A.E. Housman - Fragment of Greek Tragedy

We were reading a passage in Apuleius a few weeks ago when my Latin lecturer brought up A.E. Housman's 'Fragment of Greek Tragedy'. Cupid was 'launching his winged oarage', which is what apparently brought it to mind - thanks, Apuleius. However, in the confusion of exams, essays and some semblance of a personal life, I promptly forgot about it. I'd even forgotten about that hideous love of 'oarages' and 'shipwrecks of misfortune' in Tragedy - until now. Rediscovering Housman - who was a Classicist just as much as a poet - was probably the highlight of my day. Don't judge me; I've been revising.

Eccolo.

CHORUS: O suitably-attired-in-leather-boots
Head of a traveller, wherefore seeking whom
Whence by what way how purposed art thou come
To this well-nightingaled vicinity?
My object in inquiring is to know.
But if you happen to be deaf and dumb
And do not understand a word I say,
Then wave your hand, to signify as much.

ALCMAEON: I journeyed hither a Boetian road.
CHORUS: Sailing on horseback, or with feet for oars?
ALCMAEON: Plying with speed my partnership of legs.
CHORUS: Beneath a shining or a rainy Zeus?
ALCMAEON: Mud's sister, not himself, adorns my shoes.
CHORUS: To learn your name would not displease me much.
ALCMAEON: Not all that men desire do they obtain.
CHORUS: Might I then hear at what thy presence shoots.
ALCMAEON: A shepherd's questioned mouth informed me that--
CHORUS: What? for I know not yet what you will say.
ALCMAEON: Nor will you ever, if you interrupt.
CHORUS: Proceed, and I will hold my speechless tongue.
ALCMAEON: This house was Eriphyle's, no one else's.
CHORUS: Nor did he shame his throat with shameful lies.
ALCMAEON: May I then enter, passing through the door?
CHORUS: Go chase into the house a lucky foot.
And, O my son, be, on the one hand, good,
And do not, on the other hand, be bad;
For that is much the safest plan.
ALCMAEON: I go into the house with heels and speed.

You can read the rest here.