I told my brother not to go to Sparta.
And when I saw the crown in her hair
And the radiant veil on her face.
I saw the forged fruit that would destroy us.

So I pulled it from her, to cast it out,
for it was not of her doing, not of her make
the gold shimmered with a thousand chains,
and I threw it to the ground and struck it

Again and again, I wailed that it would destroy us.
And they cursed me for my behavior against a guest.
How rude I was to point to the slave's collar,
and scream as to its evil, to crush an infant asp.

When my brother laughed and danced with his fellows,
I urged him to look to his house, and make amends.
And he dismissed me, calling me a fool who could not enjoy
the pleasures of the moment that would last forever.

So I warned him no further of the ships or the horde,
I said nothing of the signal fires or the gathering clouds
While they lashed against our walls I said nothing,
While they killed my kin, I said nothing and wept.

When the ships departed a huge cry rang out that all was done,
that peace had come and the foolish woman had been wrong.
See the great horse that the Greeks have given in apology.
And pay no attention to the men beneath the saddle.

And when I took up a flaming brand to ignite
the Greek's sacrifice, they jeered at the woman.
Who dared to strike against a fine and glorious
addition to the city. And a second time I was dismissed.

Within Athena's temple I begged for my people,
and the brutes gave me what mercy they felt I was due.
As I sobbed, I found within myself the last vision
and I spat my prophecy at their back, warning them.

I warned them of what was to come. Of storms
I warned them of monsters. I warned them of evil men,
crueler than they, stronger than they, and standing
with a watchful eye upon their road home.

Their laugh in response was all the revenge I required.
And the gift of prophecy left me forever.
I no longer know what is to come, and that is best.
For now, on this beach, I am content to be Cassandra.

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os_bSwg02J4]