ELECTRA
bySophoclestranslatedbyR。C。JebbCHARACTERSINTHEPLAY
ORESTES，sonofAgamemnonandCLYTEMNESTRA
ELECTRA}sisterofORESTES
CHRYSOTHEMIS}\"\"\"
ANOLDMAN，formerlythePAEDAGOGUSorAttendantOfORESTES
CLYTEMNESTRA
AEGISTHUS
CHORUSOFWOMENOFMYCENAE
MutePersonsPYLADES，sonofStrophius，KingofCrisa，thefriendOfORESTES。
AhandmaidofCLYTEMNESTRA。TwoattendantsofORESTES
ELECTRA
ELECTRA
（SCENE:—AtMycenae，beforethepalaceofthePelopidae。Itismorningandthenew—risensunisbright。ThePAEDAGOGUSentersontheleftofthespectators，accompaniedbythetwoyouths，ORESTESandPYLADES。）
PAEDAGOGUS
SONofhimwholedourhostsatTroyofold，sonofAgamemnon！—nowthoumayestbeholdwiththineeyesallthatthysoulhathdesiredsolong。ThereistheancientArgosofthyyearning，—thathallowedscenewhencethegadflydrovethedaughterofInachus；andthere，Orestes，istheLyceanAgora，namedfromthewolf—slayinggod；there，ontheleft，Hera’sfamoustemple；andinthisplacetowhichwehavecome，deemthatthouseestMycenaerichingold，withthehouseofthePelopidaethere，sooftenstainedwithbloodshed；whenceIcarriedtheeofyore，fromtheslayingofthyfather，asthykinswoman，thysister，chargedme；andsavedthee，andrearedtheeuptomanhood，tobetheavengerofthymurderedsire。
Now，therefore，Orestes，andthou，bestoffriends，Pylades，ourplansmustbelaidquickly；forlo，alreadythesun’sbrightrayiswakingthesongsofthebirdsintoclearness，andthedarknightofstarsisspent。Before，then，anyonecomesforthfromthehouse，takecounsel；seeingthatthetimeallowsnotofdelay，butisfullripefordeeds。
ORESTES
Truefriendandfollower，howwelldostthouprovethyloyaltytoourhouse！Asasteedofgenerousrace，thoughold，losesnotcourageindanger，butprickshisear，evensothouurgestusforward，andartforemostinoursupport。Iwilltellthee，then，whatIhavedetermined；listencloselytomywords，andcorrectme，ifImissthemarkinaught。
WhenIwenttothePythianoracle，tolearnhowImightavengemyfatheronhismurderers，Phoebusgavemetheresponsewhichthouartnowtohear:—thatalone，andbystealth，withoutaidofarmsornumbers，Ishouldsnatchtherighteousvengeanceofmyhand。Since，then，thegodspaketousonthiswise，thoumustgointoyonderhouse，whenopportunitygivestheeentrance，andlearnallthatispassingthere，sothatthoumayestreporttousfromsureknowledge。
Thineage，andthelapseoftime，willpreventthemfromrecognisingthee；theywillneversuspectwhothouart，withthatsilveredhair。
LetthytalebethatthouartaPhocianstranger，sentbyPhanoteus；
forheisthegreatestoftheirallies。Tellthem，andconfirmitwiththineoath，thatOresteshathperishedbyafatalchance，—hurledatthePythiangamesfromhisrapidchariot；bethatthesubstanceofthystory。
We，meanwhile，willfirstcrownmyfather’stomb，asthegodenjoined，withdrink—offeringsandtheluxurianttributeofseveredhair；thencomeback，bearinginourhandsanurnofshapelybronze，—nowhiddeninthebrushwood，asIthinkthouknowest，—sotogladdenthemwiththefalsetidingsthatthismybodyisnomore，buthasbeenconsumedwithfireandturnedtoashes。Whyshouldtheomentroubleme，whenbyafeigneddeathIfindlifeindeed，andwinrenown？Itrow，nowordisill—omened，iffraughtwithgain。OftenerenowhaveIseenwisemendieinvainreport；then，whentheyreturnhome，theyareheldinmoreabidinghonour:asItrustthatfromthisrumourIalsoshallemergeinradiantlife，andyetshinelikeastaruponmyfoes。
Omyfatherland，andyegodsoftheland，receivemewithgoodfortuneinthisjourney，—andyealso，hallsofmyfathers，forIcomewithdivinemandatetocleanseyourighteously；sendmenotdishonouredfromtheland，butgrantthatImayruleovermypossessions，andrestoremyhouse！
Enough；—beitnowthycare，oldman，togoandheedthytask；
andwetwainwillgoforth；forsooccasionbids，chiefrulerofeveryenterpriseformen。
ELECTRA（within）
Ahme，ahme！
PAEDAGOGUS
Hark，myson，—fromthedoors，methought，camethesoundofsomehandmaidmoaningwithin。
ORESTES
CanitbethehaplessElectra？Shallwestayhere，andlistentoherlaments？
PAEDAGOGUS
No，no:beforeallelse，letusseektoobeythecommandofLoxias，andthencemakeafairbeginning，bypouringlibationstothysire；thatbringsvictorywithinourgrasp，andgivesusthemasteryinallthatwedo。
（ExeuntPAEDAGOGUSonthespectators’left，ORESTESandPYLADES
theright。—EnterELECTRA，fromthehouse。Sheismeanlyclad。）
ELECTRA（chanting）
systemaOthoupuresunlight，andthouair，earth’scanopy，howoftenhaveyeheardthestrainsofmylament，thewildblowsdealtagainstthisbleedingbreast，whendarknightfails！Andmywretchedcouchinyonderhouseofwoeknowswell，erenow，howIkeepthewatchesofthenight，—howoftenIbewailmyhaplesssire；towhomdeadlyAresgavenotofhisgiftsinastrangeland，butmymother，andhermateAegisthus，clefthisheadwithmurderousaxe，aswoodmenfellanoak。Andforthisnoplaintburstsfromanylipsavemine，whenthou，myfather，hathdiedadeathsocruelandsopiteous！
antisystemaButneverwillIceasefromdirgeandsorelament，whileIlookonthetremblingraysofthebrightstars，oronthislightofday；butlikethenightingale，slayerofheroffspring，Iwillwailwithoutceasing，andcryaloudtoall，here，atthedoorsofmyfather。
OhomeofHadesandPersephone！OHermesoftheshades！potentCurse，andye，dreaddaughtersofthegods，Erinyes，—Yewhobeholdwhenalifeisreftbyviolence，whenabedisdishonouredbystealth，—come，helpme，avengethemurderofmysire，—andsendtomemybrother；forIhavenomorethestrengthtobearupaloneagainsttheloadofgriefthatweighsmedown。
（AsELECTRAfinishesherlament，theCHORUSOFWOMENOFMYCENAEenter。ThefollowinglinesbetweenELECTRAandtheCHORUSarechantedresponsively。）
CHORUS
strophe1
Ah，Electra，childofawretchedmother，whyartthoueverpiningthusinceaselesslamentforAgamemnon，wholongagowaswickedlyensnaredbythyfalsemother’swiles，andbetrayedtodeathbydastardlyhand？Perishtheauthorofthatdeed，ifImayuttersuchprayer！
ELECTRA
Ah，noble—heartedmaidens，yehavecometosoothemywoes。I
knowandfeelit，itescapesmenot；butIcannotleavethistaskundone，orceasefrommourningformyhaplesssire。Ah，friendswhoseloverespondstomineineverymood，leavemetoravethus，—
Ohleaveme，Ientreatyou！
CHORUS
antistrophe1
ButneverbylamentsorprayersshaltthourecallthysirefromthatlakeofHadestowhichallmustpass。Nay，thineisafatalcourseofgrief，passingeverfromdueboundsintoacurelesssorrow；whereinthereisnodeliverancefromevils。Say，whereforeartthouenamouredofmisery？
ELECTRA
Foolishisthechildwhoforgetsaparent’spiteousdeath。No，dearertomysoulisthemournerthatlamentsforItys，Itys，evermore，thatbirddistraughtwithgrief，themessengerofZeus。
Ah，queenofsorrow，Niobe，theeIdeemdivine，—thee，whoevermoreweepestinthyrockytomb！
CHORUS
strophe2
Nottotheealoneofmortals，mydaughter，hathcomeanysorrowwhichthoubearestlesscalmlythanthosewithin，thykinswomenandsisters，ChrysothemisandIphianassa，Iwhostilllive，—ashe，too，lives，sorrowinginasecludedyouth，yethappyinthatthisfamousrealmofMycenaeshallonedaywelcomehimtohisheritage，whenthekindlyguidanceofZeusshallhavebroughthimtothisland，Orestes。
ELECTRA
Yes，Iwaitforhimwithunweariedlonging，asImoveonmysadpathfromdaytoday，unwedandchildless，bathedintears，bearingthatendlessdoomofwoe；butheforgetsallthathehassufferedandheard。Whatmessagecomestome，thatisnotbelied？Heiseveryearningtobewithus，but，thoughheyearns，heneverresolves。
CHORUS
antistrophe2
Courage，mydaughter，courage；greatstillinheavenisZeus，whoseesandgovernsall:leavethybitterquarreltohim；forgetnotthyfoes，butrefrainfromexcessofwrathagainstthem；forTimeisgodwhomakesroughwayssmooth。NotheedlessisthesonofAgamemnon，whodwellsbyCrisa’spastoralshore；notheedlessisthegodwhoreignsbyAcheron。
ELECTRA
Nay，thebestpartoflifehathpassedawayfrommeinhopelessness，andIhavenostrengthleft；I，whoampiningawaywithoutchildren，—whomnolovingchampionshields，—but，likesomedespisedalien，Iserveinthehallsofmyfather，cladinthismeangarb，andstandingatameagreboard。
CHORUS
strophe3
Piteouswasthevoiceheardathisreturn，andpiteous，asthysirelayonthefestalcouch，whenthestraight，swiftblowwasdealthimwiththebladeofbronze。Guilewastheplotter，Lusttheslayer，dreadparentsofadreadfulshape；whetheritwasmortalthatwroughttherein，orgod。
ELECTRA
Othatbitterday，bitterbeyondallthathavecometome；O
thatnight，Othehorrorsofthatunutterablefeast，theruthlessdeathstrokesthatmyfathersawfromthehandsoftwain，whotookmylifecaptivebytreachery，whodoomedmetowoe！MaythegreatgodofOlympusgivethemsufferingsinrequital，andnevermaytheirsplendourbringthemjoy，whohavedonesuchdeeds！
CHORUS
antistrophe3
Beadvisedtosaynomore；canstthounotseewhatconductitiswhichalreadyplungestheesocruellyinself—mademiseries？Thouhastgreatlyaggravatedthytroubles，everbreedingwarswiththysullensoul；butsuchstrifeshouldnotbepushedtoaconflictwiththestrong。
ELECTRA
Ihavebeenforcedtoit，—forcedbydreadcauses；Iknowmyownpassion，itescapesmenot；but，seeingthatthecausesaresodire，willnevercurbthesefrenziedplaints，whilelifeisinme。Whoindeed，yekindlysisterhood，whothatthinksaright，woulddeemthatanywordofsolacecouldavailme？Forbear，forbear，mycomforters！Suchillsmustbenumberedwiththosewhichhavenocure；Icanneverknowarespitefrommysorrows，oralimittothiswailing。
CHORUS
epodeAtleastitisinlove，likeatrue—heartedmother，thatI
dissuadetheefromaddingmiserytomiseries。
ELECTRA
Butwhatmeasureisthereinmywretchedness？Say，howcanitberighttoneglectthedead？Wasthatimpietyeverborninmortal？NevermayIhavepraiseofsuch；neverwhenmylotiscastinpleasantplaces，mayIclingtoselfishease，ordishonourmysirebyrestrainingthewingsofshrilllamentation！
Forifthehaplessdeadistolieindustandnothingness，whiletheslayerspaynotwithbloodforblood，allregardforman，allfearofheaven，willvanishfromtheearth。
LEADEROFTHECHORUS
Icame，mychild，inzealforthywelfarenolessthanformineown；butifIspeaknotwell，thenbeitasthouwilt；forwewillfollowthee。
ELECTRA
Iamashamed，myfriends，ifyedeemmetooimpatientformyoftcomplaining；but，sinceahardconstraintforcesmetothis，bearwithme。Howindeedcouldanywomanofnoblenaturerefrain，whosawthecalamitiesofafather’shouse，asIseethembydayandnightcontinually，notfading，butinthesummeroftheirstrength？I，who，first，fromthemotherthatboremehavefoundbitterenmity；
next，inmineownhomeIdwellwithmyfather’smurderers；theyruleoverme，andwiththemitreststogiveortowithholdwhatIneed。
AndthenthinkwhatmannerofdaysIpass，whenIseeAegisthussittingonmyfather’sthrone，wearingtherobeswhichhewore，andpouringlibationsatthehearthwhereheslewmysire；andwhenI
seetheoutragethatcrownsall，themurdererinourfather’sbedatourwretchedmother’sside，ifmothersheshouldbecalled，whoishiswife；butsohardenedisshethatsheliveswiththataccursedone，fearingnoErinys；nay，asifexultinginherdeeds，havingfoundthedayonwhichshetreacherouslyslewmyfatherofold，shekeepsitwithdanceandsong，andmonthbymonthsacrificessheeptothegodswhohavewroughtherdeliverance。
ButI，haplessone，beholdingit，weepandpineinthehouse，andbewailtheunholyfeastnamedaftermysire，—weeptomyselfalone；sinceImaynotevenindulgemygrieftothefullmeasureofmyyearning。Forthiswoman，inprofessionssonoble，loudlyupbraidsmewithsuchtauntsasthese:’Impiousandhatefulgirl，hastthoualonelostafather，andistherenoothermournerintheworld？Anevildoombethine，andmaythegodsinfernalgivetheenoriddancefromthypresentlaments。’
Thussheinsults；savewhenanyonebringsherwordthatOrestesiscoming:then，infuriated，shecomesuptome，andcries；—’Hastnotthoubroughtthisuponme？Isnotthisdeedthine，whodidststealOrestesfrommyhands，andprivilyconveyhimforth？Yetbesurethatthoushalthavethyduereward。’Sosheshrieks；and，aidingher，therenownedspouseathersideisvehementinthesamestrain，—
thatabjectdastard，thatutterpest，whofightshisbattleswiththehelpofwomen。ButI，lookingeverforOrestestocomeandendthesewoes，languishinmymisery。Alwaysintendingtostrikeablow，hehaswornouteveryhopethatIcouldconceive。Insuchacase，then，friends，thereisnoroomformoderationorforreverence；
insooth，thestressofillsleavesnochoicebuttofollowevilways。
LEADER
Say，isAegisthusnearwhilethouspeakestthus，orabsentfromhome？
ELECTRA
Absent，certainly；donotthinkthatIshouldhavecometothedoors，ifhehadbeennear；butjustnowheisafield。
LEADER
MightIconversewiththeemorefreely，ifthisisso？
ELECTRA
Heisnothere，soputthyquestion；whatwouldstthou？
LEADER
Iaskthee，then，whatsayestthouofthybrother？Willhecomesoon，orishedelaying？Ifainwouldknow。
ELECTRA
Hepromisestocome；butheneverfulfilsthepromise。
LEADER
Yea，amanwillpauseonthevergeofagreatwork。
ELECTRA
AndyetIsavedhimwithoutpausing。
LEADER
Courage；heistoonobletofailhisfriends。
ELECTRA
Ibelieveit；orIshouldnothavelivedsolong。
LEADER
Saynomorenow；forIseethysistercomingfromthehouse，Chrysothemis，daughterofthesamesireandmother，withsepulchralgiftsinherhands，suchasaregiventothoseintheworldbelow。
（CHRYSOTHEMISentersfromthepalace。Sheisrichlydressed。）
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Why，sister，hastthoucomeforthoncemoretodeclaimthusatthepublicdoors？Whywiltthounotlearnwithanylapseoftimetodesistfromvainindulgenceofidlewrath？YetthisIknow，—thatImyselfam—grievedatourplight；indeed，couldIfindthestrength，IwouldshowwhatloveIbearthem。Butnow，inthesetroubledwaters，’tisbest，methinks，toshortensail；Icarenottoseemactive，withoutthepowertohurt。Andwouldthatthineownconductwerethesame！
Nevertheless，rightisonthesideofthychoice，notofthatwhichIadvise；butifIamtoliveinfreedom，ourrulersmustbeobeyedinallthings。
ELECTRA
Strangeindeed，thatthou，thedaughterofsuchasireasthine，shouldstforgethim，andthinkonlyofthymother！Allthyadmonitionstomehavebeentaughtbyher；nowordisthineown。Thentakethychoice，—tobeimprudent；orprudent，butforgetfulofthyfriends:
thou，whohastjustsaidthat，couldstthoufindthestrength，thouwouldstshowthyhatredofthem；yet，whenIamdoingmyutmosttoavengemysire，thougivestnoaid，butseekesttoturnthysisterfromherdeed。
Doesnotthiscrownourmiserieswithcowardice？Fortellme，—
Orletmetellthee，—whatIshouldgainbyceasingfromtheselaments？Donotlive？—miserably，Iknow，yetwellenoughforme。
AndIvexthem，thusrenderinghonourtothedead，ifpleasurecanbefeltinthatworld。Butthou，whotellestmeofthyhatred，hatestinwordalone，whileindeedsthouartwiththeslayersofthysire。I，then，wouldneveryieldtothem，thoughIwerepromisedthegiftswhichnowmaketheeproud；thinebetherichly—spreadtableandthelifeofluxury。Forme，beitfoodenoughthatIdonotwoundmineownconscience；Icovetnotsuchprivilegeasthine，—
norwouldstthou，wertthouwise。Butnow，whenthoumightestbecalleddaughterofthenoblestfatheramongmen，becalledthechildofthymother；soshallthybasenessbemostwidelyseen，inbetrayalofthydeadsireandofthykindred。
LEADER
Noangryword，Ientreat！Forbothofyouthereisgoodinwhatisurged，—ifthou，Electra，wouldstlearntoprofitbyhercounsel，andshe，again，bythine。
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Formypart，friends，Iamnotwhollyunusedtoherdiscourse；norshouldIhavetoucheduponthistheme，hadInotheardthatshewasthreatenedwithadreaddoom，whichshallrestrainherfromherlong—drawnlaments。
ELECTRA
Come，declareitthen，thisterror！Ifthoucansttellmeofaughtworsethanmypresentlot，Iwillresistnomore。
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Indeed，IwilltelltheeallthatIknow。Theypurpose，ifthouwiltnotceasefromtheselaments，tosendtheewherethoushaltneverlookuponthesunlight，butpassthydaysinadungeonbeyondthebordersofthisland，theretochantthydrearystrain。Bethinkthee，then，anddonotblamemehereafter，whentheblowhathfallen；nowisthetimetobewise。
ELECTRA
Havetheyindeedresolvedtotreatmethus？
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Assuredly，wheneverAegisthuscomeshome。
ELECTRA
Ifthatbeall，thenmayhearrivewithspeed！
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Misguidedone！whatdireprayeristhis？
ELECTRA
Thathemaycome，ifhehathanysuchintent。
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Thatthoumaystsuffer—what？Wherearethywits？
ELECTRA
ThatImayflyasfarasmaybefromyouall。
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Buthastthounocareforthypresentlife？
ELECTRA
Aye，mylifeismarvellouslyfair。
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Itmightbe，couldstthouonlylearnprudence。
ELECTRA
Donotteachmetobetraymyfriends。
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Idonot，—buttobendbeforethestrong。
ELECTRA
Thinebesuchflattery:thosearenotmyways。
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Tiswell，however，nottofallbyfolly。
ELECTRA
Iwillfall，ifneedbe，inthecauseofmysire。
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Butourfather，Iknow，pardonsmeforthis。
ELECTRA
Itisforcowardstofindpeaceinsuchmaxims。
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Sothouwiltnothearken，andtakemycounsel？
ELECTRA
No，verily；longmaybeitbeforeIamsofoolish。
CHRYSOTHEMIS
ThenIwillgoforthuponmineerrand。
ELECTRA
Andwhithergoestthou？Towhombearestthoutheseofferings？
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Ourmothersendsmewithfunerallibationsforoursire。
ELECTRA
Howsayestthou？Forherdeadliestfoe？
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Slainbyherownhand—sothouwouldestsay。
ELECTRA
Whatfriendhathpersuadedher？Whosewishwasthis？
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Thecause，Ithink，wassomedreadvisionofthenight。
ELECTRA
Godsofourhouse！beyewithme—nowatlast！
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Dostthoufindanyencouragementinthisterror？
ELECTRA
Ifthouwouldsttellmethevision，thenIcouldanswer。
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Nay，Icantellbutlittleofthestory。
ELECTRA
Tellwhatthoucanst；alittlewordhathoftenmarred，ormade，men’sfortunes。
CHRYSOTHEMIS
’Tissaidthatshebeheldoursire，restoredtothesunlight，athersideoncemore；thenhetookthesceptre，—Oncehisown，butnowbornebyAegisthus，—andplanteditatthehearth；andthenceafruitfulboughsprangupward，wherewiththewholelandofMycenaewasovershadowed。SuchwasthetalethatIheardtoldbyonewhowaspresentwhenshedeclaredherdreamtotheSun—god。MorethanthisI
knownot，—savethatshesentmebyreasonofthatfear。Sobythe—
godsofourhouseIbeseechthee，hearkentome，andbenotruinedbyfolly！Forifthourepelmenow，thouwiltcomebacktoseekmeinthytrouble。
ELECTRA
Nay，dearsister，letnoneofthesethingsinthyhandstouchthetomb；forneithercustomnorpietyallowstheetodedicategiftsorbringlibationstooursirefromahatefulwife。No—tothewindswiththemorburythemdeepintheearth，wherenoneofthemshallevercomenearhisplaceofrest；but，whenshedies，letherfindthesetreasureslaidupforherbelow。
Andwereshenotthemosthardenedofallwomen，shewouldneverhavesoughttopourtheseofferingsofenmityonthegraveofhimwhomsheslew。Thinknowifitislikelythatthedeadinthetombshouldtakethesehonourskindlyatherhand，whoruthlesslyslewhim，likeafoeman，andmangledhim，and，forablution，wipedofftheblood—stainsonhishead？Canstthoubelievethatthesethingswhichthoubringestwillabsolveherofthemurder？
Itisnotpossible。No，castthesethingsaside；givehimratheralockcutfromthineowntresses，andonmypart，haplessthatI
am，—scantgiftsthese，butmybest，—thishair，notglossywithunguents，andthisgirdle，deckedwithnorichornament。Thenfalldownandpraythathehimselfmaycomeinkindnessfromtheworldbelow，toaidusagainstourfoes；andthattheyoungOrestesmaylivetosethisfootuponhisfoesinvictoriousmight，thathenceforthwemaycrownourfather’stombwithwealthierhandsthanthosewhichgraceitnow。
Ithink，indeed，Ithinkthathealsohadsomepartinsendinghertheseappallingdreams；still，sister，dothisservice，tohelpthyself，andme，andhim，thatmostbelovedofallmen，whorestsintherealmofHades，thysireandmine。
LEADER
Themaidencounselspiously；andthou，friend，wiltdoherbidding，if—thouartwise。
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Iwill。Whenadutyisclear，reasonforbidsthattwovoicesshouldcontend，andclaimsthehasteningofthedeed。Only，whenI
attemptthistask，aidmewithyoursilence，Ientreatyou，myfriends；for，shouldmymotherhearofit，methinksIshallyethavecausetoruemyventure。
（CHRYSOTHEMISdeparts，totaketheofferingstoAgamemnon’sgrave。）
CHORUS（singing）
stropheIfIamnotanerringseerandonewhofailsinwisdom，justice，thathathsentthepresage，willcome，triumphantinherrighteousstrength，—willcomeerelong，mychild，toavenge。Thereiscourageinmyheart，throughthosenewtidingsofthedreamthatbreathescomfort。Notforgetfulisthysire，thelordofHellas；notforgetfulisthetwo—edgedaxeofbronzethatstrucktheblowofold，andslewhimwithfoulcruelty。
antistropheTheErinysofuntiringfeet，whoislurkinginherdreadambush，willcome，aswiththemarchandwiththemightofagreathost。Forwickedoneshavebeenfiredwithpassionthathurriedthemtoaforbiddenbed，toaccursedbridals，toamarriagestainedwithguiltofblood。ThereforeamIsurethattheportentwillnotfailtobringwoeuponthepartnersincrime。Verilymortalscannotreadthefutureinfearfuldreamsororacles，ifthisvisionofthenightfindnotduefulfilment。
epodeOchariot—raceofPelopslongago，sourceofmanyasorrow，whatwearytroubleshastthoubroughtuponthisland！ForsinceMyrtilussanktorestbeneaththewaves，whenafatalandcruelhandhurledhimtodestructionoutofthegoldencar，thishousewasneveryetfreefrommiseryandviolence。
（CLYTEMNESTRAentersfromthepalace。）
CLYTEMNESTRA
Atlargeoncemore，itseems，thourangest，—forAegisthusisnothere，whoalwayskepttheeatleastfrompassingthegates，toshamethyfriends。Butnow，sinceheisabsent，thoutakestnoheedofme，thoughthouhastsaidofmeoft—times，andtomany，thatIamaboldandlawlesstyrant，whoinsultstheeandthine。Iamguiltyofnoinsolence；IdobutreturnthetauntsthatIoftenhearfromthee。
Thyfather—thisisthyconstantpretext—wasslainbyme。Yes，byme—Iknowitwell；itadmitsofnodenial；forjusticeslewhim，andnotIalone，—justice，whomitbecametheetosupport，hadstthoubeenright—minded；seeingthatthisfatherofthine，whomthouarteverlamenting，wastheonemanoftheGreekswhohadthehearttosacrificethysistertothegods—he，thefather，whohadnotsharedthemother’spangs。
Come，tellmenow，wherefore，ortopleasewhom，didhesacrificeher？TopleasetheArgives，thouwiltsay？Nay，theyhadnorighttoslaymydaughter。Orif，forsooth，itwastoscreenhisbrotherMenelausthatheslewmychild，washenottopaymethepenaltyforthat？HadnotMenelaustwochildren，whoshouldinfairnesshavebeentakenbeforemydaughter，assprungfromthesireandmotherwhohadcausedthatvoyage？OrhadHadessomestrangedesiretofeastonmyoffspring，ratherthanonhers？Orhadthataccursedfatherlostalltendernessforthechildrenofmywomb，whilehewastendertothechildrenofMenelaus？Wasnotthatthepartofacallousandperverseparent？Ithinkso，thoughdifferfromthyjudgment；andsowouldsaythedead，ifshecouldspeak。Formyself，then，Iviewthepastwithoutdismay；butifthoudeemestmeperverse，seethatthineownjudgmentisjust，beforethoublamethyneighbour。
ELECTRA
ThistimethoucanstnotsaythatIhavedoneanythingtoprovokesuchwordsfromthee。But，ifthouwiltgivemeleave，I
fainwoulddeclarethetruth，inthecausealikeofmydeadsireandofmysister。
CLYTEMNESTRA
Indeed，thouhastmyleave；anddidstthoualwaysaddressmeinsuchatone，thouwouldstbeheardwithoutpain。
ELECTRA
ThenIwillspeak。Thousayestthatthouhastslainmyfather。
Whatwordcouldbringtheedeepershamethanthat，whetherthedeedwasjustornot？ButImusttelltheethatthydeedwasnotjust；
no，thouwertdrawnontoitbythewooingofthebasemanwhoisnowthyspouse。
AskthehuntressArtemiswhatsinshepunishedwhenshestayedthefrequentwindsatAulis；orIwilltellthee；forwemaynotlearnfromher。Myfather—soIhaveheard—wasoncedisportinghimselfinthegroveofthegoddess，whenhisfootfallstartledadappledandantleredstag；heshotit，andchancedtoutteracertainboastconcerningitsslaughter。Wroththereat，thedaughterofLetodetainedtheGreeks，that，inquittanceforthewildcreature’slife，myfathershouldyieldupthelifeofhisownchild。Thusitbefellthatshewassacrificed；sincethefleethadnootherrelease，homewardortoTroy；
andforthatcause，undersoreconstraintandwithsorereluctance，atlastheslewher—notforthesakeofMenelaus。
Butgrant—forIwilltakethineownplea—grantthatthemotiveofhisdeedwastobenefithisbrother；—wasthatareasonforhisdyingbythyhand？Underwhatlaw？Seethat，inmakingsuchalawformen，thoumakenottroubleandremorseforthyself；for，ifwearetotakebloodforblood，thouwouldstbethefirsttodie，didstthoumeetwiththydesert。
Butlookifthypretextisnotfalse。Fortellme，ifthouwilt，whereforethouartnowdoingthemostshamelessdeedsofall，—
dwellingaswifewiththatblood—guiltyone，whofirsthelpedtheetoslaymysire，andbearingchildrentohim，whilethouhastcastouttheearlier—born，thestainlessoffspringofastainlessmarriage。HowcanIpraisethesethings？Orwiltthousaythatthis，too，isthyvengeanceforthydaughter？Nay，shamefulplea，ifsothouplead；’tisnotwelltowedanenemyforadaughter’ssake。
ButindeedImaynotevencounselthee，—whoshriekestthatI
revilemymother；andtrulyIthinkthattomethouartlessamotherthanmistress；sowretchedisthelifethatIlive，everbesetwithmiseriesbytheeandbythypartner。Andthatother，whoscarceescapedthyhand，thehaplessOrestes，iswearingouthisill—starreddaysinexile。Oftenhastthouchargedmewithrearinghimtopunishthycrime；andIwouldhavedoneso，ifIcould，thoumaystbesure:—forthatmatter，denouncemetoall，asdisloyal，ifthouwilt，orpetulant，orimpudent；forifIamaccomplishedinsuchways，methinksIamnounworthychildofthee。
LEADEROFTHECHORUS
Iseethatshebreathesforthanger；butwhetherjusticebewithher，forthissheseemstocarenolonger。
CLYTEMNESTRA（totheCHORUS）
AndwhatmannerofcaredoIneedtouseagainsther，whohaththusinsultedamother，andthisatherripeage？Thinkestthounotthatshewouldgoforwardtoanydeed，withoutshame？
ELECTRA
NowbeassuredthatIdofeelshameforthis，thoughthoubelieveitnot；Iknowthatmybehaviourisunseemly，andbecomesmeill。Butthentheenmityonthypart，andthytreatment，compelmeinmineowndespitetodothus；forbasedeedsaretaughtbybase。
CLYTEMNESTRA
Thoubrazenone！TrulyIandmysayingsandmydeedsgivetheetoomuchmatterforwords。
ELECTRA
Thewordsarethine，notmine；forthineistheaction；andtheactsfindtheutterance。
CLYTEMNESTRA
NowbyourladyArtemis，thoushaltnotfailtopayforthisboldness，sosoonasAegisthusreturns。
ELECTRA
Lo，thouarttransportedbyanger，aftergrantingmefreespeech，aidhastnopatiencetolisten。
CLYTEMNESTRA
Nowwiltthounothushthyclamour，orevensuffermetosacrifice，whenIhavepermittedtheetospeakunchecked？
ELECTRA
Ihindernot，—beginthyrites，Ipraythee；andblamenotmyvoice，forIshallsaynomore。
CLYTEMNESTRA
Raisethen，myhandmaid，theofferingsofmanyfruits，thatI
mayupliftmyprayerstothisourking，fordeliverancefrommypresentfears。Lendnowagraciousear，OPhoebusourdefender，tomywords，thoughtheybedark；forIspeaknotamongfriends，norisitmeettounfoldmywholethoughttothelight，whileshestandsnearme，lestwithhermaliceandhergarrulouscryshespreadsomerashrumourthroughoutthetown:buthearmethus，sinceonthiswiseI
mustspeak。
ThatvisionwhichIsawlastnightindoubtfuldreams—ifithathcomeformygood，grant，Lyceanking，thatitbefulfilled；butifforharm，thenletitrecoiluponmyfoes。Andifanyareplottingtohurlmebytreacheryfromthehighestatewhichnowismine，permitthemnot；rathervouch。safethat，stilllivingthusunscathed，ImaybearswayoverthehouseoftheAtreidaeandthisrealm，sharingprosperousdayswiththefriendswhosharethemnow，andwiththoseofmychildrenfromwhomnoenmityorbitternesspursuesme。
OLyceanApollo，graciouslyheartheseprayers，andgrantthemtousall，evenasweask！Fortherest，thoughIbesilent，Ideemthatthou，agod，mustknowit；allthings，surely，areseenbythesonsofZeus。
（ThePAEDAGOGUSenters。）
PAEDAGOGUS
Ladies，mightastrangercravetoknowifthisbethepalaceofthekingAegisthus？
LEADER
Itis，sir；thouthyselfhastguessedaright。
PAEDAGOGUS
AndamIrightinsurmisingthatthisladyishisconsort？Sheisofqueenlyaspect。
LEADER
Assuredly；thouartinthepresenceofthequeen。
PAEDAGOGUS
Hail，royallady！IbringgladtidingstotheeandtoAegisthus，fromfriend。
CLYTEMNESTRA
Iwelcometheomen；butIwouldfainknowfromthee，first，whomayhavesentthee。
PAEDAGOGUS
PhanoteusthePhocian，onaweightymission。
CLYTEMNESTRA
Whatisit，sir？Tellme:comingfromafriend，thouwiltbring，I
know；akindlymessage。
PAEDAGOGUS
Orestesisdead；thatisthesum。
ELECTRA
Oh，miserablethatIam！Iamlostthisday！
CLYTEMNESTRA
Whatsayestthou，friend，whatsayestthou？—listennottoher！
PAEDAGOGUS
Isaid，andsayagain—Orestesisdead。
ELECTRA
Iamlost，haplessone，Iamundone！
CLYTEMNESTRA（toELECTRA）
Seethoutothineownconcerns。—Butdothou，sir，tellmeexactly，—howdidheperish？
PAEDAGOGUS
Iwassentforthatpurpose，andwilltelltheeall。Havinggonetotherenownedfestival，theprideofGreece，fortheDelphiangames，whenheheardtheloudsummonstothefoot—racewhichwasfirsttobedecided，heenteredthelists，abrilliantform，awonderintheeyesofallthere；and，havingfinishedhiscourseatthepointwhereitbegan，hewentoutwiththegloriousmeedofvictory。Tospeakbriefly，wherethereismuchtotell，Iknownotthemanwhosedeedsandtriumphshavematchedhis；butonethingthoumustknow；
inalltheconteststhatthejudgesannounced，heboreawaytheprize；
andmendeemedhimhappy，asoftastheheraldproclaimedhimanArgive，bynameOrestes，sonofAgamemnon，whooncegatheredthefamousarmamentofGreece。
Thusfar，’twaswell；but，whenagodsendsharm，noteventhestrongmancanescape。For，onanotherday，whenchariotsweretotrytheirspeedatsunrise，heentered，withmanycharioteers。OnewasanAchaean，onefromSparta，twomastersofyokedcarswereLibyans；
Orestes，drivingThessalianmares，camefifthamongthem；thesixthfromAetolia，withchestnutcolts；aMagnesianwastheseventh；theeighth，withwhitehorses，wasofAenianstock；theninth，fromAthens，builtofgods；therewasaBoeotiantoo，makingthetenthchariot。
Theytooktheirstationswheretheappointedumpiresplacedthembylotandrangedthecars；then，atthesoundofthebrazentrump，theystarted。Allshoutedtotheirhorses，andshookthereinsintheirhands；thewholecoursewasfilledwiththenoiseofrattlingchariots；thedustflewupward；andall，inaconfusedthrong，pliedtheirgoadsunsparingly，eachofthemstrivingtopassthewheelsandthesnortingsteedsofhisrivals；foralikeattheirbacksandattheirrollingwheelsthebreathofthehorsesfoamedandsmote。
Orestes，drivingclosetothepillarateitherendofthecourse，almostgrazeditwithhiswheeleachtime，and，givingreintothetrace—horseontheright，checkedthehorseontheinnerside。
Hitherto，allthechariotshadescapedoverthrow；butpresentlytheAenian’shard—mouthedcoltsranaway，and，swerving，astheypassedfromthesixthintotheseventhround，dashedtheirforeheadsagainsttheteamoftheBarcaean。Othermishapsfollowedthefirst，shockonshockandcrashoncrash，tillthewholerace—groundofCrisawasstrewnwiththewreckofthechariots。
Seeingthis，thewarycharioteerfromAthensdrewasideandpaused，allowingthebillowofchariots，surginginmidcourse，togoby。Oresteswasdrivinglast，keepinghishorsesbehind，—forhistrustwasintheend；butwhenhesawthattheAthenianwasaloneleftin，hesentashrillcryringingthroughtheearsofhisswiftcolts，andgavechase。Teamwasbroughtlevelwithteam，andsotheyraced，—firstoneman，thentheother。showinghisheadinfrontofthechariots。
Hithertotheill—fatedOresteshadpassedsafelythrougheveryround，steadfastinhissteadfastcar；atlast，slackeninghisleftreinwhilethehorsewasturning，unawareshestrucktheedgeofthepillar；hebroketheaxle—boxintwain；hewasthrownoverthechariot—rail；hewascaughtintheshapelyreins；and，ashefellontheground，hiscoltswerescatteredintothemiddleofthecourse。
Butwhenthepeoplesawhimfallenfromthecar，acryofpitywentupfortheyouth，whohaddonesuchdeedsandwasmeetingsuchadoom，—nowdashedtoearth，nowtossedfeetuppermosttothesky，—
tillthecharioteers，withdifficultycheckingthecareerofhishorses，loosedhim，socoveredwithbloodthatnofriendwhosawitwouldhaveknownthehaplesscorpse。Straightwaytheyburneditonapyre；andchosenmenofPhocisarebringinginasmallurnofbronzethesaddustofthatmightyform，tofinddueburialinhisfatherland。
Suchismystory，—grievoustohear，ifwordscangrieve；butforus，whobeheld，thegreatestofsorrowsthattheseeyeshaveseen。
LEADER
Alas，alasNow，methinks，thestockofourancientmastershathutterlyperished，rootandbranch。
CLYTEMNESTRA
OZeus，whatshallIcallthesetidings，—gladtidings？Ordire，butgainful？’Tisabitterlot，whenmineowncalamitiesmakethesafetyofmylife。
PAEDAGOGUS
Whyartthousodowncast，lady，atthisnews？
CLYTEMNESTRA
Thereisastrangepowerinmotherhood；amothermaybewronged，butsheneverlearnstohateherchild。
PAEDAGOGUS
Thenitseemsthatwehavecomeinvain。
CLYTEMNESTRA
Nay，notinvain；howcanstthousay’invain，’whenthouhastbroughtansureproofsofhisdeath？—His，whosprangfrommineownlife，yet，forsakingmewhohadsuckledandrearedhim，becameanexileandanalien；and，afterhewentoutofthisland，hesawmenomore；but，chargingmewiththemurderofhissire，heuttereddreadthreatsagainstme；sothatneitherbynightnorbydaycouldsweetsleepcovermineeyes，butfrommomenttomomentIlivedinfearofdeath。Now，however—sincethisdayIamridofterrorfromhim，andfromthisgirl，—thatworseplaguewhosharedmyhome，whilestillshedrainedmyverylife—blood，—now，methinks，foraughtthatshecanthreaten，Ishallpassmydaysinpeace。
ELECTRA
Ah，woeisme！Now，indeed，Orestes，thyfortunemaybelamented，whenitisthuswiththee，andthouartmockedbythisthymother！Isitnotwell？
CLYTEMNESTRA
Notwiththee；buthisstateiswell。
ELECTRA
Hear，Nemesisofhimwhohathlatelydied！
CLYTEMNESTRA
Shehathheardwhoshouldbeheard，andhathordainedwell。
ELECTRA
Insultus，forthisisthetimeofthytriumph。
CLYTEMNESTRA
ThenwillnotOrestesandthousilenceme？
ELECTRA
Wearesilenced；muchlessshouldwesilencethee。
CLYTEMNESTRA
Thycoming，sir，woulddeservelargerecompense，ifthouhasthushedherclamoroustongue。
PAEDAGOGUS
ThenImaytakemyleave，ifalliswell。
CLYTEMNESTRA
Notso；thywelcomewouldthenbeunworthyofme，andoftheallywhosentthee。Nay，comethouin；andleaveherwithout，tomakeloudlamentforherselfandforherfriends。
（CLYTEMNESTRAandthePAEDAGOGUSenterthepalace。）
ELECTRA
Howthinkye？Wastherenotgriefandanguishthere，wondrousweepingandwailingofthatmiserablemother，forthesonwhoperishedbysuchafate？Nay，sheleftuswithalaugh！Ah，woeisme！
DearestOrestes，howismylifequenchedbythydeath！Thouhasttornawaywiththefrommyhearttheonlyhopeswhichstillweremine，—thatthouwouldstlivetoreturnsomeday，anavengerofthysire，andofmeunhappy。Butnow—whithershallIturn？Iamalone，bereftofthee，asofmyfather。
HenceforthImustbeaslaveagainamongthosewhommostIhate，myfather’smurderers。Isitnotwellwithme？Butnever，atleast，henceforward，willIenterthehousetodwellwiththem；nay，atthesegatesIwilllaymedown，andhere，withoutafriend，mydaysshallwither。Therefore，ifanyinthehousebewroth，letthemslayme；for’tisagrace，ifIdie，butifIlive，apain；Idesirelifenomore。
（ThefollowinglinesbetweenELECTRA
andtheCHORUSarechantedresponsively。）
CHORUS
strophe1
WherearethethunderboltsofZeus，orwhereisthebrightSun，iftheylookuponthesethings，andbrandthemnot，butrest？
ELECTRA
Woe，woe，ahme，ahme！
CHORUS
Odaughter，whyweepestthou？
ELECTRA（withhandsoutstretchedtoheaven）
Alas！
CHORUS
Utternorashcry！
ELECTRA
Thouwiltbreakmyheart！
CHORUS
Howmeanestthou？
ELECTRA
Ifthousuggestahopeconcerningthosewhohavesurelypassedtotherealmbelow，thouwilttrampleyetmoreuponmymisery。
CHORUS
antistrophe1
Nay，Iknowhow，ensnaredbyawomanforachainofgold，theprinceAmphiarausfoundagrave；andnowbeneaththeearth—
ELECTRA
Ahme，ahme！
CHORUS
—hereignsinfulnessofforce。
ELECTRA
Alas！
CHORUS
Alasindeed！forthemurderess—
ELECTRA
Wasslain。
CHORUS
Yea。
ELECTRA
Iknowit，Iknowit；forachampionarosetoavengethemourningdead；buttomenochampionremains；forhewhoyetwaslefthathbeensnatchedaway。
CHORUS
strophe2
Haplessartthou，andhaplessisthylot！
ELECTRA
WellknowIthat，toowell，—I，whoselifeisatorrentofwoesdreadanddark，atorrentthatsurgesthroughallthemonths！
CHORUS
Wehaveseenthecourseofthysorrow。
ELECTRA
Cease，then，todivertmefromit，whennomore—
CHORUS
Howsayestthou？
ELECTRA
—whennomorecanIhavethecomfortofhopefromabrother，theseedofthesamenoblesire。
CHORUS
antistrophe2
Forallmenitisappointedtodie。
ELECTRA
What，todieasthatill—starredonedied，amidthetrampofracingsteeds，entangledinthereinsthatdraggedhim？
CHORUS
Cruelwashisdoom，beyondthought！
ELECTRA
Yea，surely；wheninforeignsoil，withoutministryofmyhands，—
CHORUS
Alas！
ELECTRA
—heisburied，ungracedbymewithsepultureorwithtears。
（CHRYSOTHEMISentersinexcitement。）
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Joywingsmyfeet，dearsister，notcarefulofseemliness，ifI
comewithspeed；forIbringjoyfulnews，torelievethylongsufferingsandsorrows。
ELECTRA
Andwhencecouldstthoufindhelpformywoes，whereofnocurecanbeimagined？
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Orestesiswithus，—knowthisfrommylips，inlivingpresence，assurelyasthouseestmehere。
ELECTRA
What，artthoumad，poorgirl？Artthoulaughingatmysorrows，andthineown？
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Nay，byourfather’shearth，Ispeaknotinmockery；Itelltheethatheiswithusindeed。
ELECTRA
Ah，woeisme！Andfromwhomhastthouheardthistale，whichthoubelievestsolightly？
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Ibelieveitonmineownknowledge，notonhearsay；Ihaveseenclearproofs。
ELECTRA
Whathastthouseen，poorgirl，towarrantthybelief？Whither，wonderhastthouturnedthineeyes，thatthouartfeveredwiththisbanefulfire？
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Then，forthegods’love，listen，thatthoumayestknowmystory，beforedecidingwhetherIamsaneorfoolish。
ELECTRA
Speakon，then，ifthoufindestpleasureinspeaking。
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Well，thoushalthearallthatIhaveseen。WhenIcametoourfather’sancienttomb，Isawthatstreamsofmilkhadlatelyflowedfromthetopofthemound，andthathissepulchrewasencircledwithgarlandsofallflowersthatblow。Iwasastonishedatthesight，andpeeredabout，lesthaplysomeoneshouldbeclosetomyside。
ButwhenIperceivedthatalltheplacewasinstillness，Icreptnearertothetomb；andonthemound’sedgeIsawalockofhair，freshlysevered。
AndthemomentthatIsawit，ahme，afamiliarimagerusheduponmysoul，tellingmethatthereIbeheldatokenofhimwhommostIlove，Orestes。ThenItookitinmyhands，andutterednoill—omenedword，butthetearsofjoystraightwayfilledmineeyes。
AndIknowwell，asknewthen，thatthisfairtributehascomefromnonebuthim。Whosepartelsewasthat，savemineandthine？AndIdiditnot，Iknow，—northou；howshouldstthou？—whenthoucanstnotleavethishouse，eventoworshipthegods，butatthyperil。Nor，again，doesourmother’sheartinclinetodosuchdeeds，norcouldshehavesodonewithoutourknowledge。
No，theseofferingsarefromOrestes！Come，dearsister，courage！Nomortallifeisattendedbyachangelessfortune。Ourswasoncegloomy；butthisday，perchance，willsealthepromiseofmuchgood。
ELECTRA
Alasforthyfolly！HowIhavebeenpityingthee！
CHRYSOTHEMIS
What，arenotmytidingswelcome？
ELECTRA
Thouknowestnotwhitherorintowhatdreamsthouwanderest。
CHRYSOTHEMIS
ShouldInotknowwhatmineowneyeshaveseen？
ELECTRA
Heisdead，poorgirl；andthyhopesinthatdelivereraregone:
looknottohim。
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Woe，woeisme！Fromwhomhastthouheardthis？
ELECTRA
Fromthemanwhowaspresentwhenheperished。
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Andwhereishe？Wonderstealsovermymind。
ELECTRA
Heiswithin，aguestnotunpleasingtoourmother。
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Ah，woeisme！Whose，then，canhavebeenthoseampleofferingstoourfather’stomb？
ELECTRA
Mostlikely，Ithink，someonebroughtthosegiftsinmemoryofthedeadOrestes。
CHRYSOTHEMIS
Oh，haplessthatIam！AndIwasbringingsuchnewsinjoyoushaste，ignorant，itseems，howdirewasourplight；butnowthatI
havecome，Ifindfreshsorrowsaddedtotheold！