PYLADES
O，thouhastboundmewithaneasyoath：
WhatIhaveswornwithhonestpurpose，longDeferInot，butthusdischargemineoath。
Totheealetterfromthysister，lo，Ibear，Orestes；andIgiveitthee。
（PYLADEShandsthelettertoORESTES。）
ORESTES
Idoreceiveit，butforbeartouncloseitsfoldings，greaterpleasurefirsttoenjoyThanwordscangive。Mysister，Omostdear，Astonish’dev’ntodisbelief，IthrowMinearmsaroundtheewithafondembrace，IntransportatthewondrousthingsIhear。
LEADEROFTHECHORUS
Stranger，thoudostnotwellwithhandsprofaneThustopollutethepriestessoftheshrine，Graspinghergarmentshallow’dfromthetouch。
ORESTES
Mysister，mydearsister，fromonesire，FromAgamemnonsprung，turnnotaway，Holdingthybrotherthusbeyondallhope。
IPHIGENIA
Mybrother！Thoumybrother！WiltthounotUnsaythesewords？AtArgosfarhedwells。
ORESTES
Thybrother，Ounhappy！isnotthere。
IPHIGENIA
TheedidtheSpartanTyndarusbringforth？
ORESTES
AndfromthesonofPelops’sonIsprung，IPHIGENIA
Whatsay’stthou？Canstthougivemeproofofthis？
ORESTES
Ican：asksomethingofmyfather’shouse。
IPHIGENIA
Nay，itisthinetospeak，minetoattend。
ORESTES
FirstletmementionthingswhichIhaveheardElectraspeak：totheeisknownthestrifeWhichfierce’twixtAtreusandThyestesrose。
IPHIGENIA
Yes，Ihaveheardit；forthegoldenram，—
ORESTES
Intherichtexturedidstthounotinweaveit？
IPHIGENIA
Othoumostdear！Thouwindestnearmyheart。
ORESTES
Andimageinthewebtheavertedsun？
IPHIGENIA
InthefinethreadsthatfiguredidIwork。
ORESTES
ForAulisdidthymotherbathethylimbs？
IPHIGENIA
Iknowit，tounluckyspousalsled。
ORESTES
Whytothymotherdidstthousendthylocks？
IPHIGENIA
Devotedformybodytothetomb。
ORESTES
WhatImyselfhaveseenInowasproofsWillmention。Inthyfather’shouse，hunghighWithinthyvirginchambers，theoldspearOfPelops，whichhebrandish’dwhenheslewOenomaus，andwonhisbeauteousbride，ThevirginHippodamia，Pisa’sboast。
IPHIGENIA
Othoumostdear（forthouarthe），mostdearAcknowledged，thee，Orestes，doIhold，FromArgos，fromthycountrydistantfar？
ORESTES
AndholdIthee，mysister，longdeem’ddead？
Griefmix’dwithjoy，andtears，nottaughtbywoeTorise，standmeltinginthyeyesandmine。
IPHIGENIA
Theeyetaninfantinthynurse’sarmsIleft，ababeIlefttheeinthehouse。
Thouartmorehappy，Omysoul，thanspeechKnowstoexpress。WhatshallIsay？’tisallSurpassingwonderandthepowerofwords。
ORESTES
Maywetogetherfromthishourbebless’d！
IPHIGENIA
Anunexpectedpleasure，Omyfriends，HaveIreceived；yetfearIfrommyhandsLesttotheairitfly。OsacredhearthsRaisedbytheCyclops！Omycountry，lovedMycenae！Nowthatthoudidstgivemebirth，Tthankthee；nowIthankthee，thatmyyouthThoutrainedst，sincemybrotherthouhastrain’d，Abeamoflight，thegloryofhishouse。
ORESTES
Weinourracearehappy；butourlife，Mysister，bymisfortunesisunhappy。
IPHIGENIA
Iwas，Iknow，unhappy，whentheswordMyfather，frantic，pointedatmyneck。
ORESTES
Ahme！methinksev’nnowIseetheethere。
IPHIGENIA
WhentoAchilles，brother，notabride，Itothesacrificebyguilewasled，Andtearsandgroansthealtarcompass’dround。
ORESTES
Alas，thelaversthere！
IPHIGENIA
Imourn’dthedeedMyfatherdared；unlikeafather’slove；
Cruel，unlikeafather’slove，tome。
ORESTES
Illdeedssucceedtoill：ifthouhadstslainThybrother，bysomegodimpell’d，whatgriefsMusthavebeenthineatsuchadreadfuldeed！
IPHIGENIA（chanting）
Dreadfulmybrother，Ohowdreadful！scarceHastthouescapedafoul，unhallow’ddeath，Slainbymyhands。Buthowwillthesethingsend？
WhatFortunewillassistme？WhatsafemeansShallIdevisetosendtheefromthisstate，Fromslaughter，tothynativeland，toArgos，Erewiththybloodthecruelswordbestain’d？
Thistodevise，Omyunhappysoul！
Thistodeviseisthine。Wiltthoubyland，Thybarkdeserted，speedthyflightonfoot？
Perilsawaittheemidthesebarbaroustribes，Throughpathlesswilds；and’twixttheclashingrocks，Narrowthepassagefortheflyingbark，Andlong。Unhappy，ah，unhappyme！
Whatgod，whatmortal，whatunlook’d—forchanceWillexpediteourdangerousway，andshowTwosprungfromAtreusareleasefromills？
LEADER
WhathavingseenandheardIshallrelate，Ismarvellous，andpassesfablingtales。
PYLADES
Whenafterabsencelong，Orestes，friendMeetsfriend，embraceswillexpresstheirjoy。
Behoovesusnow，biddingfarewelltogrief，AndheedfultoobtainthegloriousnameOfsafety，fromthisbarbarouslandtofly。
Thewise，offortunenotregardless，seizeTheoccasion，andtohappinessadvance。
ORESTES
Wellhastthousaid；andFortunehere，Iween，Willaidus；tothefirmandstrenuousmindMorepotentworkstheinfluencedivine。
IPHIGENIA
Nothingshallcheck，nothingrestrainmyspeech：
FirstwillIquestiontheewhatfortunewaitsElectra：thistoknowwouldyieldmejoy。
ORESTES
Withhim（pointingtoPylades）shedwells，andhappyisherlife，IPHIGENIA
Whencethenishe？andfromwhatfathersprung？
ORESTES
FromPhocis：Strophiusishisfathernamed。
IPHIGENIA
ByAtreus’daughtertomybloodallied？
ORESTES
Nearlyallied：myonlyfaithfulfriend。
IPHIGENIA
Hewasnotthen，mewhenmyfatherslew。
ORESTES
ChildlesswasStrophiusforsomelengthoftime。
IPHIGENIA
Othou，thehusbandofmysister，hailORESTES
Morethanrelation，mypreservertoo。
IPHIGENIA
Buttothymotherwhythatdreadfuldeed？
ORESTES
Ofthatnomore：toavengemyfather’sdeath。
IPHIGENIA
Butforwhatcausedidsheherhusbandslay？
ORESTES
Ofherinquirenot：thouwouldstblushtohear。
IPHIGENIA
TheeyesofArgosnowareraisedtothee。
ORESTES
ThereMenelausislord；I，outcast，fly。
IPHIGENIA
Hathhethenwrong’dhisbrother’sruin’dhouse？
ORESTES
Notso：theFuriesfrightmefromtheland。
IPHIGENIA
Themadnessthis，whichseizedtheeontheshore？
ORESTES
Iwasnotfirstbeheldunhappythere。
IPHIGENIA
Sternpowers！theyhaunttheeforthymother’sblood。
ORESTES
Andruthlessmakemechampthebloodybit。
IPHIGENIA
Whytothisregionhasthousteer’dthycourse？
ORESTES
CommandedbyApollo’svoice，Icome。
IPHIGENIA
Withwhatintent？ifthatmaybedisclosed。
ORESTES
Iwillinformthee，thoughtolengthofspeechThisleads。Whenvengeancefrommyhandso’ertookMymother’sdeeds—fouldeeds，whichletmepassInsilence—bytheFuries’fierceassaultsToflightIwasimpell’d：toAthensthenApollosentme，that，mycausethereheard，Imightappeasethevengefulpowers，whosenamesMaynotbeutter’d：thetribunalthereIsholy，whichforMars，whenstain’dwithblood，Joveinoldtimesestablish’d。Therearrived，Nonewillinglyreceivedme，bythegodsAsoneabhorr’d；andthey，whofeltthetouchOfshame，thehospitableboardaloneYielded；andthoughonecommonroofbeneath，Theirsilenceshowingtheydisdain’dtoholdConversewithme，ItookfromthemapartAlonerepast；toeachwasplacedabowlOfthesamemeasure；thistheyfilledwithwine，Andbathedtheirspiritsindelight。UnmeetIdeem’dittoexpressoffenceatthoseWhoentertain’dme，butinsilencegrieved，ShowingacheerasthoughImark’ditnot，Andsigh’dforthatIshedmymother’sblood。
Afeast，Ihear，atAthensisordain’dFromthismyevilplight，ev’nyetobserved，Inwhichtheequal—measuredbowlthenusedIsbythatpeopleheldinhonourhigh。
ButwhentothetribunalonthemountOfMarsIcame，onestandItook，andoneTheeldestoftheFuriesopposite：
Thecausewasheardtouchingmymother’sblood，AndPhoebussavedmebyhisevidence：
Equal，byPallasnumber’d，werethevotesAndIfromdoomofbloodvictoriousfreedSuchoftheFuriesastheresat，appeasedBythejustsentence，nighthecourtresolvedTofixtheirseat；butothers，whomthelawAppeasednot，withrelentlesstorturesstillPursuedme，tillIreach’dthehallow’dsoilOfPhoebus：stretch’dbeforehisshrine，IsworeFoodlesstowastemywretchedlifeaway，Unlessthegod，bywhomIwasundone，Wouldsaveme：fromthegoldentripodburstThevoicedivine，andsentmetothisshore，Commandingmetobeartheimagehence，WhichfellfromJove，andintheAthenianlandTofixit。Whattheoracularvoiceassign’dMysafety，dothouaid：ifweobtainThestatueofthegoddess，InomoreWithmadnessshallbetortured，butthisarmShallplacetheeinmybark，whichploughsthewavesWithmanyanoar，andtoMycenaesafeBeartheeagain。Showthenasister’slove，Othoumostdear；preservethyfather’shouse，Preservemetoo；formedestructionwaits，AndalltheraceofPelops，ifwebearnotThisheaven—descendedimagefromtheshrine。
LEADER
Theangerofthegodshathragedsevere，AndplungedtheraceofTantalusinwoes。
IPHIGENIA
Erethyarrivalhere，afonddesireTobeagainatArgos，andtoseeThee，mylovedbrother，fill’dmysoul。ThywishIsmywarmwish，tofreetheefromthytoils，Andfromitsruinsraisemyfather’shouse；
NorharbourI’gainsthim，thatslewme，thoughtOfharshresentment：fromthybloodmyhandsWouldIkeeppure，thyhouseIwouldpreserve。
Butfromthegoddesshowmaythisbehid？
ThetyranttooIfear，whenheshallfindThestatueonitsmarblebasenomore。
Whatthenfromdeathwillsaveme？WhatexcuseShallIdevise？YetbyonedaringdeedMightthesethingsbeachieved：couldstthoubearhenceTheimage，metoointhygallantbarkPlacingsecure，howgloriousweretheattempt！
Meifthoujoinnotwiththee，IamlostIndeed；butthou，withprudentmeasuresform’d，Return。Iflynodanger，notev’ndeath，Bedeathrequired，tosavethee：no：themanDyingismourn’d，astohishousealoss；
Butwoman’sweaknessisoflightesteem。
ORESTES
Iwouldnotbethemurdererofmymother，Andoftheetoo；sufficientisherblood。
No；Iwillsharethyfortune，livewiththee，Orwiththeedie：toArgosIwillleadthee，IfhereIperishnot；ordying，hereRemainwiththee。Butwhatmymindsuggests，Hear：ifDianawereaversetothis，HowcouldthevoiceofPhoebusfromhisshrineDeclarethattothestateofPallashenceThestatueofthegoddessIshouldbear，Andseethyface？Allthis，togetherweigh’d，Giveshopeoffairsuccess，andourreturn。
IPHIGENIA
Buthoweffectit，thatweneitherdie，Andwhatwewishachieve？ForourreturnOnthisdepends：thisclaimsdeliberatethought。
ORESTES
Havewenotmeanstoworkthetyrant’sdeath？
IPHIGENIA
Forstrangersfullofperilweretheattempt。
ORESTES
Theewoulditsaveandme，itmustbedared。
IPHIGENIA
Icouldnot：yetthypromptnessIapprove。
ORESTES
Whatifthoulodgemeintheshrineconceal’d？
IPHIGENIA
Thatintheshadesofnightwemayescape？
ORESTES
Nightisafriendtofrauds，thelighttotruth。
IPHIGENIA
Withinaresacredguards；we’scapenotthem。
ORESTES
Ruinthenwaitsus：howcanwebesaved？
IPHIGENIA
IthinkIhavesomenewandsafedevice。
ORESTES
Whatisit？Letmeknow：impartthythought，IPHIGENIA
ThysufferingsformypurposeIwilluse，—
ORESTES
Toformdevicesquickiswoman’swit。
IPHIGENIA
Andsay，thymotherslain，thoufledd’stfromArgos。
ORESTES
Iftoaughtgood，availtheeofmyills。
IPHIGENIA
Unmeetthenatthisshrinetoofferthee。
ORESTES
Whatcausealleged？Ireachnotthineintent。
IPHIGENIA
Asnowimpure：whenhallow’d，Iwillslaythee。
ORESTES
Howistheimagethusmorepromptlygain’d？
IPHIGENIA
TheeIwillhallowintheoceanwaves。
ORESTES
Thestatuewewouldgainisinthetemple。
IPHIGENIA
That，bythytouchpolluted，Iwouldcleanse。
ORESTES
Where？Onthewaterymarginofthemain？
IPHIGENIA
Wherethytallbarksecuredwithcablesrides。
ORESTES
Andwhoshallbeartheimageinhishands？
IPHIGENIA
Myself；profanedbyanytouch，butmine。
ORESTES
Whatofthisbloodshallonmyfriendbecharged？
IPHIGENIA
Hishands，itshallbesaid，likethinearestain’d。
ORESTES
Insecretthis，ortothekingdisclosed？
IPHIGENIA
Withhisassent；Icannothideitfromhim。
ORESTES
Mybarkwithreadyoarsattendstheenear。
IPHIGENIA
Thatallbewellappointed，bethycharge。
ORESTES
Onethingaloneremains；thattheseconcealOurpurpose：butaddressthem，teachthytonguePersuasivewords：awomanhaththepowerTomeltthehearttopity：thusperchanceAllthingsmaytoourwarmestwishsucceed。
IPHIGENIA
Yetrainoffemales，tomysoulmostdear，Onyoumineeyesareturn’d，onyoudependsMyfate；withprosperousfortunetobebless’d，Ortobenothing，tomycountrylost，Ofadearkinsmanandamuch—lovedbrotherDeprived。ThispleaIfirstwouldurge，thatweArewomen，andhaveheartsbynatureform’dToloveeachother，ofourmutualtrustsMostfirmpreservers。Touchingourdesign，Besilent，andassistourflight：naughtclaimsMorehonourthanthefaithfultongue。YouseeHowthesamefortunelinksusthree，mostdearEachtotheother，torevisitsafeOurcountry，ortodie。IfIamsaved，Thatthoumaystsharemyfortune，ItoGreeceWillbringtheesafe：buttheebythisrighthand，TheeIconjure，andthee；bythislovedcheekThee，bythyknees，byallthatinyourhouseIsdearesttoyou，father，mother，child，Ifyouhavechildren。Whatdoyoureply？
Whichofyouspeaksassent？Orwhichdissents？
Butbeyouallassenting：formypleaIfyouapprovenot，ruinfallsonme，Andmyunhappybrothertoomustdie。
LEADER
Beconfident，lovedladyandconsultOnlythysafety：allthougivestincharge，Bewitness，mightyJove，Iwillconceal。
IPHIGENIA
O，forthisgenerouspromisebeyoubless’d。
（ToORESTESandPYLADES）
Toenternowthetemplebethypart，Andthine：forsoonthemonarchofthelandWillcome，inquiringifthestrangersyetHavebow’dtheirnecksasvictimsattheshrine。
Goddessrevered，whointhedreadfulbayOfAulisfrommyfather’sslaughteringhandDidstsaveme；savemenow，andthese：throughthee，ElsewillthevoiceofPhoebusbenomoreHeldtruebymortals。FromthisbarbarouslandToAthensgopropitious：heretodwellBeseemstheenot；thinebeapolish’dstate！
（ORESTES，PYLADES，andIPHIGENIAenterthetemple。）
CHORUS（singing）
strophe1
Obird，thatroundeachcraggyheightProjectingo’ertheseabelow，Wheelestthymelancholyflight，Thysongattunedtonotesofwoe；
Thewisethytendersorrowsown，Whichthylostlordunceasingmoan；
Likethine，sadhalcyon，bemystrain，Abird，thathavenowingstofly：
WithfonddesireforGreeceIsigh，Andformymuch—lovedsocialtrain；
SighforDiana，pityingmaid，Whojoystoroveo’erCynthus’heights。
Orinthebranchinglaurel’sshade，Orinthesoft—hair’dpalmdelights，Orthehoarolive’ssacredboughs，LenientofsadLatona’swoes；
Orinthelake，thatrollsitswaveWhereswanstheirplumagelovetolave；
Then，totheMusessoaringhigh，Thehomagepayofmelody。
antistrophe1
Yetears，whatfrequent—fallingshowersRoll’ddownthesecheeksinstreamsofwoe，Wheninthedustmycountry’stowersLaylevell’dbytheconqueringfoe；
And，totheirspearsaprey，theiroarsBroughtmetothesebarbaricshores！
Forgoldexchanged，atrafficbase，Novulgarslave，thetaskismine，HereatDiana’sawfulshrine，Wholovesthewoodlandhindtochase，Thevirginpriestesstoattend，DaughterofrichMycenae’slord；
Atothershrinesherwishtobend，Wherebleedsthevictimlessabhorr’d：
Norespitetohergriefssheknows；
Notsotheheartinuredtowoes，Astrain’dtosorrow’srigidlore：
Nowcomesachange；itmournsnomore：
Butlolongblisswhenillsucceeds，Theanguish’dheartforeverbleeds。
strophe2
Thee，lovedvirgin，freedfromfearHometheArgivebarkshallbear：
MountainPan，withthrillingstrain，TotheoarsthatdashthemainInjustcadencewellagreed，Shallaccordhiswax—join’dreed：
Phoebus，withaprophet’sfireSweepingo’erhisseven—string’dlyre，AndhisvoiceattuninghighTotheswellingharmony，Theeshallguidethewildwaveso’erTothesoftAthenianshore。
Leavingme，thyoarsshallsweepEagero’erthefoamingdeep：
ThoushaltcatchtherisinggalesSwellinginthyfirm—boundsails；
AndthybarkingallantprideLightshallo’erthebillowsglide。
antistrophe2
MightIthroughthelucidairFlywhererollsyonflamingcar，O’erthoselovedandmodestbowers，WhereIpass’dmyyouthfulhours，Iwouldstaymywearyflight，Wavenomoremypennonslight，But，amidthevirginband，Oncemylovedcompanions，stand：
Oncemidthemmycharmscouldmove，Bloomingthen，theflamesoflove；
WhenthemazydanceItrod，Whilewithjoymymotherglow’d；
Whentovieingracewasmine，Andinsplendidrobestoshine；
For，withradianttintsimpress’d，Glow’dformethegorgeousvest；
Andthesetressesgavenewgrace，Astheirringletsshademyface。
（THOASandhisretinueenter。）
THOAS
WhereistheGrecianlady，towhosechargeThistempleiscommitted？HaveherritesHallow’dthestrangers？DotheirbodiesburnIntherecessesofthesacredshrine？
LEADEROFTHECHORUS
Shecomes，andwillinformthee，king，ofall。
（IPHIGENIAcomesoutofthetemple。SheiscarryingthesacredstatueofDiana。）
THOAS
DaughterofAgamemnon，whatmeansthis？
ThestatueofthegoddessinthinearmsWhydostthoubear，fromitsfirmbaseremoved？
IPHIGENIA
Thereintheportal，monarch，staythystep。
THOAS
Whatofstrangeimportintheshrinehathchanced？
IPHIGENIA
Thingsominous：thatwordI，holy，speak。
THOAS
Towhatistunedthyproem？Plainlyspeak。
IPHIGENIA
Notpurethevictims，king，youlatelyseized。
THOAS
Whatshowdtheethis？Orspeak’stthoubutthythought？
IPHIGENIA
Backturn’dthesacredimageonitsbase。
THOAS
Spontaneousturn’d，orbyanearthquakemoved？
IPHIGENIA
Spontaneous，and，averted，closeditseyes。
THOAS
Whatwasthecause？Theblood—stain’dstranger’sguilt？
IPHIGENIA
That，andnaughtelse；forhorribletheirdeeds。
THOAS
What，havetheyslainsomeScythianontheshore？
IPHIGENIA
Theycamepollutedwithdomesticblood。
THOAS
Whatblood？Ihaveastrongdesiretoknow。
IPHIGENIA
Theyslewtheirmotherwithconfederateswords。
THOAS
OPhoebus！Thishathnobarbariandared。
IPHIGENIA
AllGreeceindignantchasedthemfromherrealms。
THOAS
Bear’stthouforthistheimagefromtheshrine？
IPHIGENIA
Tothepureair，fromstainofbloodremoved。
THOAS
Bywhatmeansdidstthouknowthestranger’sguilt？
IPHIGENIA
Ilearn’ditasthestatuestartedback。
THOAS
Greecetrain’dtheewise：thiswellhastthoudiscern’d。
IPHIGENIA
Nowwithsweetblandishmentstheysoothemysoul。
THOAS
SomeglozingtalefromArgostellingthee？
IPHIGENIA
Ihaveonebrother：he，theysay，liveshappy，—
THOAS
Thatthoumaystsavethemfortheirpleasingnews？
IPHIGENIA
Andthatmyfatherlives，byfortunebless’d。
THOAS
Butonthegoddesswellthythoughtsareturn’d。
IPHIGENIA
IhateallGreece；forithathruin’dme。
THOAS
Whatwiththestrangers，saythen，shouldbedone？
IPHIGENIA
Thelawordain’dinreverencewemusthold。
THOAS
Arethenthylaversready，andthesword？
IPHIGENIA
FirstIwouldcleansethemwithablutionspure。
THOAS
Infountainwaters，ortheoceanwave？
IPHIGENIA
Allman’spollutionsdoththesaltseacleanse。
THOAS
Moreholytothegoddesswilltheybleed。
IPHIGENIA
AndbetterwhatIhaveinchargeadvance。
THOAS
Dothnotthewaveev’n’gainstthetemplebeat？
IPHIGENIA
Thisrequiressolitude：moremustIdo。
THOAS
Leadwherethouwilt：onsecretriteIprynot。
IPHIGENIA
TheimageofthegoddessImustcleanse。
THOAS
Ifitbestain’dwithtouchofmother’sblood。
IPHIGENIA
Icouldnotelsehaveborneitfromitsbase。
THOAS
Justisthyprovidentandpiousthought；
Forthisbyallthestatethouartrevered。
IPHIGENIA
Know’stthouwhatnextIwould？
THOAS
’TisthinethywillTosignify。
IPHIGENIA
Giveforthesestrangerschains。
THOAS
Towhatplacecantheyfly？
IPHIGENIA
AGrecianknowsNaughtfaithful。
THOAS
Ofmytraingosomeforchains。
（Someattendantsgoout。）
IPHIGENIA
Letthemleadforththestrangers。
THOAS
Beitso，IPHIGENIA
Andveiltheirfaces。
THOAS
Fromthesun’sbrightbeams？
IPHIGENIA
Someofthytrainsendwithme。
THOAS
Theseshallgo，Attendingthee。
IPHIGENIA
Onetothecitysend。
THOAS
Withwhatinstructionscharged？
IPHIGENIA
ThatallremainWithintheirhouses。
THOAS
ThatthestainofbloodTheymeetnot？
IPHIGENIA
Thesethingshavepollutioninthem。
THOAS
Gothou，andbeartheinstructions。
（Anattendantdeparts。）
IPHIGENIA
ThatnonecomeInsight，THOAS
Howwiselycarefulforthecity！
IPHIGENIA
Warnourfriendsmost。
THOAS
Thisspeaksthycareforme。
IPHIGENIA
Staythoubeforetheshrine。
THOAS
Towhatintent？
IPHIGENIA
Cleanseitwithlustralfires。
THOAS
ThatthyreturnMayfinditpure？
IPHIGENIA
ButwhenthestrangerscomeForthfromthetemple，—
THOAS
WhatmustIthendo？
IPHIGENIA
Spreado’erthineeyesaveil。
THOAS
ThatIreceivenotPollution？
IPHIGENIA
Tediousifmystayappear，—
THOAS
Whatboundsmaybeassign’d？
IPHIGENIA
Deemitnotstrange。
THOAS
Atleisurewhattheritesrequireperform。
IPHIGENIA
MaythislustrationasIwishsucceed！
THOAS
Thywishismine。
（ORESTESandPYLADES，bound，areledfromthetempleinsolemnprocessionbytheguards。THOASandhisretinueveiltheirheadsasitslowlymovespast。）
IPHIGENIA（chanting）
Butfromthetemple，see，Thestrangerscome，thesacredornaments，Thehallow’dlambs—forIwithbloodmustwashThisexecrablebloodaway，—thelightOftorches，andwhatelsemyritesrequireTopurifythesestrangerstothegoddess。
ButtothenativesofthislandmyvoiceProclaims，fromthispollutionfarremove，Artthouattendantattheshrine，wholiftestPuretothegodsthyhands，ornuptialritesDostthouprepare，orpregnantmatron；hence，Begone，thatthisdefilementnonemaytouch。
Thou，daughterofLatonaandhighJove，Oroyalvirgin，ifIcleansethestainOfthese，andwhereIoughtwithholyritesAddressthee，thoushaltholdthyresidenceInapuremansion；wetooshallbebless’d。
MorethoughIspeaknot，goddess，unexpress’d，Allthingstotheeandtothegodsareknown。
（IPHIGENIA，carryingthestatue，joinstheprocessionasisgoesout。THOASandhisretinueenterthetemple。）
CHORUS（singing）
stropheLatona’sgloriousoffspringclaimsthesong，Bornthehallow’dshadesamong，WherefruitfulDeloswindshervalleyslow；
Bright—hair’dPhoebus，skill’dtoinspireRaptures，ashesweepsthelyre，Andshethatgloriesintheunerringbow。
Fromtherockyridgessteep，Atwhosefeetthehush’dwavessleep，Lefttheirfar—famednativeshore，ThemtheexultingmotherboreToParnassus，onwhoseheightsBacchusshoutingholdshisrites；
Glitteringintheburnish’dshade，Bythelaurel’sbranchesmade，Wheretheenormousdragonlies，Brasshisscales，andflamehiseyes，Earth—bornmonster，thataroundRollingguardstheoracularground；
Him，whileyetasportivechild，Inhismother’sarmsthatsmiled，Phoebusslew，andseizedtheshrineWhenceproceedsthevoicedivine：
Onthegoldentripodplaced，Thronebyfalsehoodne’erdisgraced，WhereCastalia’spurestreamflows，Hethefatestomortalshows。
antistropheButwhenThemis，whomofyoreEarth，herfruitfulmother，bore，Fromherhallow’dseathedrove，Earthtoavengeherdaughterstrove，Formingvisionsofthenight，Which，inraptdreamshoveringlight，AllthatTime’sdarkvolumesholdMighttomortalsenseunfold，Wheninmidnight’ssableshadesSleepthesilentcouchinvades：
ThusdidEarthhervengeanceboast。
Hisprophetichonourslost，RoyalPhoebusspeedshisflightToOlympus，onwhoseheightAtthethroneofJovehestands，Stretchingforthhislittlehands，SuppliantthatthePythianshrineFeelnomorethewrathdivine；
Thatthegoddessheappease；
Thathernightlyvisionscease。
JovewithsmilesbeheldhissonEarlythusaddresshisthrone，SuingwithambitiousprideO’ertherichshrinetopreside；
He，assenting，bow’dhishead。
Straightthenightlyvisionsfled；
AndpropheticdreamsnomoreHover’dslumberingmortalso’er：
NowtoPhoebusgivenagain，Allhishonourspureremain；
VotariesdistantregionssendHisfrequentedthronetoattend：
AndthefirmdecreesoffateOnhisfaithfulvoiceawait。
（AMESSENGERenters。）
MESSENGER
Sayyou，thatkeepthetemple，andattendThealtar，whereisThoas，Scythia’sking？
Openthesestrong—compactedgates，andcalForthfromtheshrinethemonarchoftheland。
LEADEROFTHECHORUS
Wherefore？atthycommandifImustspeak。
MESSENGER
Thetwoyoungmenaregone，throughthedeviceOfAgamemnon’sdaughter：fromthislandTheyfly；and，intheirGreciangalleyplaced，Thesacredimageofthegoddessbear。
LEADER
Incrediblethytale：butwhomthouseek’st，Themonarch，fromthetemplewentinhaste。
MESSENGER
Whither？forwhatisdoingheshouldknow。
LEADER
Weknownot：butgothou，andseekforhim：
Where’erthoufindhim，thouwilttellhimthis。
MESSENGER
See，whatafaithlessraceyouwomenare！
Inallthathathbeendoneyouhaveapart。
LEADER
Surethouartmad！whatwiththestrangers’flightHavewetodo？Butwiltthounot，withallThespeedthoumayst，gotothemonarch’shouse？
MESSENGER
NottillIfirstamwellinform’d，ifhereWithinthetemplebetheking，ornot。
（Shouting）
Unbarthegates（toyouwithinIspeak）；
AndtellyourlordthatattheportalhereIstand，andbringhimtidingsoffreshills。
（THOASandhisattendantsenterfromthetemple。）
THOAS
WhoatthetempleofthegoddessdaresThisclamourraise，and，thunderingatthegates，Strikesterrorthroughtheamplespacewithin？
MESSENGER
Withfalsehoodswouldthesewomendrivemehence，Withouttoseekthee：thouwastintheshrine。
THOAS
Withwhatintent？orwhatadvantagesought？
MESSENGER
Ofthesehereafter；whatmoreurgentnowImportsthee，hear：thevirgin，inthisplacePresidingatthealtars，fromthislandIswiththestrangersfled，andbearswithherThesacredimageofthegoddess；allOfherablutionsbutafalsepretence。
THOAS
Howsay’stthou？Whatisheraccurseddesign？
MESSENGER
TosaveOrestes：thistoowillamazethee。
THOAS
Whom？WhatOrestes？Clytemnestra’sson？
MESSENGER
Himatthealtarhallow’dnowtobleed。
THOAS
Portentous！forwhatlesscanitbecall’d？
MESSENGER
Thinknotonthat，buthearme；withdeepthoughtReflect：weighwellwhatthoushalthear；deviseBywhatpursuittoreachandseizethestrangers。
THOAS
Speak：thouadvisestwell：theseathoughnigh，Theyflynotsoastoescapemyspear。
MESSENGER
Whentotheshorewecame，wherestation’drodeThegalleyofOrestes，bytherocksConceal’dtous，whomthouhadstsentwithherToholdthestrangers’chains，theroyalmaidMadesignsthatweretire，andstandaloof，AsifwithsecretritesshewouldperformThepurposedexpiation：onshewent，Inherownhandsholdingthestrangers’chainsBehindthem：notwithoutsuspicion—this，Yetbythyservants，king，allow’d。Atlength，ThatwemightdeemherinsomepurposehighEmploy’d，sheraisedhervoice，andchantedloudBarbaricstrains，asifwithmysticritesShecleansedthestainofblood。WhenwehadsatAtediouswhile，itcameintoourthought，Thatfromtheirchainsunloosed，thestrangeryouthsMightkillher，andescapebyflight：yetfearOfseeingwhatweoughtnot，keptusstillInsilence；butatlengthweallresolvedTogo，thoughnotpermitted，wheretheywere。
TherewebeholdtheGrecianbarkwithoarsWellfurnish’d，wing’dforflight；andattheirseats，Graspingtheiroars，werefiftyrowers；freeFromchainsbesidethesternthetwoyouthsstoodSomefromtheprowrelievedthekeelwithpoles；
Someweigh’dtheanchorsup；theclimbingropesSomehasten’d，throughtheirhandsthecablesdrew，Launch’dthelightbark，andgavehertothemain。
Butwhenwesawtheirtreacherouswiles，werush’dHeedlessofdanger，seizedthepriestess，seizedThehalsers，hunguponthehelm，andstroveTorendtherudder—bandsaway。DebateNowrose：—\"Whatmeanyou，sailingo’ertheseas，ThestatueandthepriestessfromthelandBystealthconveying？Whenceartthou，andwho，Thatbear’sther，likeapurchasedslave，away？\"
Hesaid，\"Iamherbrother；beofthisInform’d；Orestes，sonofAgamemnon：
Mysister，solonglost，Ibearaway，Recover’dhere。\"ButnaughtthelessforthatHeldwethepriestess，andbyforcewouldleadAgaintothee：hencedreadfulonourcheeksTheblows；forintheirhandsnoswordtheyheld，Norwe；butmanyarattlingstroketheyouthsDealtwitbtheirfists，againstoursidesandbreastsTheirarmsfiercedarting，tillourbatter’dlimbsWerealldisabled：nowwithdreadfulmarksDisfigured，uptheprecipicewefly，Somebearingontheirheads，someintheireyesThebloodybruises：standingontheheights，Ourfightwassafer，andwehurl’datthemFragmentsofrocks；but，standingonthestern，Thearcherswiththeirarrowsdroveusthence；
Andnowaswellingwaveroll’din，whichdroveThegalleytowardstheland。Thesailorsfear’dThesuddenswell：onhisleftarmsustain’d，Orestesborehissisterthroughthetide，Mountedthebark’stallside，andonthedeckSafeplacedher，andDiana’sholyimage，Whichfellfromheaven；fromthemidshiphisvoiceHesentaloud：—\"Yeyouths，thatinthisbarkFromArgosplough’dthedeep，nowplyyouroars，Anddashthebillowstilltheyfoam：thosethingsAreours，forwhichweswepttheEuxinesea。
Andsteer’dourcoursewithinitsclashingrocks。\"
Theygaveacheerfulshout，andwiththeiroarsDash’dthesaltwave。Thegalley，whileitrodeWithintheharbour，work’ditseasyway；
Buthavingpass’ditsmouth，theswellingfloodRoll’donit，andwithsuddenforcethewindImpetuousrisingdroveitback：theiroarsTheyslack’dnot，stoutlystruggling’gainstthewave；
Buttowardsthelandtherefluentfloodimpell’dThegalley：thentheroyalvirginstood，Andpray’d：—\"OdaughterofLatona，saveme，Thypriestesssave；fromthisbarbariclandToGreecerestoreme，andforgivemythefts：
Forthou，Ogoddess，dostthybrotherlove，DeemthenthatIlovethosealliedtome。\"
ThemarinersresponsivetoherprayerShoutedloudpaeans，andtheirnakedarms，Eachcheeringeach，totheirstoutoarsapply。
ButnearerandyetnearertotherockThegalleydrove：somerush’dintothesea，Somestrain’dtheropesthatbindtheloosen’dsails。
StraightwasIhithersenttothee，Oking，Toinformtheeoftheseaccidents。Buthaste，Takechainsandgyveswiththee：forifthefloodsidenottoacalm，thereisnohopeOfsafetytothestrangers。Beassured，ThatNeptune，awfulmonarchofthemain，RemembersTroy；and，hostiletotheraceOfPelops，willdelivertothyhands，Andtothypeople，asismeet，thesonOfAgamemnon；andbringbacktotheHissister，whothegoddesshathbetray’d，UnmindfulofthebloodatAulisshed。
LEADER
UnhappyIphigenia，thoumustdie，Thybrothertoomustdie，ifthouagain，Seizedinthyflight，tothylord’shandsshaltcome。
THOAS
Inhabitantsofthisbarbaricland，Willyounotreinyoursteeds，willyounotflyAlongtheshore，toseizewhate’erthisskiffOfGreececastsforth；and，foryourgoddessroused，Huntdowntheseimpiousmen？WillyounotlaunchInstantyourswift—oar’dbarks，bysea，bylandTocatchthem，fromtheruggedrocktohurlTheirbodies，orimpalethemonthestake？
Butforyou，women，inthesedarkdesignsAccomplices，hereafter，asIfindConvenientleisure，Iwillpunishyou。
Theoccasionurgesnow，andgivesnopause。
（MINERVAappearsabove。）
MINERVA
Whither，OroyalThoas，dostthouleadThisvengefulchase？Attend：Minervaspeaks。
Ceasethypursuit，andstopthisrushingfloodOfarms；forhither，bythefatefulvoiceOfPhoebus，cameOrestes，warn’dtoflyTheangeroftheFuries，toconveyHissistertohernativeArgosback，Andtomylandthesacredimagebear。
Thoas，Ispeaktothee：him，whomthyrageWouldkill，Orestes，onthewildwavesseized，Neptune，todomegrace，alreadywaftsOnthesmoothsea，theswellingsurgescalm’d。
Andthou，Orestes（formyvoicethouhear’st，Thoughdistantfar），tomycommandsattend：
Go，withthesacredimage，whichthoubear’st，Andwiththysister：butwhenthoushaltcomeToAthensbuiltbygods，thereisaplaceOntheextremebordersoftheAtticland，CloseneighbouringtoCarystia’scraggyheight，Sacred；mypeoplecallitAlae：thereAtempleraise，andfixthestatuethere，WhichfromtheTauricgoddessshallreceiveItsname，andfromthytoils，whichthou，throughGreeceDrivenbytheFuries’maddeningstings，hastborne；
AndmortalsshallinfuturetimeswithhymnsTheTauricgoddessthere，Diana，hail。
Andbethislawestablish’d；whenthefeastForthydeliverancefromthisshrineisheld，Toaman’sthroatthattheyapplythesword，Anddrawtheblood，inmemoryoftheserites，Thatofherhonoursnaughtthegoddesslose。
Thou，Iphigenia，onthehallow’dheightsOfBraurononthisgoddessshaltattendHerpriestess，dyingshaltbethereinterr’d，GracedwiththehonoursofthegorgeousvestsOffinesttexture，intheirhousesleftBymatronswhoinchildbedpangsexpired。
TheseGreciandamesbacktotheircountrylead，Ichargethee；justicethisreturndemands，ForIsavedthee，whenonthemountofMarsThevoteswereequal；andfromthatdecreeTheshellsinnumberequalstillabsolve。
But，sonofAgamemnon，fromthislandThysisterbear；nor，Thoas，bethouangry。
THOAS
RoyalMinerva，hethathearsthegodsCommanding，andobeysnot，isunwise。
Myanger’gainstOrestesflamesnomore，Gonethoughhebe，andbearswithhimawayThestatueofthegoddess，andhissister。
Havemortalsglory’gainstthepowerfulgodsContending？Letthemgo，andtothylandThesacredimagebear，andfixitthere；
Goodfortunegowiththem。TofavourGreece，Thesedames，atthyhighbidding，Iwillsend。
MyarmswillIrestrain，whichIhadraisedAgainstthestrangers，andmyswift—oar’dbarks，Since，potentgoddess，thisispleasingtothee。
MINERVA
Ipraisethyresolution；forthepowerOfFateo’ertheeando’erthegodsprevails。
Breathesoft，yefavouringgales，toAthensbearThesesprungfromAgamemnon；ontheircourseAttending，Iwillgo，andheedfulsaveMysister’ssacredimage。Youtoogo（totheCHORUS）
Prosperous，andinthefatethatguardsyoubless’d。
（MINERVAvanishes。）
CHORUS（chanting）
Othou，amongtheimmortalgodsreveredAndmortalmen，Minerva，wewilldoAsthoucommandest；forwithtransporthigh，Exceedinghope，ourearsreceivethywords。
OVictory，Ireverethyawfulpower：
Guardthoumylife，noreverceasetocrownme！