CharactersinthePlayAgamemnonAttendant，anoldmanChorusofWomenofChalcisMenelausClytaemnestraIphigeniaAchillesMessengerThesea-coastatAulis。EnterAGAMEMNONandATTENDANT。
Agamemnon。
Oldman，comehitherandstandbeforemydwelling。
Attendant。
Icome；whatnewschemesnow，kingAgamemnon？
AGAMEMNON
Thoushalthear。
ATTENDANT
Iamalleagerness。’Tislittleenoughsleepoldageallowsmeandkeenlyitwatcheso’ermyeyes。
AGAMEMNON
Whatcanthatstarbe，steeringhiscourseyonder？
ATTENDANT
Sirius，stillshootingo’erthezenithonhiswaynearthePleiads’sevenfoldtrack。
AGAMEMNON
Thebirdsarestillatanyrateandtheseaiscalm；hushedarethewinds，andsilencebroodso’erthisnarrowfirth。
ATTENDANT
Thenwhyartthououtsidethytent，whysorestless，mylordAgamemnon？AllisyetquiethereinAulis，thewatchonthewallsisnotyetastir。Letusgoin。
AGAMEMNON
Ienvythee，oldman，aye，andeverymanwholeadsalifesecure，unknownandunrenowned；butlittleIenvythoseinoffice。
ATTENDANT
Andyet’tisthereweplacethebe-allandend-allofexistence。
AGAMEMNON
Aye，butthatiswherethedangercomes；andambition，sweetthoughitseems，bringssorrowwithitsnearapproach。AtonetimetheunsatisfiedclaimsofHeavenupsetourlife，atanotherthenumerouspeevishfanciesofoursubjectsshatterit。
ATTENDANT
Ilikenotthesesentimentsinonewhoisachief。ItwasnottoenjoyallblessingsthatAtreusbegotthee，OAgamemnon；butthoumustneedsexperiencejoyandsorrowalike，mortalasthouart。E’enthoughthoulikeitnot，thisiswhatthegodsdecree；butthou，afterlettingthytaperspreaditslightabroad，writesttheletterwhichisstillinthyhandsandthenerasestthesamewordsagain，sealingandre-openingthescroll，thenflingingthetablettothegroundwithfloodsoftearsandleavingnothingundoneinthyaimlessbehaviourtostamptheemad。Whatisittroublesthee？whatnewsisthereaffectingthee，myliege？Come，sharewithmethystory；toaloyalandtrustyheartwiltthoubetellingit；forTyndareussentmethatdaytoformpartofthywife’sdowryandtowaituponthebridewithloyalty。
AGAMEMNON
Leda，thedaughterofThestius，hadthreechildren，maidens，Phoebe，Clytaemnestramywife，andHelen；thislastitwaswhohadforwooerstheforemostofthefavouredsonsofHellas；butterriblethreatsofspillinghisrival’sbloodwereutteredbyeachofthem，shouldhefailtowinthemaid。NowthematterfilledTyndareus，herfather，withperplexity；atlengththisthoughtoccurredtohim；thesuitorsshouldswearuntoeachotherandjoinrighthandsthereonandpourlibationswithburntsacrifice，bindingthemselvesbythiscurse，\"WhoeverwinsthechildofTyndareusforwife，himwillweassist，incasearivaltakesherfromhishouseandgoeshisway，robbingherhusbandofhisrights；andwewillmarchagainstthatmaninarmedarrayandrazehiscitytotheground，Hellenenolessthanbarbarian。\"
NowwhentheyhadoncepledgedtheirwordandoldTyndareuswithnosmallclevernesshadbeguiledthembyhisshrewddevice，heallowedhisdaughtertochoosefromamonghersuitorstheonetowardswhomthebreathoflovemightfondlywafther。HerchoicefellonMenelaus；
wouldshehadnevertakenhim！AnontherecametoLacedaemonfromPhrygia’sfolkthemanwho，legendsays，adjudgedthegoddesses’
dispute；inrobesofgorgeoushue，ablazewithgold，intruebarbaricpomp；andhe，findingMenelausgonefromhome，carriedHelenoffwithhimtohissteadingonIda，awillingparamour。
GoadedtofrenzyMenelausflewthroughHellas，invokingtheancientoathexactedbyTyndareusanddeclaringthedutyofhelpingtheinjuredhusband。WhereatthechivalryofHellas，brandishingtheirspearsanddonningtheirharness，camehithertothenarrowstraitsofAuliswitharmamentsofshipsandtroops，withmanyasteedandmanyacar，andtheychosemetocaptainthemallforthesakeofMenelaus，sinceIwashisbrother。Wouldthatsomeotherhadgainedthatdistinctioninsteadofme！Butafterthearmywasgatheredandcometogether，westillremainedatAulisweather-bound；andCalchas，theseer，badeusinourperplexitysacrificemyownbegottenchildIphigeniatoArtemis，whosehomeisinthisland，declaringthatifweofferedher，weshouldsailandsackthePhrygians’capital，butifweforbore，thiswasnotforus。WhenIheardthis，IcommandedTalthybiuswithloudproclamationtodisbandthewholehost，asI
couldneverbeartoslaydaughterofmine。Whereuponmybrother，bringingeveryargumenttobear，persuadedmeatlasttofacethecrime；soIwroteinafoldedscrollandsenttomywife，biddingherdespatchourdaughtertomeonthepretenceofweddingAchilles，itthesametimemagnifyinghisexaltedrankandsayingthatherefusedtosailwiththeAchaeans，unlessabrideofourlineageshouldgotoPhthia。Yes，thiswastheinducementIofferedmywife，inventing，asIdid，ashammarriageforthemaiden。OfalltheAchaeanswealoneknowtherealtruth，Calchas，Odysseus，Menelausandmyself；butthatwhichIthendecidedwrongly，Inowrightlycountermandagaininthisscroll，whichthou，oldman，hastfoundmeopeningandresealingbeneaththeshadeofnight。UpnowandawaywiththismissivetoArgos，andIwilltelltheebywordofmouthallthatiswrittenherein，thecontentsofthefoldedscroll，forthouartloyaltomywifeandhouse。
ATTENDANT
Sayonandmakeitplain，thatwhatmytongueuttersmayaccordwithwhatthouhastwritten。
AGAMEMNON
\"DaughterofLeda，inadditiontomyfirstletterInowsendtheewordnottodespatchthydaughtertoEuboea’sembosomedwing，tothetothewavelessbayofAulis；forafterallwewiltlelebrateourchild’sweddingatanothertime。\"
ATTENDANT
AndhowwillAchilles，cheatedofhisbride，curbthefuryofhisindignationagainsttheeandthywife？
AGAMEMNON
Herealsoisadanger。
ATTENDANT
Tellmewhatthoumeanest。
AGAMEMNON
Itisbuthisname，nothimself，thatAchillesislending，knowingnothingofthemarriageorofmyschemingormyprofessedreadinesstobetrothmydaughtertohimforahusband’sembrace。
ATTENDANT
AdreadfulventurethinekingAgamemnon！thouthat，bypromiseofthydaughter’shandtothesonofthegoddess，wertforbringingthemaidhithertobesacrificedfortheDanai。
AGAMEMNON
Woeisme！ahwoe！Iamutterlydistraught；bewildermentcomeso’erme。Awayhurrythysteps，yieldingnothingtooldage。
ATTENDANT
InhasteIgo，myliege。
AGAMEMNON
Sitnotdownbywoodlandfounts；scornthewitcheriesofsleep。
ATTENDANT
Hush！
AGAMEMNON
Andwhenthoupassestanyplacewhereroadsdiverge，castthineeyesallround，-takingheedthatnomule-wainpassbyonrollingwheels，bearingmydaughterhithertotheshipsoftheDanai，andthouseeitnot。
ATTENDANT
Itshallbeso。
AGAMEMNON
Startthenfromtheboltedgates，andifthoumeettheescort，startthembackagain，anddriveatfullspeedtotheabodesoftheCyclopes。
ATTENDANT
Buttellme，howshallmymessagefindcreditwiththywifeorchild？
AGAMEMNON
Preservethesealwhichthoubearestonthisscroll。Away！alreadythedawnisgrowinggrey，lightingthelampofdayyonderandthefireofthesun’sfoursteeds；helpmeinmytrouble。
ExitATTENDANT。
Noneofmortalsisprosperousorhappytothelast，fornonewaseverborntoapainlesslife。
ExitAGAMEMNON。
EnterCHORUSOFWOMENOFCHALCIS。
CHORUS
Tothesandybeachofsea-coastAulisIcameafteravoyagethroughthetidesofEuripus，leavingChalcisonitsnarrowfirth，mycitywhichfeedeththewatersoffar-famedArethusanearthesea，thatImightbeholdthearmyoftheAchaeansandtheshipsrowedbythosegod-likeheroes；forourhusbandstellusthatfair-hairedMenelausandhigh-bornAgamemnonareleadingthemtoTroyonathousandshipsinquestoftheladyHelen，whomherdsmanPariscarriedofffromthebanksofreedyEurotas-hisguerdonfromAphrodite，whenthatqueenofCyprusenteredbeauty’slistswithHeraandPallasatthegushingfount。
Throughthegroveof-Artemis，richwithsacrifice，Ispedmycourse，theredblushmantlingonmycheeksfrommaidenmodesty，inmyeagernesstoseethesoldiers’camp，thetentsofthemail-cladDanai，andtheirgatheredsteeds。TwochieftainsthereIsawmettogetherincouncil；onewasAias，sonofOileus；theotherAias，sonofTelamon，crownofglorytothemenofSalamis；andIsawProtesilausandPalamedes，sprungfromthesonofPoseidon，sittingthereamusingthemselveswithintricatefiguresatdraughts；Diomedestooathisfavouritesportofhurlingquoits；andMeriones，theWar-god’sson，amarveltomankind，stoodathisside；likewiseIbeheldtheoffspringofLaertes，whocamefromhisislandhills，andwithhimNireus，handsomestofallAchaeans；Achillesnext，thatnimblerunner，swiftonhisfeetasthewind，whomThetisboreandChirontrained；
himIsawuponthebeach，racinginfullarmouralongtheshingleandstrainingeverynervetobeatateamoffourhorses，ashespedroundthetrackonfoot；andEumelus，thegrandsonofPheres，theirdriver，wasshoutingwhenIsawhim。goadingonhisgoodlysteeds，withtheirbitsofchasedgoldwork；whereofthecentrepair，thatboretheyoke，haddappledcoatspickedoutwithwhite，whilethetrace-horses，ontheoutside，facingtheturning-postinthecourse，werebayswithspottedfetlocks。ClosebesidethemPeleus’sonleaptonhisway，inallhisharness，keepingabreasttherailbytheaxle-box。
NextIsoughtthecountlessfleet，awondertobehold，thatI
mightfillmygirlisheyeswithgazing，asweetdelight。’thewarlikeMyrmidonsfromPhthiaheldtherightwingwithfiftyswiftcruisers，uponwhosesterns，rightattheends，stoodNereidgoddessesingolden-effigy，theensignofAchilles’armament。NeartheseweremooredtheArgiveshipsinequalnumbers，o’erwhichMecisteus’son，whomTaulaushisgrandsirereared，andSthenelus，sonofCapaneus，wereincommand；nextinorder，Theseus’sonwasstationedattheheadofsixtyshipsfromAttica，havingthegoddessPallassetinawingedcardrawnbysteedswithsolidhoof，aluckysightformariners。ThenIsawBoeotia’sfleetoffiftysailsdeckedwithensigns；thesehadCadmusatthesternholdingagoldendragonatthebeaksofthevessels，andearth-bornLeituswastheiradmiral。
LikewisetherewereshipsfromPhocis；andfromLocriscamethesonofOileuswithanequalcontingent，leavingfamedThronium’scitadel；andfromMycenae，theCyclopes’town，Atreus’sonsentahundredwellmannedgalleys，hisbrotherbeingwithhimincommand，asfriendwithfriend，thatHellasmightexactonher，whohadfledherhometowedaforeigner。AlsoIsawuponGerenianNestor’sprowstwelvefromPylosthesignofhisneighborAlpheus，four-footedlikeabull。MoreovertherewasasquadronofAenianiansailunderKingandnextthelordsofElis，stationednear’-them，whomallthepeoplenamedEpeians；andEurytuswaslordofthese；likewiseheledtheTaphianwarriorswiththewhiteoar-blades，thesubjectsofMeges，sonofPhyleus，whohadlefttheislesoftheEchinades，wheresailorscannotland。Lastly，Aias，rearedinSalamis，wasjoininghisrightwingtotheleftofthosenearwhomhewasposted，closingthelinewithhisoutermostships-twelvebarquesobedienttothehelm-asI
heardandthensawthecrews；nosafereturnshallheobtain，whobringethhisbarbaricboatstograppleAias。ThereIsawthenavalarmament，butsomethingsIheardathomeaboutthegatheredhost，whereofIstillhavearecollection。
EnterMENELAUSandATTENDANT。
ATTENDANT（AsMENELAUSwrestsaletterfromhim）
Strangedaringthine，Menelaus，wherethouhastnoright。
MENELAUS
Standback！thoucarriestloyaltytothymastertoofar。
ATTENDANT
Theveryreproachthouhastformeistomycredit。
MENELAUS
Thoushaltrueit，ifthoumeddleinmattersthatconcerntheenot。
ATTENDANT
Thouhadstnorighttoopenaletter，whichIwascarrying。
MENELAUS
No，northoutobecarryingsorrowtoallHellas。
ATTENDANT
Arguethatpointwithothers，butsurrenderthatlettertome。
MENELAUS
Ishallnotletgo。
ATTENDANT
NoryetwillIletloosemyhold。
MENELAUS
Whythen，thisstaffofminewillbedabblingthyheadwithblooderelong。
ATTENDANT
Todieinmymaster’scausewereanobledeath。
MENELAUS
Letgo！thouarttoowordyforaslave。
ATTENDANT（SeeingAGAMEMNONapproaching）
Master，heiswrongingme；hesnatchedthyletterviolentlyfrommygrasp，Agamemnon，andwillnotheedtheclaimsofright。
EnterAGAMEMNON。
AGAMEMNON
Hownow？whatmeansthisuproaratthegates，thisindecentbrawling？
MENELAUS
Mytale，nothis，hasthebetterrighttobespoken。
AGAMEMNON
Thou，Menelaus！whatquarrelhastthouwiththisman，whyartthouhalinghimhence？
ExitATTENDANT。
MENELAUS
Lookmeintheface！Bethatthepreludetomystory。
AGAMEMNON
ShallI，thesonofAtreus，closemyeyesfromfear？
MENELAUS
Seestthouthisscroll，thebearerofashamefulmessage？
AGAMEMNON
Iseeit，yes；andfirstofallsurrenderit。
MENELAUS
No，nottillIhaveshewnitscontentstoalltheDanai。
AGAMEMNON
What！hastthoubrokenthesealanddostknowalreadywhatthoushouldstneverhaveknown？
MENELAUS
Yes，Iopeneditandknowtothysorrowthesecretmachinationsofthyheart。
AGAMEMNON
Wheredidstthoucatchmyservant？Yegodswhatashamelessheartthouhast！
MENELAUS
Iwasawaitingthydaughter’sarrivalatthecampfromArgos。
AGAMEMNON
Whatrighthastthoutowatchmydoings？Isnotthisaofshamelessness？
MENELAUS
Mywishtodoitgavethespur，forIamnoslavetothee。
AGAMEMNON
Infamous！AmInottobeallowedthemanagementofmyownhouse？
MENELAUS
No，forthouthinkestcrookedthoughts，onethingnow，anotherformerly，andsomethingdifferentpresently。
AGAMEMNON
Mostexquisiterefiningonevilthemes！Ahatefulthingthetongueofcleverness！
MENELAUS
Aye，butamindunstableisanunjustpossession，disloyaltofriends。NowIamanxioustotestthee，andseeknotthoufromragetoturnasidefromthetruth，norwillIonmypartoverstrainthecase。ThourememberestwhenthouwertalleagernesstocaptaintheDanaiagainstTroy，makingapretenceofdeclining，thougheagerforitinthyheart；howhumblethouwertthen！takingeachmanbythehandandkeepingopendoorsforeveryfellowtownsmanwhocaredtoenter，affordingeachinturnachancetospeakwiththee，eventhoughsomedesireditnot，seekingbythesemethodstopurchasepopularityfromallbidders；thenwhenthouhadstsecuredthecommand，therecameachangeoverthymanners；thouwertnolongersocordialbeforetowhilomfriends，buthardofaccess，seldomtobefoundathome。Butthemanofrealworthoughtnottochangehismannersinthehourofprosperity，butshouldthenshowhimselfmoststaunchtofriends，whenhisowngoodfortunecanhelpthemmosteffectually。ThiswasthefirstcauseIhadtoreprovethee，foritwashereIfirstdiscoveredthyvillainy；butafterwards，whenthoucamesttoAuliswithallthegatheredhostsofHellas，thouwertofnoaccount；no！
thewantofafavourablebreezefilledtheewithconsternationatthechancedealtoutbyHeaven。AnontheDanaibegandemandingthatthoushouldstsendthefleetawayinsteadofvainlytoilingonatAulis；whatdismayandconfusionwasthendepictedinthylooks，tothinkthatthou，withathousandshipsatthycommand，hadstnotoccupiedtheplainsofPriamwiththyarmies！Andthouwouldstaskmycounsel，\"WhatamItodo？whatschemecanIdevise。wherefindone？\"tosavethyselfbeingstrippedofthycommandandlosingthyfairfame。NextwhenCalchasbadetheeofferthydaughterinsacrificetoArtemis，declaringthattheDanaishouldthensail，thouwertoverjoyed，anddidstgladlyundertaketoofferthemaid，andofthineownaccord-neverallegecompulsion！-thouartsendingwordtothywifetodespatchthydaughterhitheronpretenceofweddingAchilles。Thisisthesameairthatheardtheesayit；andafterallthouturnestroundandhastbeencaughtrecastingthylettertothiseffect，\"Iwillnolongerbemydaughter’smurderer。\"Exactlyso！
Countlessothershavegonethroughthisphaseintheirconductofpublicaffairs；theymakeaneffortwhileinpower，andthenretiredishonourably，sometimesowingtothesenselessnessofthecitizens，sometimesdeservedly，becausetheyaretoofeebleofthemselvestomaintaintheirwatchuponthestate。Formypart，IammoresorryforourunhappyHellas，whosepurposewastoreadtheseworthlessforeignersalesson，whilenowshewillletthemescapeandmockher，thankstotheeandthydaughter。MayIneverthenappointamantorulemycountryorleaditswarriorsbecausehiskinship！Abilitywhatthegeneralmusthave；sinceanyman，withordinaryintelligence，cangovernastate。
CHORUS
Forbrethrentocometowordsandblows，whene’ertheydisagree，isterrible。
AGAMEMNON
Iwishtorebuketheeinturn，briefly，notliftingmineeyestoohighinshamelesswise，butinmoresoberfashion，asabrother；
foritisagoodman’swaytobeconsiderate。Prithee，whythisburstoffury，thesebloodshoteyes？whowrongsthee？whatisitthouwantest？Thouartfaintowinavirtuousbride。Well，Icannotsupplythee；forshe，whomthouoncehadst，wasillcontrolledbythee。AmIthen，amanwhoneverwentastray，tosufferforthysins？orisitmypopularitythatgallsthee？No！itisthelongingthouhasttokeepafairwifeinthyembrace，castingreasonandhonourtothewinds。Abadman’spleasuresarelikehimselfAmI
mad，ifIchangetowisercounsels，afterpreviouslydecidingamiss？
Thineisthemadnessratherinwishingtorecoverawickedwife，oncethouhadstlosther-astrokeofHeaven-sentluck。ThosefoolishsuitorssworethatoathtoTyndareusintheirlongingtowed；butHopewasthegoddessthatledthemon，Itrow，andsheitwasthatbroughtitaboutratherthenthouandthymightiness。Sotakethefieldwiththem；theyarereadyforitinthefollyoftheirhearts；
forthedeityisnotwithoutinsight，butisabletodiscernwhereoathshavebeenwronglypledgedorforciblyextorted。Iwillnotslaymychildren，norshallthyinterestsbeprosperedbyjusticeinthyvengeanceforaworthlesswife，whileIamleftwasting，nightandday，insorrowforwhatIdidtooneofmyownfleshandblood，contrarytoalllawandjustice。Thereisthyanswershortly’given，clearandeasytounderstand；andifthouwiltnotcometothysenses，Ishalldothebestformyself。
CHORUS
Thisdiffersfromthypreviousdeclaration，butthereisgoodinit-thychild’sreprieve。
MENELAUS
Ahme，howsadmylot！Ihavenofriendsthenafterall。
AGAMEMNON
Friendsthouhast，ifthouseeknottheirdestruction。
MENELAUS
WherewiltthoufindanyproofthatthouartsprungfromthesamesireasI？
AGAMEMNON
Thymoderation，notthymadnessdoIsharebynature。
MENELAUS
Friendsshouldsympathizewithfriendsinsorrow。
AGAMEMNON
Claimmyhelpbykindlyservice，notbypainingme。
MENELAUS
SothouhastnomindtosharethistroublewithHellas？
AGAMEMNON
No，Hellasisdiseasedliketheeaccordingtosomegod’sdesign。
MENELAUS
Govaunttheethenonthysceptre，afterbetrayingthineownbrother！whileseeksomedifferentmeansandotherfriends。
EnterMESSENGER。
MESSENGER
Agamemnon，lordofallHellenes！Iamcomeandbringtheethydaughter，whomthoudidstcallIphigeniainthyhome；andhermother，thywifeClytemnestra，iswithher，andthechildOrestes，asighttogladdentheeafterthylongabsencefromthypalace；but，astheyhadbeentravellinglongandfar，theyarenowrefreshingtheirtenderfeetatthewatersofafairspring，theyandtheirhorses，forweturnedtheselooseinthegrassymeadowtobrowsetheirfill；butIamcomeastheirforerunnertopreparetheefortheirreception；forthearmyknowsalreadyofthydaughter’sarrival，soquicklydidtherumourspread；andallthefolkarerunningtogethertothesight，thattheymayseethychild；forFortune’sfavouritesenjoyaworldwidefameandhavealleyesfixedonthem。\"Isitawedding？\"someask，\"orwhatishappening？orhaskingAgamemnonfromfondyearningsummonedhisdaughterhither？\"Fromothersthouwouldsthaveheard：\"TheyarepresentingthemaidentoArtemis，queenofAulis，previoustomarriage；whocanthebridegroombe，thatistoleadherhome？\"
Come，then，begintherites-thatisthenextstep-bygettingthebasketsready；crownyourheads；preparethewedding-hymn，thouandprinceMenelauswiththee；letflutesresoundthroughoutthetentswithnoiseofdancer’sfeet；forthisisahappyday，thatiscomeforthemaid。
AGAMEMNON
Thouhastmythanks；nowgowithin；fortherestitwillbewell，asFateproceeds。
ExitMESSENGER。
Ah，woeisme！unhappywretch，whatcanIsay？whereshallI
begin？IntowhatcruelstraitshaveIbeenplunged！Fortunehasoutwittedme，provingfarclevererthananycunningofmine。Whatanadvantagehumblebirthpossesses！foritiseasyforhersonstoweepandtelloutalltheirsorrows；whiletothehigh-bornmancomethesesamesorrows，butwehavedignitythronedo’erourlifeandarethepeople’sslaves。I，forinstance，amashamedtoweep，norless，poorwretch，tocheckmytearsattheawfulpasstowhichIambrought。Oh！whatamItotellmywife？howshallIwelcomeher？
withwhatfacemeether？forshetoohasundonemebycominguninvitedinthismyhourofsorrow；yetitwasbutnaturalsheshouldcomewithherdaughtertopreparethebrideandperformthefondestduties，whereshewilldiscovermyvillainy。Andforthispoormaid-whymaid？Death，methinks，willsoonmakeherhisbride-howIpityher！
Thuswillshepleadtome，Itrow：\"Myfatherwillthouslayme？Besuchtheweddingthouthyselfmaystfind，andwhosoeverisafriendtothee！\"whileOrestes，fromhisstationnearus，willcryinchildishaccents，inarticulate，yetfraughtwithmeaning。Alas！towhatutterruinParis，thesonofPriam，thecauseofthesetroubles，hasbroughtmebyhisunionwithHelen！
CHORUS
Ipityhermyself，insuchwiseasawoman，andsheastranger，maybemoanthemisfortunesofroyalty。
MENELAUS（Offeringhishand）
Thyhand，brother！letmegraspit。
AGAMEMNON
Igiveit；thineisthevictory，minethesorrow。
MENELAUS
ByPelopsourreputedgrandsireandAtreusourfatherIsweartotelltheethetruthfrommyheart，withoutanycovertpurpose，butonlywhatIthink。Thesightoftheeintearsmademepitythee，andinreturnIshedatearfortheemyself；Iwithdrawfrommyformerproposals，ceasingtobeacauseoffeartothee；yea，andIwillputmyselfinthypresentposition；andIcounselthee，slaynotthychildnorprefermyintereststothine；foritisnotjustthatthoushouldstgrieve，whileIamglad，orthatthychildrenshoulddie，whileminestillseethelightofday。Whatisit，afterall，I
seek？IfIamsetonmarriage，couldInotfindabrideaschoiceelsewhere？WasItoloseabrother-thelastIshouldhavelost-towinaHelen，gettingbadforgood？Iwasmad，impetuousasayouth，tillIperceived，oncloserview，whatslayingchildrenreallymeant。MoreoverIamfilledwithcompassionforthehaplessmaiden，doomedtobleedthatImaywed，whenIreflectthatwearekin。WhathasthydaughtertodowithHelen？LetthearmybedisbandedandleaveAulis；drythosestreamingeyes，brother，andprovokemenottotears。
Whateverconcernthouhastinoraclesthataffectthychild，letitbenoneofmine；intothyhandsIresignmysharetherein。Asuddenchange，thou’ltsay，frommyfellproposals！Anaturalcourseforme；affectionformybrothercausedthechange。Thesearethewaysofamannotvoidofvirtue，topursueoneachoccasionwhatisbest。
CHORUS
Agenerousspeech，worthyofTantalus，thesonofZeus！Thoudostnotshamethyancestry。
AGAMEMNON
Ithankthee，Menelaus，forthisunexpectedsuggestion；’tisanhonourableproposal，worthyofthee。
MENELAUS
Sometimeslove，sometimestheselfishnessoftheirfamiliescausesaquarrelbetweenbrothers；Iloathearelationshipofthiskindwhichisbitternesstoboth。
AGAMEMNON
’Tisuseless，forcircumstancescompelmetocarryoutthemurderoussacrificeofmydaughter。
MENELAUS
Howso？whowillcompeltheetoslaythineownchild？
AGAMEMNON
ThewholeAchaeanarmyhereassembled。
MENELAUS
NotifthousendherbacktoArgos。
AGAMEMNON
Imightdothatunnoticed，buttherewillbeanotherthingI
cannot。
MENELAUS
Whatisthat？Thoumustnotfearthemobtoomuch。
AGAMEMNON
CalchaswilltelltheArgivehosthisoracles。
MENELAUS
Notifhebekillederethat-aneasymatter。
AGAMEMNON
Thewholetribeofseersisacursewithitsambition。
MENELAUS
Yes，andgoodfornothinganduseless，whenamongstus。
AGAMEMNON
Hasthethought，whichisrisinginmymind，noterrorsforthee？
MENELAUS
HowcanIunderstandthymeaning，unlessthoudeclareit？
AGAMEMNON
ThesonofSisyphusknowsall。
MENELAUS
Odysseuscannotpossiblyhurtus。
AGAMEMNON
Hewasevershiftybynature，sidingwiththemob。
MENELAUS
True，heisenslavedbytheloveofpopularity，afearfulevil。
AGAMEMNON
Bethinktheethen，willhenotariseamongtheArgivesandtellthemtheoraclesthatCalchasdelivered，sayingofmethatIundertooktoofferArtemisavictim，andafterallamprovingfalse？Then，whenhehascarriedthearmyawaywithhim，hewillbidtheArgivesslayusandsacrificethemaiden；andifIescapetoArgos，theywillcomeanddestroytheplace，razingittotheground，Cyclopeanwallsandall。Thatismytrouble。Woeisme！towhatstraitsHeavenhasbroughtmeatthispass！Takeoneprecautionforme，Menelaus，asthougoestthroughthehost，thatClytemnestralearnthisnot，tillIhavetakenmychildanddevotedhertodeath，thatmyafflictionmaybeattendedwiththefewesttears。（TurningtotheCHORUS）Andyou，yestrangerdames，keepsilence。
ExeuntAGAMEMNONandMENELAUS。
CHORUS
Happytheywhofindthegoddesscomeinmoderatemight，sharingwithself-restraintinAphrodite’sgiftofmarriageandenjoyingcalmandrestfromfrenziedpassions，wilereintheLove-god，golden-haired，stretcheshischarmedbowwitharrowstwain，andoneisaimedathappiness，theotheratlife’sconfusion。OladyCypris，queenofbeauty！farfrommybridalbowerIbanthelast。Beminedelightinmoderationandpuredesires，andmayIhaveashareinlove，butshunexcessthereinMen’snaturesvary，andtheirhabitsdiffer，buttruevirtueisalwaysmanifest。Likewisethetrainingthatcomesofeducationconducesgreatlytovirtue；fornotonlyismodestywisdom，butithasalsotheraregraceofseeingbyitsbetterjudgmentwhatisright；
wherebyglory，everyoung，isshedo’erlifebyreputation。Agreatthingitistofollowvirtue’sfootsteps-forwomenintheirsecretloves；whileinmenagainaninbornsenseoforder，shownincountlessways，addstoacity’sgreatness。
Thoucamest，OParis，totheplacewherethouwertrearedtoherdthekineamidthewhiteheifersofIda，pipinginforeignstrainandbreathingonthyreedsanechoofthePhrygianairsOlympusplayed。Full-udderedcowswerebrowsingatthespotwherethatverdict’twixtgoddesseswasawaitingtheethecauseofthygoingtoHellastostandbeforetheivorypalace，kindlingloveinHelen’strancedeyesandfeelingitsflutterinthineownbreast；whencethefiendofstrifebroughtHellaswithherchivalryandshipstothetowersofTroy。
Oh！greatistheblissthegreatenjoy。BeholdIphigenia，theking’sroyalchild，andClytaemnestra，thedaughterofTyndareus；
howproudtheirlineage！howhightheirpinnacleoffortune！Thesemightyones，whomwealthattends，areverygodsintheeyesoflessfavouredfolk。
Haltwehere，maidensofChalcis，andliftthequeenfromherchariottothegroundwithoutstumbling，supportinghergentlyinourarms，withkindintent，thattherenowneddaughterofAgamemnonbutjustarrivedmayfeelnofear；strangersourselves，avoidweaughtthatmaydisturborfrightenthestrangersfromArgos。
EnterCLYTAEMNESTRAandIPHIGENIA。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Itakethisasaluckyomen，thykindnessandauspiciousgreeting，andhavegoodhopethatitistoahappymarriageIconductthebride。
（ToAttendants）TakefromthechariotthedowryIambringingformydaughterandconveyitwithinwithcarefulheed。
Mydaughter，leavethehorse-drawncar，plantingthyfalteringfootstepdelicately。（TotheCHORUS）Maidens，takeherinyourarmsandliftherfromthechariot，andletoneofyougivemethesupportofherhand，thatImayquitmyseatinthecarriagewithfittinggrace。
Someoryoustandatthehorses’heads；forthehorsehasatimideye，easilyfrightened；heretakethischildOrestes，sonofAgamemnon，babeashestillis。
What！sleeping，littleone，tiredoutbythyrideinthechariot？Awaketoblessthysister’swedding；forthou，mygallantboy，shaltgetbythismarriageakinsmangallantasthyself，theNereid’sgodlikeoffspring。Comehithertothymother，mydaughter，Iphigenia，andseatthyselfbesideme，andstationednearshowmyhappinesstothesestrangers；yes，comehitherandwelcomethesirethoulovestsodearly。
Hail！myhonouredlord，kingAgamemnon！wehaveobeyedthycommandsandarecome。
EnterAGAMEMNON。
IPHIGENIA（ThrowingherselfintoAGAMEMNON’Sarms）
Benotwrothwithme，mother，ifIrunfromthysideandthrowmyselfonmyfather’sbreast。
Omyfather！Ilongtooutrunothersandembracetheeafterthislongwhile；forIyearntoseethyface；benotwrothwithme。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Thoumaystdoso，daughter；forofallthechildrenIhaveborn，thouhasteverlovedthyfatherbest。
IPHIGENIA
Iseethee，father，joyfullyafteralongseason。
AGAMEMNON
AndIthyfatherthee；thywordsdoequaldutyforbothofus。
IPHIGENIA
Allhail，father！thoudidstwellinbringingmehithertothee。
AGAMEMNON
IknownothowIamtosayyesornotothat，mychild。
IPHIGENIA
Ha！howwildlythouartlooking，spiteofthyjoyatseeingme。
AGAMEMNON
Amanhasmanycareswhenheiskingandgeneraltoo。
IPHIGENIA
Bemine，allmineto-day；turnnotuntomoodythoughts。
AGAMEMNON
WhysoIam，allthineto-day；Ihavenootherthought。
IPHIGENIA
Thensmooththyknittedbrow，unbendandsmile。
AGAMEMNON
Lo！mychild，myjoyatseeingtheeisevenasitis。
IPHIGENIA
Andhastthouthenthetear-dropstreamingfromthyeyes？
AGAMEMNON
Ave，forlongistheabsencefromeachother，thatawaltsus。
IPHIGENIA
Iknownot，dearfathermine，Iknownotofwhatthouartspeaking。
AGAMEMNON
Thouartmovingmypityallthemorebyspeakingsosensibly。
IPHIGENIA
Mywordsshallturntosenselessness，ifthatwillcheertheemore。
AGAMEMNON（Aside）
Ah，woeisme！thissilenceistoomuch。（ToIPHIGENIA）Thouhastmythanks。
IPHIGENIA
Staywiththychildrenathome，father。
AGAMEMNON
Myownwish！buttomysorrowImaynothumourit。
IPHIGENIA
RuinseizetheirwarringandthewoesofMenelaus！
AGAMEMNON
Firstwillthat，whichhasbeenmylife-longruin，bringruinuntoothers。
IPHIGENIA
HowlongthouwertabsentinthebaysofAulis！
AGAMEMNON
Aye，andthereisstillahindrancetomysendingthearmyforward。
IPHIGENIA
WheredomensaythePhrygianslive，father？
AGAMEMNON
InalandwhereIwouldParis，thesonofPriam，ne’erhaddwelt。
IPHIGENIA
’Tisalongvoyagethouartboundon，father，afterthouleavestme。
AGAMEMNON
Thouwiltmeetthyfatheragain，mydaughter。
IPHIGENIA
Ah！woulditwereseemlythatthoushouldsttakemeasafellow-voyager！
AGAMEMNON
Thoutoohastavoyagetomaketoahavenwherethouwiltrememberthyfather。
IPHIGENIA
ShallIsailthitherwithmymotheroralone？
AGAMEMNON
Allalone，withoutfatherormother。
IPHIGENIA
What！hastthoufoundmeanewhome，father！
AGAMEMNON
Enoughofthis！’tisnotforgirlstoknowsuchthings。
IPHIGENIA
SpeedhomefromTroy，Ipraythee，father，assoonasthouhasttriumphedthere。
AGAMEMNON
Thereisasacrificehavefirsttoofferhere。
IPHIGENIA
Yea，’tisthydutytoheedreligionwithaidofholyrites。
AGAMEMNON
Thouwiltwitnessit，forthouwiltbestandingnearthelaver。
IPHIGENIA
AmItoleadthedancethenroundthealtar，father？
AGAMEMNON（Aside）
Icounttheehappierthanmyselfbecausethouknowestnothing。（ToIPHIGENIA）Gowithinintothepresenceofmaidens，afterthouhastgivenmethyhandandonesadkiss，ontheeveofthylengthysojournfarfromthyfather’sside。
Bosom，cheek，andgoldenhair！ah，howgrievousyehavefoundHelenandthePhrygians’city！Icannomore；thetearscomewellingtomyeyes，themomentItouchthee。
ExitIPHIGENIA。
（TurningtoCLYTAEMNESTRA）HereinIcravethypardon，daughterofLeda，ifIshowedexcessivegriefatthethoughtofresigningmydaughtertoAchilles；forthoughwearesendinghertotasteofbliss，stillitwringsaparent’sheart，whenhe，thefatherwhohastoiledsohardforthem，commitshischildrentothehomesofstrangers。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Iamnotsovoidofsense；bethinkthee，Ishallgothroughthisaswell，whenIleadthemaidenfromthechambertothesoundofthemarriage-hymn；whereforeIchidetheenot；butcustomwillcombinewithtimetomakethesmartgrowless。
Astouchinghim，towhomthouhastbetrothedourdaughter，I
knowhisname，’tistrue，butwouldfainlearnhislineageandthelandofhisbirth。
AGAMEMNON
TherewasoneAegina，thedaughterofAsopus。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Whoweddedher？somemortaloragod？
AGAMEMNON
Zeus，andshebareAeacus，theprinceofCenone。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
WhatsonofAeacussecuredhisfather’shalls？
AGAMEMNON
Peleus，whoweddedthedaughterofNereus。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Withthegod’sconsent，orwhenhehadtakenherinspiteofgods？
AGAMEMNON
Zeusbetrothedher，andherguardiangaveconsent。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Wheredidhemarryher？amidthebillowsofthesea？
AGAMEMNON
InChiron’shome，atsacredPelion’sfoot。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
What！theabodeascribedtotheraceofCentaurs？
AGAMEMNON
ItwastherethegodscelebratedthemarriagefeastofPeleus。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
DidThetisorhisfathertrainAchilles？
AGAMEMNON
Chironbroughthimup，topreventhislearningthewaysofthewicked。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Ahwisetheteacher，stillwiserthefather，whointrustedhissontosuchhands。
AGAMEMNON
Suchisthefuturehusbandofthydaughter。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Ablamelesslord；butwhatcityinHellasishis？
AGAMEMNON
HedwellsonthebanksoftheriverApidanus，inthebordersofPhthia。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Wiltthouconveyourdaughterthither？
AGAMEMNON
Hewhotakeshertohimselfwillseetothat。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Happinessattendthepair！Whichdaywillhemarryher？
AGAMEMNON
Assoonasthefullmooncomestogiveitsblessing。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Hastthoualreadyofferedthegoddessasacrificetousherinthemaiden’smarriage？
AGAMEMNON
Iamabouttodoso；thatistheverythingIwasengagedin。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Wiltthoucelebratethemarriage-feastthereafter？
AGAMEMNON
Yes，whenIhaveofferedasacrificerequiredbyHeavenofme。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
ButwhereamItomakereadythefeastforthewomen？
AGAMEMNON
HerebesideourgallantArgiveships。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Finelyhere！butstillImust；goodcomeofitforallthat！
AGAMEMNON
Iwilltellthee，lady，whattodo；soobeymenow。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Wherein？forIwaseverwonttoyieldtheeobedience。
AGAMEMNON
Here，wherethebridegroomis，will！
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Whichofmydutieswillyeperforminthemother’sabsence？
AGAMEMNON
GivethychildawaywithhelpofDanai。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
AndwhereamItobethewhile？
AGAMEMNON
GettheetoArgos，andtakecareofthyunweddeddaughters。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Andleavemychild？Thenwhowillraiseherbridaltorch？
AGAMEMNON
Iwillprovidetheproperweddingtorch。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Thatisnotthecustom；butthouthinkestlightlyofthesethings。
AGAMEMNON
Itisnotgoodthoushouldstbealoneamongasoldier-crowd。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Itisgoodthatamothershouldgiveherownchildaway。
AGAMEMNON
Aye，andthatthosemaidensathomeshouldnotbeleftalone。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Theyareinsafekeeping，pentintheirmaiden-bowers。
AGAMEMNON
Obey。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Nay，bythegoddess-queenofArgos！go，managemattersoutofdoors；butinthehouseitismyplacetodecidewhatisproperformaidensattheirwedding。Exit。
AGAMEMNON
Woeisme！myeffortsarebaffled；Iamdisappointedinmyhope，anxiousasIwastogetmywifeoutofsight；foiledateverypoint，I
formmyplotsandsubtleschemesagainstmybest-beloved。ButIwillgo，inspiteofall，withCalchasthepriest，toinquirethegoddess’sgoodpleasure，fraughtwithill-luckasitistome，andwithtroubletoHellas。Hewhoiswiseshouldkeepinhishouseagoodandusefulwifeornoneatall。
Exit。
CHORUS
TheysaytheHellenes’gatheredhostwillcomeinarmsaboardtheirshipstoSimoiswithitssilvereddies，eventoIlium，theplainofTroybelovedbyPhoebus；wherefamedCassandra，Iamtold，whene’erthegod’sresistlesspropheciesinspireher，wildlytosseshergoldentresses，wreathedwithcrownofverdantbay。AndonthetowersofTroyandroundherwallsshallTrojansstand，whensea-bornetroopswithbrazenshieldsrowinonshapelyshipstothechannelsoftheSimois，eagertotakeHelen，thesisterofthatheavenlypairwhomZeusbegat，fromPriam，andbearherbacktoHellasbytoilofAchaea’sshieldsandspears；encirclingPergamus，thePhrygians’town，withmurderouswararoundherstone-builttowers，draggingmen’sheadsbackwardtocuttheirthroats，andsackingthecitadelofTroyfromrooftobase，acauseofmanytearstomaidsandPriam’swife；andHelen，thedaughterofZeus，shallweepinbittergrief，becausesheleftherlord。
Oh！ne’ermaythereappeartomeortomychildren’schildrentheprospectwhichthewealthyLydiandamesandPhrygia’sbrideswillhave，asattheirloomstheyholdconverse：\"Saywhowillpluckthisfairblossomfromherruinedcountry，tighteninghisgrasponlovelytressestillthetearsflow？’Tisallthroughthee，theoffspringofthelong-neckedswan；ifindeeditbeatruereportthatLedabaretheetoawingedbird，whenZeustransformedhimselfthereto，orwhether，inthepagesofthepoets，fableshavecarriedthesetalestomen’searsidly，outofseason。\"