 23, but inserted here as an "extra" hour for the 23rd.

I want to make a few notes about The Orestreia by Aeschylus. Such note making is a way of reviewing previous material, and it also creates material for future reviews.

Aeschylus was 45 in 480 B.C. when the Persians sacked Athens and destroyed the shrines of the gods on the Acropolis. Soon after he fought in the forces which defeated the Persians at Marathon, Salamis, and Platacea. Athens then entered a period of spectacular prosperity. Aeschylus wrote The Oresteia in 458 B.C. However within less than a hundred years, Athens was defeated by Sparta and democracy was in ruins.

In a sentence: Agamemnon returns home from Troy, is immediately killed by by his wife, Clytemnestra, who is in return killed by her son Orestes, who is then tried for murder and acquitted.

Here are a fairly large number of quotes from the play:

Agamemnon

I speak to those who know; to those who don't
my mind's a blank. I never say a word. [42-43]

... but good win out in glory in the end. [125]

And we will know the future when it comes,
Greet it too early, weep too soon. [253-254]

Yes, your eyes expose your loyal hearts. [271]

A curse burns bright on crime -
full-blown, the father's crimes will blossom,
burst into the son's.
Let there be less suffering...
give us the sense to live on what we need. [378-382]

Who but a god can go through life unmarked? [545]

I'm convinced, glad that I was wrong.
Never too old to learn; it keeps me young. [576-577]

But Justice shines in sooty hovels,
loves the decent life.
From proud halls crusted with gilt by filthy hands
she turns her eyes to find the pure in spirit -
spurning the wealth stamped counterfeit with praise,
she steers all things toward their destined end. [761-766]

But the good shepherd knows his flock.
When the eyes seem to brim with love
and it is only unction, fawning,
he will know, better than we can know. [779-782]

How rare, men with the character to praise
a friend's success without a trace of envy, [818-819]

... Call no man blest
until he ends his life in peace, fulfilled. [923-924]

True to my ideals? Once I violate them I am lost. [927]

Believe me if you will. What will it matter
if you won't? It comes when it comes. [1250-1251]

But the lust for power never dies -
men cannot have enough. [1355-1356]

... By the sword
You did your work and by the sword you die. [1557-1558]

The Libation Bearers

The Euminides

you who will judge the first trial of bloodshed
Now and forever mmore, for Aegeus' people
this will be the court where judges reign. [694-696]

Never pollute our law with innovations. No, my citizens,
foul a clear well and you will suffer thirst.
Neither anarchy nor tyranny, my people.
Worship the Mean, I urge you. [706-710]