EnterACHILLES。
ACHILLES
WhereinthesetentsisAchaea’sgeneral？WhichofhisservantswillannouncetohimthatAchilles，thesonofPeleus，isathisgatesseekinghim？ForthisdelayattheEuripusisnotthesameforallofus；therebesome，forinstance，who，thoughstillunwed，havelefttheirhousesdesolateandareidlinghereuponthebeach，whileothersaremarriedandhavechildren；sostrangethelongingforthisexpeditionthathasfallenontheirheartsbyHeaven’swill。MyownjustpleamustIdeclare，andwhosoelsehathanywishwillspeakforhimself。ThoughIhaveleftPharsaliaandPeleus，stillIlingerherebyreasonoftheselightbreezesattheEuripus，restrainingmyMyrmidons，whiletheyareeverinstantwithmesaying，\"Whydowetarry，Achilles？howmuchlongermustwecountthedaystothestartforIlium？dosomething，ifthouartsominded；elseleadhomethymen，andwaitnotforthetardyactionoftheseAtridae。\"
EnterCLYTAEMNESTRA。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Hailtothee，sonoftheNereidgoddess！Iheardthyvoicefromwithinthetentandthereforecameforth。
ACHILLES
Omodestyrevered！whocanthisladybewhomIbehold，sorichlydoweredwithbeauty’sgifts？
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Nowonderthouknowestmenot，seeingIamonethouhastneverbeforeseteyeson；Ipraisethyreverentaddresstomodesty。
ACHILLES
Whoartthou，andwhereforeartthoucometothemusteringoftheDanai-thou，awoman，toafencedcampofmen？
CLYTAEMNESTRA
ThedaughterofLedaI；mynameClytaemnestra；andmyhusbandkingAgamemnon。
ACHILLES
Wellandshortlyansweredonallimportantpoints！butitillbefitsthatIshouldstandtalkingtowomen。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Stay；whyseektofly？Givemethyhand，apreludetoahappymarriage。
ACHILLES
Whatisitthousayest？Igivetheemyhand？WereItolayafingerwhereIhavenoright，Icouldne’ermeetAgamemnon’seye。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Thebestofrightshastthou，seeingitismychildthouwiltwed，Osonofthesea-goddess，whomNereusbegat。
ACHILLES
Whatweddingdostthouspeakof？wordsfailme，lady；canthywitshavegoneastrayandartthouinventingthis？
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Allmenarenaturallyshyinthepresenceofnewrelations，whentheseremindthemoftheirwedding。
ACHILLES
Lady，Ihaveneverwooeddaughterofthine，norhavethesonsofAtreusevermentionedmarriagetome。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Whatcanitmean？thyturnnowtomarvelatmywords，forthinearepassingstrangetome。
ACHILLES
Hazardaguess；thatwecanbothdointhismatter；foritmaybewearebothcorrectinourstatements。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
What！haveIsufferedsuchindignity？ThemarriageIamcourtinghasnoreality，itseems；Iamashamedofit。
ACHILLES
Someoneperhapshasmadeamockoftheeandme；paynoheedthereto；makelightofit。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Farewell；Icannolongerfacetheewithunfalteringeyes，afterbeingmadealiarandsufferingthisindignity。
ACHILLES
’Tis\"farewell\"tooIbidthee，lady；andnowIgowithinthetenttoseekthyhusband。
ATTENDANT（Callingthroughthetent-door）
StrangeroftheraceofAeacus，stayawhile！Hothere！theeI
mean，Ogoddess-born，andthee，daughterofLeda。
ACHILLES
Whoisitcallingthroughthehalf-openeddoor？whatfearhisvoicebetrays！
ATTENDANT
AslaveamI；ofthatIamnotproud，forfortunepermitsitnot。
ACHILLES
Whoseslaveartthou？notmine；formineandAgamemnon’sgoodsareseparate。
ATTENDANT
Ibelongtothisladywhostandsbeforethetent，agifttoherfromTyndareusherfather。
ACHILLES
Iamwaiting；tellme，ifthouartdesirous，whythouhaststayedme。
ATTENDANT
Areyereallyallalonehereatthedoor？
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Tousalonewiltthouaddressthyself；comeforthfromtheking’stent。
ATTENDANT（Comingout）
OFortuneandmyownforesight，preservewhomIdesire！
ACHILLES
Thatspeechwillsavethem-inthefuture；ithasacertainpompousair。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Delaynotforthesakeoftouchingmyrighthand，ifthereisaughtthatthouwouldstsaytome。
ATTENDANT
Well，thouknowestmycharacterandmydevotiontotheeandthychildren。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Iknowthouhastgrownoldintheserviceofmyhouse。
ATTENDANT
LikewisethouknowestitwasinthydowrykingAgamemnonreceivedme。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Yes，thoucamesttoArgoswithme，andhastbeenminethislongtimepast。
ATTENDANT
True；andthoughIbeartheeallgoodwill，Ilikenotthylordsowell。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Come，come，unfoldwhate’erthouhasttosay。
ATTENDANT
Herfather，hethatbegather，isonthepointofslayingthydaughterwithhisownhand。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
How？Outuponthystory，olddotard！thouartmad。
ATTENDANT
Severingwithaswordthehaplessmaid’swhitethroat。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Ah，woeisme！Ismyhusbandhaplymad？
ATTENDANT
Nay；sane，exceptwherethouandthydaughterareconcerned；thereheismad。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Whatishisreason？whatvengefulfiendimpelshim？
ATTENDANT
Oracles-atleastsoCalchassays，inorderthatthehostmaystartCLYTAEMNESTRA
Whither？Woeisme，andwoeisthee，thyfather’sdestinedvictim！
ATTENDANT
TothehallsofDardanus，thatMenelausmayrecoverHelen。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
SoHelen’sreturnthenwasfatedtoaffectIphigenia？
ATTENDANT
Thouknowestall；herfatherisabouttoofferthychildtoArtemis。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Butthatmarriage-whatpretexthaditforbringingmefromhome？
ATTENDANT
Aninducementtotheetobringthydaughtercheerfully，towedhertoAchilles。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Onadeadlyerrandartthoucome，mydaughter，boththou，andI，thymother。
ATTENDANT
Piteousthelotofbothofyou-andfearfulAgamemnon’sventure。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Alas！Iamundone；myeyescannolongerstemtheirtears。
ATTENDANT
Whatmorenaturalthantoweepthelossofthychildren？
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Whence，oldman，dostsaythouhadstthisnews？
ATTENDANT
Ihadstartedtocarrytheealetterreferringtotheformerwriting。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Forbiddingorcombiningtourgemybringingthechildtoherdeath？
ATTENDANT
Nay，forbiddingit，forthylordwastheninhissobersenses。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Howcomesitthen，ifthouwertreallybringingmealetter，thatthoudostnotnowdeliverintomyhands？
ATTENDANT
Menelaussnatcheditfromme-hewhocausedthistrouble。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Dostthouhearthat，sonofPeleus，theNereid’schild？
ACHILLES
Ihavebeenlisteningtothetaleofthysufferings，andIamindignanttothinkIwasusedasatool。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Theywillslaymychild；theyhavetrickedherwiththymarriage。
ACHILLES
LiketheeIblamethylord，nordoIviewitwithmereindifference。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
NolongerwillIletshamepreventmykneelingtothee，amortaltoonegoddess-born；whydoIaffectreserve？whoseinterestsshouldI
consultbeforemychild’s？（ThrowingherselfbeforeACHILLES）
Oh！helpme，goddess-born，inmysoredistress，andherthatwascalledthybride-invain，’tistrue，yetcalledshewas。FortheeitwasIwreathedherheadandledherforthasiftomarriage，butnowitistoslaughterIambringingher。Ontheewillcomereproachbecausethoudidstnothelpher；forthoughnotweddedtoher，yetwertthouthelovinghusbandofmyhaplessmaidinnameatanyrate。
Bythybeard，righthand，andmothertooIdoimplorethee；forthynameitwasthatworkedmyruin，andthouartboundtostandbythat。ExceptthykneesIhavenoaltarwhereuntotofly；andnotafriendstandsatmyside。ThouhastheardthecruelabandonedschemeofAgamemnon；andI，awoman，amcome，asthouseest，toacampoflawlesssailor-folk，boldinevil’scause，thoughusefulwhentheylist；whereforeifthouboldlystretchforththinearminmybehalf，oursafetyisassured；butifthouwithholdit，wearelost。
CHORUS
Awondrousthingismotherhood，carryingwithitapotentspell，whereinallshare，sothatfortheirchildren’ssaketheywillendureaffliction。
ACHILLES
Myproudspiritisstirredtorangealoft，butithaslearnttogrieveinmisfortuneandrejoiceinhighprosperitywithequalmoderation。Forthesearethemenwhocancountonorderingalltheirlifearightbywisdom’srules。True，therearecaseswhere’tispleasantnottobetoowise，butthereareothers，wheresomestoreofwisdomhelps。BroughtupingodlyChiron’shallsmyself，I
learnttokeepasingleheart；andprovidedtheAtridaeleadaright，I
willobeythem；butwhentheyceasetherefrom，nomorewillIobey。
Nay，buthereandinTroyIwillshowthefreedomofmynature，and，asfarasinmelies，dohonourtoAreswithmyspear。Thee，lady，whohastsufferedsocruellyfromthynearestanddearest，willI，byeveryeffortinayoungman’spower，setright，investingtheewiththatamountofpity，andnevershallthydaughter，afterbeingoncecalledmybride，diebyherfather’shand；forIwillnotlendmyselftothyhusband’ssubtletricks；no！foritwillbemynamethatkillsthychild，althoughitwieldethnotthesteel。Thyownhusbandistheactualcause，butIshallnolongerbeguiltless，if，becauseofmeandmymarriage，thismaidenperishes，shethathathsufferedpastenduranceandbeenthevictimofaffrontsmoststrangelyundeserved。SoamImadethepoorestwretchinArgos；Iathingofnaught，andMenelauscountingforaman！NosonofPeleusI，buttheissueofavengefulfiend，ifmynameshallservethyhusbandforthemurder。Nay！byNereus，whobegatmymotherThetis，inhishomeamidtheflowingwaves，nevershallkingAgamemnontouchthydaughter，no！noteventothelayingofafinger-tipuponherrobe；elsewillSipylus，thatfrontiertownofbarbarism，thecradleofthosechieftains’line，behenceforthacityindeed，whilePhthia’snamewillnowherefindmention。Calchas，theseer，shallruebeginningthesacrificewithhisbarley-mealandlustralwater。Why，whatisaseer？Amanwhowithlucktellsthetruthsometimes，withfrequentfalsehoods，butwhenhisluckdesertshim，collapsesthenandthere。
ItisnottosecureabridethatIhavespokenthus-therebemaidsunnumberedeagertohavemylove-no！butkingAgamemnonhasputaninsultonme；heshouldhaveaskedmyleavetousemynameasameanstocatchthechild，foritwasIchieflywhoinducedClytaemnestratobetrothherdaughtertome；verilyIhadyieldedthistoHellas，ifthatwaswhereourgoingtoIliumbrokedown；Iwouldneverhaverefusedtofurthermyfellowsoldiers’commoninterest。
But，asitis，Iamasnaughtintheeyesofthosechieftains，andlittletheyreckoftreatingmewellorill。Myswordshallsoonknowifanyoneistosnatchthydaughterfromme，forthenwillI
makeitreekwiththebloodystainsofslaughter，ereitreachPhrygia。Calmthyselfthen；asagodinhismightIappearedtothee，withoutbeingso，butsuchwillIshowmyselfforallthat。
CHORUS
SonofPeleus，thywordsarealikeworthyoftheeandthatsea-borndeity，theholygoddess。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Ah！wouldIcouldfindwordstoutterthypraisewithoutexcess，andyetnotlosethegraciousnessthereofbystintingit；forwhenthegoodarepraised，theyhaveafeeling，asitwere，ofhatredforthosewhointheirpraiseexceedthemean。ButIamashamedofintrudingataleofwoe，sincemyafflictiontouchesmyselfaloneandthouartnotaffectedbytroublesofmine；butstillitlookswellforthemanofworthtoassisttheunfortunate，evenwhenheisnotconnectedwiththem。Whereforepityus，foroursufferingscryforpity；inthefirstplace，Ihaveharbouredanidlehopeinthinkingtohavetheewedmydaughter；andnext，perhaps，theslayingofmychildwillbetotheeanevilomeninthywooinghereafter，againstwhichthoumustguardthyself。Thywordsweregood，bothfirstandlast；forifthouwillitso，mydaughterwillbesaved。Wilthaveherclaspthykneesinsuppliantwise？’Tisnomaid’spart；yetifitseemgoodtothee，whycomesheshallwiththemodestlookoffree-bornmaid；butifI
shallobtaintheself-sameendfromtheewithoutkercoming，thenletherabidewithin，forthereisdignityinherreserve；stillreservemustonlygoasfarasthecaseallows。
ACHILLES
Bringnotthouthydaughteroutformetosee，lady，norletusincurthereproachoftheignorant；foranarmy，whengatheredtogetherwithoutdomesticdutiestoemployit，lovestheevilgossipofmalicioustongues。Afterall，shouldyesupplicateme，yewillattainalikeresultasifIhadne’erbeensupplicated；forIammyselfengagedinamightystruggletoridyouofyourtroubles。Onethingbesurethouhastheard；Iwillnottellalie；ifIdothatoridlymockthee，mayIdie，butliveifIpreservethemaid。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Blesstheeforeversuccouringthedistressed！
ACHILLES
Hearkenthentome，thatthemattermaysucceed。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Whatisthyproposal？forheartheeImust。
ACHILLES
Letusoncemoreurgeherfathertoabetterframeofmind。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Heissomethingofacoward，andfearsthearmytoomuch。
ACHILLES
Stillargumento’erthrowethargument。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Coldhopeindeed；buttellmewhatImustdo。
ACHILLES
Entreathimfirstnottoslayhischildren，andifheisstubborn，cometome。Firifheconsentstothyrequest，myinterventionneedgonofurther，sincethisconsentinsuresthysafety。Itooshallshowmyselfinabetterlighttomyfriend，andthearmywillnotblameme，ifIarrangethematterbyreasonratherthanforce；while，shouldthingsturnoutwell，theresultwillprovesatisfactorybothtotheeandthyfriends，evenwithoutmyinterference。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Howsensiblythouspeakest！Imustactasseemethbesttothee；
butshouldIfailofmyobject，whereamItoseetheeagain？
whithermustIturnmywretchedstepsandfindtheereadytochampionmydistress？
ACHILLES
Iamkeepingwatchtoguardthee，whereoccasioncalls，thatnoneseetheepassingthroughthehostofDanaiwiththatscaredlook。
Shamenotthyfather’shouse；forTyndareusdeservethnottobeillspokenof，beingamightymaninHellas。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
’Tisevenso。Commandme；Imustplaytheslavetothee。Iftherearegods，thouforthyrighteousdealingwiltfindthemfavourable；iftherearenone，whatneedtotoil？
ExeuntACHILLESandCLYTAEMNESTRA。
CHORUS
Whatwedding-hymnwasthatwhichraiseditsstrainstothesoundofLibyanflutes，tothemusicofthedancer’slyre，andthenoteofthepipeofreeds？
’TwasinthedayPieria’sfair-tressedchoircameo’ertheslopesofPeliontothemarriage-feastofPeleus，beatingthegroundwithprintofgoldensandalsatthebanquetofthegods，andhymningindulcetstrainsthepraiseofThetisandthesonofAeacus，o’ertheCentaurs’hill，downthroughthewoodsofPelion。
TherewastheDardanianboy，PhrygianGanymede，whomZeusdelightstohonour，drawingoffthewinehemixedinthedepthsofgoldenbowls；while，alongthegleamingsand，thefiftydaughtersofNereusgracedthemarriagewiththeirdancing，circlinginamazyring。
Cametootherevel-routofCentaurs，mountedonhorses，tothefeastofthegodsandthemixing-bowlofBacchus，leaningonfir-trees，withwreathsofgreenfoliageroundtheirheads；andloudlycriedtheprophetChiron，skilledinartsinspiredbyPhoebus；
\"DaughterofNereus，thoushaltbearason\"-whosenamehegave-\"adazzlinglighttoThessaly；forheshallcomewithanarmyofspearmentothefar-famedlandofPriam，tosetitinablaze，hisbodycasedinasuitofgoldenmailforgedbyHephaestus，agiftfromhisgoddess-mother，evenfromThetiswhoborehim。\"
Thenshedthegodsablessingonthemarriageofthehigh-bornbride，whowasfirstofNereus’daughters，andontheweddingofPeleus。Butthee，willArgivescrown，wreathingthelovelytressesofthyhair，likeadappledmountainhindbroughtfromsomerockycaveoraheiferundefiled，andstainingwithbloodthyhumanthroat；
thoughthouwertneverrearedliketheseamidthepipingandwhistlingofherdsmen，butatthymother’sside，tobedeckedonedaybyherasthebrideofasonofInachus。Wherenowdoesthefaceofmodestyorvirtueavailaught？seeingthatgodlessnessholdssway，andvirtueisneglectedbymenandthrustbehindthem，lawlessnesso’erlawprevailing，andmortalsnolongermakingcommoncausetokeepthejealousyofgodsfromreachingthem。
CLYTAEMNESTRA（Reappearingfromthetent）
Ihavecomefromthetenttolookoutformyhusband，whowentawayandleftitsshelterlongago；whilethatpoorchild，mydaughter，hearingofthedeathherfatherdesignsforher，isintears，utteringinmanykeysherpiteouslamentation。（CatchingsightofAGAMEMNON）ItSeemsIwasspeakingofonenotfaraway；forthereisAgamemnon，whowillsoonbedetectedinthecommissionofacrimeagainsthisownchild。
EnterAGAMEMNON。
AGAMEMNON
DaughterofLeda，’tisluckyIhavefoundtheeoutsidethetent，todiscusswiththeeinourdaughter’sabsencesubjectsnotsuitedfortheearsofmaidensontheeveofmarriage。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
What，pray，isdependentonthepresentcrisis？
AGAMEMNON
Sendthemaidenouttojoinherfather，forthelustralwaterstandsthereready，andbarley-mealtoscatterwiththehandonthecleansingflame，andheiferstobeslaininhonourofthegoddessArtemis，tousherinthemarriage，theirblackbloodspoutingfromthem。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Thoughfairthewordsthouusest，IknownothowIamtonamethydeedsintermsofpraise。
Comeforth，mydaughter；fullwellthouknowestwhatisinthyfather’smind；takethechildOrestes，thybrother，andbringhimwiththeeinthefoldsofthyrobe。
EnterIPHIGENIA。
Beholdcholdshecomes，inobediencetothysummons。Myselfwillspeaktherestalikeforherandme。
AGAMEMNON
Mychild，whyweepestthouandnolongerlookestcheerfully？whyartthoufixingthineeyesuponthegroundandholdingthyrobebeforethem？
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Alas！withwhichofmywoesshallIbegin？forImaytreatthemallasfirst，orputthemlastormidwayanywhere。
AGAMEMNON
Hownow？Ifindyouallalike，confusionandalarmineveryeye。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Myhusband，answerfranklythequestionsIaskthee。
AGAMEMNON
Thereisnonecessitytoorderme；Iamwillingtobequestioned。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Dostthoumeantoslaythychildandmine？
AGAMEMNON（Starting）
Ha！theseareheartlesswords，unwarrantedsuspicions！
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Peace！answermethatquestionfirst。
AGAMEMNON
Putafairquestionandthoushalthaveafairanswer。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Ihavenootherquestionstoput；givemenootheranswers。
AGAMEMNON
Ofaterevered，Odestiny，andfortunemine！
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Aye，andmineandthismaid’stoo；thethreeshareonebadfortune。
AGAMEMNON
WhomhaveIinjured？
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Dostthouaskmethisquestion？Athoughtlikethatitselfamountstothoughtlessness。
AGAMEMNON
Ruined！mysecretout！
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Iknowall；Ihaveheardwhatthouartbentondoingtome。Thyverysilenceandthosefrequentgroansareaconfession；tirenotthyselfbytellingit。
AGAMEMNON
Lo！Iamsilent；for，ifItelltheeafalsehood，needsmustIaddeffronterytomisfortune。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Well，listen；forIwillnowunfoldmymeaningandnolongeremploydarkriddles。Inthefirstplace-toreproachtheefirstwiththis-itwasnotofmyownfreewillbutbyforcethatthoudidsttakeandwedme，afterslayingTantalus，myformerhusband，anddashingmybabeonthegroundalive，whenthouhadsttornhimfrommybreastwithbrutalviolence。Then，whenthosetwosonsofZeus，whowerelikewisemybrothers，cameflashingonhorsebacktowarwiththee，Tyndareus，myagedsire，rescuedtheebecauseofthysuppliantprayers，andthouinturnhadstmetowife。Oncereconciledtotheeuponthisfooting，thouwiltbearmewitnessIhavebeenablamelesswifetotheeandthyfamily，chasteinlove，anhonourtothyhouse，thatsothycominginmightbewithjoyandthygoingoutwithgladness。And’tisseldomamansecuresawifelikethis，thoughthegettingofaworthlesswomanisnorarity。
Besidesthreedaughters，ofoneofwhomthouartheartlesslydeprivingme，Iamthemotherofthissonofthine。Ifanyoneaskstheethyreasonforslayingher，tellme，whatwiltthousay？ormustsayitforthee？\"ItisthatMenelausmayrecoverHelen。\"Anhonourableexchange，indeed，topayawickedwoman’spriceinchildren’slives！’Tisbuyingwhatwemostdetestwithwhatweholdmostdear。Again，ifthougoforthwiththehost，leavingmeinthyhalls，andartlongabsentatTroy，whatwillmyfeelingsbeathome，dostthink？whenIbeholdeachvacantchairandherchambernowdeserted，andthensitdownaloneintears，makingceaselesslamentationforher，\"Ah！mychild，hethatbegattheehathslaintheehimself，heandnooneelse，norwasitbyanother’shand……tothyhome，afterleavingsuchapricetobepaid；foritneedsnowbutatriflingpretextformeandthedaughtersremainingtogivetheethereceptionitisrightthoushouldstreceive。Iadjuretheebythegods，compelmenottosinagainstthee，norsinthyself。Goto；
supposethousacrificethechild；whatprayerwiltthouutter，when’tisdone？whatwilltheblessingbethatthouwiltinvokeuponthyselfasthouartslayingourdaughter？anillreturningmaybe，seeingthedisgracethatspeedsthygoingforth。IsitrightthatI
shouldprayforanylucktoattendthee？Surelyweshoulddeemthegodsdevoidofsense，ifweharbouredakindlyfeelingtowardsmurderers。ShaltthouembracethychildrenonthycomingbacktoArgos？Nay，thouhastnoright。Willanychildofthinge’erfacethee，ifthouhavesurrenderedoneofthemtodeath？Hasthiseverenteredintothycalculations，ordoesthyonedutyconsistincarryingasceptreaboutandmarchingattheheadofanarmy？whenthoumightesthavemadethisfairproposalamongtheArgives；\"Isityourwish，Achaeans，tosailforPhrygia’sshores？Whythen，castlotswhosedaughterhastodie。\"Forthatwouldhavebeenafaircoursefortheetopursue，insteadofpickingoutthyownchildforthevictimandpresentinghertotheDanai；orMenelaus，inasmuchasitwashisconcern，shouldhaveslainHermioneforhermother。Asitis，I，whostillamtruetothee，mustlosemychild；whileshe，whowentastray，willreturnwithherdaughter，andliveinhappinessatSparta。IfI
amwronginaughtherein，answerme；butifmywordshavebeenfairlyurged，donotstillslaythychild，whoisminetoo，andthouwiltbewise。
CHORUS
HearkentoherAgamemnon，fortojoininsavingthychildren’slivesissurelyanobledeed；nonewouldgainsaythis。
IPHIGENIA
HadItheeloquenceofOrpheus，myfather，tomovetherocksbychantedspellstofollowme，ortocharmbyspeakingwhomIwould，I
hadresortedtoit。Butasitis，I’llbringmytears-theonlyartI
know；forthatImightattempt。Andaboutthyknees，insuppliantwise，Itwinemylimbstheselimbsthywifeherebore。Destroymenotbeforemytime，forsweetistolookuponthelight，andforcemenottovisitscenesbelow。Iwasthefirsttocalltheefather，thouthefirsttocallmechild；thefirstwasItosituponthykneeandgiveandtakethefondcaress。Andthiswaswhatthouthenwouldstsay，\"ShallIseethee，mychild，livingahappyprosperouslifeinahusband’shomeoneday，inamannerworthyofmyself？\"AndI
inmyturnwouldask，asIhungaboutthybeard，wheretoInowamclinging，\"HowshallIseethee？ShallIbegivingtheeagladreceptioninmyhalls，father，inthyoldage，repayingallthyanxiouscareinrearingme？
Irememberallwesaid，’tisthouwhohastforgottenandnowwouldsttakemylife。ByPelops，Ientreattheespareme，bythyfatherAtreusandmymotherhere，whosuffersnowasecondtimethepangsshefeltbeforewhenbearingme！WhathaveItodowiththemarriageofParisandHelen？whyishiscomingtoprovemyruin，father？Lookuponme；oneglance，onekissbestow，thatthisatleastImaycarrytomydeathasamemorialofthee，thoughthouheednotmypleading。
（HoldingupthebabetoORESTES）Feebleallythoughthouart，brother，tothylovedones，yetaddthytearstomineandentreatourfatherforthysister’slife；eveninbabesthereisanaturalsenseofill。Ofather，seethisspeechlesssupplicationmadetothee；
pityme；havemercyonmytenderyears！Yea，bythybeardwetwofondheartsimplorethypity，theoneababe，afull-grownmaidtheother。Bysummingallmypleasinone，IwillprevailinwhatIsay。
Togazeuponyonlightisman’smostcherishedgift；thatlifebelowisnothingness，andwhosolongsfordeathismad。Betterlivealifeofwoethandieadeathofglory！
CHORUS
Ah，wretchedHelen！AwfulthestrugglethathascometothesonsofAtreusandtheirchildren，thankstotheeandthosemarriagesofthine。
AGAMEMNON
Whilelovingmyownchildren，Iyetunderstandwhatshouldmovemypityandwhatshouldnot；Iwereamadmanelse。’Tisterribleformetobringmyselftothis，norlessterribleisittorefuse，daughter；forImustfarethesame。Yeseethevastnessofvonnavalhost，andthenumbersofbronzecladwarriorsfromHellas，whocanneithermaketheirwaytoIlium’stowersnorrazethefar-famedcitadelofTroy，unlessIoffertheeaccordingtothewordofCalchastheseer。SomemaddesirepossessesthehostofHellastosailforthwithtothelandofthebarbarians，andputastoptotherapeofwivesfromHellas，andtheywillslaymydaughtersinArgosaswellasyouandme，ifIdisregardthegoddess’sbehests。ItisnotMenelauswhohathenslavedmetohim，child，norhaveIfollowedwishofhis；
nay，’tisHellas，forwhomImustsacrificetheewhetherIwillorno；
tothisnecessityIbowmyhead；forherfreedommustbepreserved，asfarasanyhelpofthine，daughter，orminecango；normustthey，whoarethesonsHellas，bepillagedoftheirwivesbybarbarianrobbery。
AGAMEMNONrushesfromthestage，CLYTAEMNESTRA
MychildYestrangerladies！
Woeismeforthisthydeath！Thyfatherflies，surrenderingtheetoHades。
IPHIGENIA
Woeisme，Omothermine！forthesamestrainhathfallentobothofusinourfortune。Nomoreformethelightofday！nomorethebeamsofyondersun！Woeforthatsnow-beatgleninPhrygiaandthehillsofIda，wherePriamonceexposedatenderbabe，tornfromhismother’sarmstomeetadeadlydoom，e’enParis，calledthechildofIdainthePhrygians’town。WouldPriamne’erhadsettledhim，theherdsmanrearedamidtheherds，besidethatwatercrystal-clear，wherearefountainsoftheNymphsandtheirmeadowrichwithbloomingflowers，wherehyacinthsandrose-budsblowforgoddessestogather！HitheronedaycamePallasandCyprisofthesubtleheart，HeratooandHermesmessengerofZeus-Cypris，proudofthelongingshecauses；Pallasofherprowess；andHeraofherroyalmarriagewithkingZeus-todecideahatefulstrifeabouttheirbeauty；
butitismydeath，maidens-fraught，’tistrue，withglorytotheDanai-thatArtemishasreceivedasanoffering，beforetheybeginthevoyagetoIlium。
Omother，mother！hethatbegatmetothislifeofsorrowhasgoneandleftmeallalone。Ah！woeisme！abitter，bittersightformewasHelen，evilHelen！tomenowdoomedtobleedanddie，slaughteredbyanimpioussire。
IwouldthisAulishadneverreceivedinitshavensherethesternsoftheirbronze-beakedships，thefleetwhichwasspeedingthemtoTroy；andwouldthatZeushadneverbreathedontheEuripusawindtostoptheexpedition，tempering，ashedoth，adifferentbreezetodifferentmen，sothatsomehavejoyinsettingsail，andsorrowsome，andothershardconstraint，tomakesomestartandothersstayandothersfurltheirsails！Fulloftroublethen，itseems，istheraceofmortals，fulloftroubleverily；and’tiseverFate’sdecreethatmanshouldfinddistress。
Woe！woetothee，thouchildofTyndareus，forthesufferingandanguishsore，whichthouartcausingtheDanai！
CHORUS
Ipitytheeforthycruelfate-afateIwouldthoune’erhadstmet！
IPHIGENIA
Omotherthatbareme！Iseeathrongofmenapproaching。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Itisthegoddess-bornthouseest，child，forwhomthoucamesthither。
IPHIGENIA（Callingintothetent）
Openthetent-doortome，servants，thatImayhidemyself。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Whyseektofly，mychild？
IPHIGENIA
IamashamedtofaceAchilles。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Wherefore？
IPHIGENIA
Thelucklessendingtoourmarriagecausesmetofeelabashed。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Notimeforaffectationnowinfaceofwhathaschanced。Staythen；reservewilldonogood，ifonlywecan-
EnterACHILLES。
ACHILLES
DaughterofLeda，ladyofsorrows！
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Nomisnomerthat。
ACHILLES
AfearfulcryisheardamongtheArgives。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Whatisit？tellme。
ACHILLES
Itconcernsthychild。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Anevilomenforthywords。
ACHILLES
Theysayhersacrificeisnecessary。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Andistherenoonetosayawordagainstthem？
ACHILLES
IndeedIwasinsomedangermyselffromthetumult。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Indangerofwhat？kindsir。
ACHILLES
Ofbeingstoned。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Surelynotfortryingtosavemydaughter？
ACHILLES
Theveryreason。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Whowouldhavedaredtolayafingeronthee？
ACHILLES
ThemenofHellas，oneandall。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
WerenotthyMyrmidonwarriorsatthyside？
ACHILLES
Theywerethefirstwhoturnedagainstme。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Mychild！wearelost，undone，itseems。
ACHILLES
Theytauntedmeasthemanwhommarriagehadenslaved。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Andwhatdidstthouanswerthem？
ACHILLES
IcravedthelifeofherImeanttowed-
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Justlyso。
ACHILLES
Thewifeherfatherpromisedme。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Aye，andsenttofetchfromArgos。
ACHILLES
ButIwasovercomebyclamorouscries。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Trulythemobisadiremischief。
ACHILLES
ButIwillhelptheeforallthat。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Wiltthoureallyfightthemsingle-handed？
ACHILLES
Dostseethesewarriorshere，carryingmyarms？
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Blesstheeforthykindintent！
ACHILLES
Well，Ishallbeblessed。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Thenmychildwillnotbeslaughterednow？
ACHILLES
No，notwithmyconsentatanyrate。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Butwillanyofthemcometolayhandsonthemaid？
ACHILLES
Thousandsofthem，withOdysseusattheirhead。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
ThesonofSisyphus？
ACHILLES
Theverysame。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Actingforhimselforbythearmy’sorder？
ACHILLES
Bytheirchoice-andhisown。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Anevilchoiceindeed，tostainhishandsinblood！
ACHILLES
ButIwillholdhimback。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Willheseizeandbearherhenceagainstherwill？
ACHILLES
Aye，byhergoldenhairnodoubt。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
WhatmustIdo，whenitcomestothat？
ACHILLES
Keepholdofthydaughter。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Besurethatsheshallnotbeslain，asfarasthatcanhelpher。
ACHILLES
Believeme，itwillcometothis。
IPHIGENIA
Mother，hearmewhileIspeak，forIseethatthouartwrothwiththyhusbandtonopurpose；’tishardforustopersistinimpossibilities。Ourthanksareduetothisstrangerforhisreadyhelp；butthoumustalsoseetoitthatheisnotreproachedbythearmy，leavingusnobetteroffandhimselfinvolvedintrouble。
Listen，mother；hearwhatthoughtshavepassedacrossmymind。Iamresolvedtodie；andthisIfainwoulddowithhonour，dismissingfrommewhatismean。Towardsthisnow，mother，turnthythoughts，andwithmeweighhowwellIspeak；tomethewholeofmightyHellaslooks；
onmethepassageo’ertheseadepends；onmethesackofTroy；andinmypoweritliestocheckhenceforthbarbarianraidsonhappyHellas，ifeverinthedaystocometheyseektoseizeherdaughters，whenoncetheyhaveatonedbydeathfortheviolationofHelen’smarriagebyParis。Allthisdeliverancewillmydeathinsure，andmyfameforsettingHellasfreewillbeahappyone。
Besides，Ihavenorightatalltoclingtoofondlytomylife；forthoudidstnotbearmeformyselfalone，butasapublicblessingtoallHellas。What！shallcountlesswarriors，armedwithshields，thosemyriadssittingattheoar，findcouragetoattackthefoeanddieforHellas，becausetheirfatherlandiswronged，andmyonelifepreventallthis？Whatkindofjusticeisthat？couldIfindawordinanswer？Nowturnwetothatotherpoint。ItisnotrightthatthismanshouldenterthelistswithallArgosorbeslainfoxawoman’ssake。Betterasinglemanshouldseethelightthantenthousandwomen。IfArtemisismindedtotakethisbody，amI，aweakmortal，tothwartthegoddess？Nay，thatwereimpossible。ToHellasIresignit；offerthissacrificeandmakeanutterendofTroy。Thisismyenduringmonument；marriage，motherhood，andfame-alltheseisittome。Anditisbutright，mother，thatHellenesshouldrulebarbarians，butnotbarbariansHellenes，thosebeingslaves，whilethesearefree。
CHORUS
Thouplayestanoblepart，maiden；butsicklyarethewhimsofFateandthegoddess。
ACHILLES
DaughterofAgamemnonIsomegodwasbentonblessingme，couldIbuthavewontheeformywife。IntheeIreckonHellashappy，andtheeinHellas；forthisthatthouhastsaidisgoodandworthyofthyfatherland；sincethou，abandoningastrifewithheavenlypowers，whicharetoostrongforthee，hasfairlyweighedadvantagesandneeds。ButnowthatIhavelookedintothynoblenature，Ifeelstillmoreafonddesiretowintheeformybride。Looktoit；forI
wouldfainservetheeandreceivetheeinmyhalls；andwitnessThetis，howIgrievetothinkIshallnotsavethylifebydoingbattlewiththeDanai。Reflect，Isay；adreadfulillisdeath。
IPHIGENIA
ThisIsay，withoutregardtoanyone。EnoughthatthedaughterofTyndareusiscausingwarsandbloodshedbyherbeauty；thenbenotslainthyself，sirstranger，norseektoslayanotheronmyaccount；butletme，ifIcan，saveHellas。
ACHILLES
Heroicspirit！Icansaynomoretothis，sincethouartsominded；forthineisanobleresolve；whyshouldnotoneavowthetruth？YetwillIspeak，forthouwilthaplychangethymind；thatthoumaystknowthenwhatmyofferis，Iwillgoandplacethesearmsofminenearthealtar，resolvednottopermitthydeathbuttopreventit；forbraveasthouart，atsightoftheknifeheldatthythroat，thouwiltsoonavailthyselfofwhatIsaid。SoIwillnotlettheeperishthroughanythoughtlessnessofthine，butwillgotothetempleofthegoddesswiththesearmsandawaitthyarrivalthere。
ExitACHILLES。
IPHIGENIA
Mother，whysosilent，thineeyeswetwithtears？
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Ihavereason，woeisme！tobesadatheart。
IPHIGENIA
Forbear；makemenotacoward；hereinonethingobeyme。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Saywhatitis，mychild，foratmyhandsthoushaltne’ersufferinjury。
IPHIGENIA
Cutnotoffthetressesofthyhairforme，norclothethyselfinsablegarb。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Why，mychild，Whatisitthouhastsaid？ShallI，whenIlosethee-
IPHIGENIA
\"Lose\"me，thoudostnot；Iamsavedandthourenowned，asfarasIcanmakethee。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Howso？MustInotmournthydeath？
IPHIGENIA
Bynomeans，forIshallhavenotombheapedo’erme。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
What，isnottheactofdyingheldtoimplyburial？
IPHIGENIA
Thealtarofthegoddess，Zeus’sdaughter，willbemytomb。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Well，mychild，Iwilllettheepersuademe，forthousayestwell。
IPHIGENIA
Aye，asonewhoprosperethanddoethHellasservice。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
WhatmessageshallIcarrytothysisters？
IPHIGENIA
Putnotmourningraimentonthemeither。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
ButistherenofondmessageIcangivethemaidensfromthee？
IPHIGENIA
Yes，myfarewellwords；andpromisemetorearthisbabeOrestestomanhood。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Presshimtothybosom；’tisthylastlook。
IPHIGENIA
Othouthatartmostdeartome！thouhasthelpedthyfriendsasthouhadstmeans。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
IsthereanythingIcandotopleasuretheeinArgos？
IPHIGENIA
Yes，hatenotmyfather，thyownhusband。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Fearfularethetrialsthroughwhichhehastogobecauseofthee。
IPHIGENIA
ItwasagainsthiswillheruinedmeforthesakeofHellas。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Ah！butbeemployedbasetreachery，unworthyofAtreus。
IPHIGENIA
Whowillescortmehence，beforemyhairistorn？
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Iwillgowiththee。
IPHIGENIA
No，notthou；thousay’stnotwell。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Iwill，clingingtothyrobes。
IPHIGENIA
Bepersuadedbyme，mother，stayhere；forthisisthebetterwayalikeformeandthee；butletoneoftheseattendantsofmyfatherconductmetothemeadowofArtemis，whereIshallbesacrificed。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Artgonefromme，mychild？
IPHIGENIA
Aye，andwithnochanceofeverreturning。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Leavingthymother？
IPHIGENIA
Yes，asthouseest，undeservedly。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Hold！leavemenot！
IPHIGENIA
Icannotlettheeshedatear。（ExitCLYTAEMNESTRA。TotheCHORUS）
Beityours，maidens，tohymninjoyousstrainsArtemis，thechildofZeus，formyhardlot；andlettheorderforasolemnhushgoforthtotheDanai。Beginthesacrificewiththebaskets，letthefireblazeforthepurifyingmealofsprinkling，andmyfatherpacefromlefttorightaboutthealtar；forIcometobestowonHellassafetycrownedwithvictory。Leadmehence，methedestroyerofIlium’stownandthePhrygians；givemewreathstocastaboutme；bringthemhither；herearemytressestocrown；bringlustralwatertoo。DancetoArtemis，queenArtemistheblest，aroundherfaneandaltar；forbythebloodofmysacrificeIwillblotouttheoracle，ifitneedsmustbe。
Omother，ladyrevered！fortheeshallmytearsbeshed，andnow；forattheholyritesImaynotweep。
Singwithme，maidens，singthepraisesofArtemis，whosetemplefacesChalcis，whereangryspearmenmadlychafe，hereinthenarrowhavensofAulis，becauseofme。
OPelasgia，landofmybirth，andMycenae，myhome！
CHORUS
IsitonPerseus’citadelthoucallest，thattownCyclopeanworkmenbuildIPHIGENIA
TobealighttoHellasdidstthourearme，andsoIsaynotNotodeath。
CHORUS
Thouartright；nofearthatfamewille’erdesertthee！
IPHIGENIA
Hailtothee，brightlampofdayandlightofZeus！Adifferentlife，differentlotishenceforthmine。FarewellIbidthee，lightbeloved！
ExitIPHIGENIA。
CHORUS
Beholdthemaidenonherway，thedestroyerofIlium’stownanditsPhrygians，withgarlandstwinedaboutherhead，anddropsoflustralwateronher，soontobesprinklewithhergushingbloodthealtarofamurderousgoddess，whattimehershapelyneckissevered。
Fortheefairstreamsofafather’spouringandlustralwatersareinstore，fortheeAchaea’shostiswaiting，eagertoreachthecitadelofIlium。ButletuscelebrateArtemis，thedaughterofZeus，queenamongthegods，asifuponsomehappychance。
Oladyrevered，delightinginhumansacrifice，sendonitswaytoPhrygia’slandthehostoftheHellenes，toTroy’sabodesofguile，andgrantthatAgamemnonmaywreathehisheadwithdeathlessfame，acrownoffairestgloryforthespearmenofHellas。
EnterMESSENGER。
MESSENGER
Comeforth，OClytaemnestra，daughterofTyndareus，fromthetent，tohearmynews。
EnterCLYTAEMNESTRA。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Iheardthyvoiceandamcomeinsaddismayandfearfuldread，notsurebutwhatthouhastarrivedwithtidingsofsomefreshtroubleformebesidesthepresentwoe。
MESSENGER
Nay，ratherwouldIunfoldtotheeastorystrangeandmarvellousaboutthychild。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Delaynot，then，butspeakatonce。
MESSENGER
Dearmistress，thoushaltlearnallclearly；fromtheoutsetwillItellit，unlessmymemoryfailmesomewhatandconfusemytongueinitsaccount。AssoonaswereachedthegroveofArtemis，thechildofZeus，andthemeadowsgaywithflowers，wheretheAchaeantroopsweregathered，bringingthydaughterwithus，forthwiththeArgivehostbeganassembling；butwhenkingAgamemnonsawthemaidenonherwaytothegrovetobesacrificed，hegaveonegroan，and，turningawayhisface，letthetearsburstfromhiseyes，asheheldhisrobebeforethem。Butthemaid，standingclosebyhimthatbegother，spakeonthiswise，\"Omyfather，hereamItodothybidding；
freelyIofferthisbodyofmineformycountryandallHellas，thatyemayleadmetothealtarofthegoddessandsacrificeme，sincethisisHeaven’sordinance。GoodluckbeyoursforanyhelpthatI
afford！andmayyeobtainthevictor’sgiftandcomeagaintothelandofyourfathers。SothenletnoneoftheArgiveslayhandsonme，forIwillbravelyyieldmyneckwithoutaword。\"
Shespake；andeachmanmarvelled，asheheardthemaiden’sbrave，unflinchingspeech。ButinthemidstupstoodTalthybius-forhisthisdutywas-andbadethehostrefrainfromwordordeed；andCalchas，theseer，drawingasharpswordfromoutitsscabbardlaiditinabasketofbeatengold，crowningthemaiden’sheadthewhile。ThenthesonofPeleus，takingthebasketandwithitlustralwaterinhishand，ranroundthealtarofthegoddessutteringthesewords，\"OArtemis，thouchildofZeus，slayerofwildbeasts，thatwheelestthydazzlinglightamidthegloom，acceptthissacrifice，whichwe，thehostoftheAchaeansandkingAgamemnonwithus，offertothee，evenpurebloodfromabeauteousmaiden’sneck；andgrantussafesailingforourshipsandthesackofTroy’stowersbyourspears。\"
MeantimethesonsofAtreusandallthehoststoodlookingontheground，whilethepriest，seizinghisknife，offeredupaprayerandwascloselyscanningthemaiden’sthroattoseewhereheshouldstrike。’Twasnoslightsorrowfilledmyheart，asIstoodbywithbowedhead；whenlo！asuddenmiracle！Eachoneofusdistinctlyheardthesoundofablow，butnonesawthespotwherethemaidenvanished。Loudlythepriestcriedout，andallthehosttookupthecryatthesightofamarvelallunlookedfor，duetosomegod’sagency，andpassingallbelief，although’twasseen；forthereuponthegroundlayahindofsizeimmenseandpassingfairtosec，gaspingoutherlife，withwhosebloodthealtarofthegoddesswasthoroughlybedewed。WhereonspakeCalchasthus-hisjoythoucanstimagine-\"YecaptainsofthisleaguedAchaeanhost，doyeseethisvictim，whichthegoddesshassetbeforeheraltar，amountainroaminghind？Thisismorewelcometoherbyfarthanthemaid，thatshemaynotdefileheraltarbysheddingnobleblood。GladlyhassheaccepteditandisgrantingusaprosperousvoyageforourattackonIlium。Whereforetakeheart，sailors，eachmanofyou，andawaytoyourships，forto-daymustweleavethehollowbaysofAulisandcrosstheAegeanmain。\"
Then，whenthesacrificewaswhollyburnttoashesintheblazingflame，heofferedsuchprayersasweremeet，thatthearmymightwinreturn；butmeAgamemnonsendstotelltheethis，andsaywhatHeaven-sentluckishis，andhowhehathsecuredundyingfamethroughoutthelengthofHellas。NowIwastheremyselfandspeakasaneye-witness；withoutadoubtthychildflewawaytothegods。A
trucethentothysorrowing，andceasetobewrothwiththyhusband；
forGod’swayswithmanarenotwhatweexpect，andthosewhomheloves，hekeepethsafe；yea，forthisdayhathseenthydaughterdeadandbroughttolifeagain。
ExitMESSENGER。
CHORUS
Whatjoytohearthesetidingsfromthemessenger！Hetellstheethychildislivingstill，amongthegods。
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Whichofthegods，mychild，hathstolenthee？HowamItoaddressthee？HowcanIbesurethatthisisnotanidletaletoldtocheerme，tomakemeceasemypiteouslamentationforthee？
CHORUS
Lo！kingAgamemnonapproaches，toconfirmthisstoryforthee。
EnterAGAMEMNON。
AGAMEMNON
Happymaywebecounted，lady，asfarasconcernsourdaughter；
forshehathfellowshipwithgodsinverysooth。Butthoumusttakethistenderbabeandstartforhome，forthehostislookingnowtosail。Faretheewell！’tislongereIshallgreettheeonmyreturnfromTroy；mayitbewellwiththee！
CHORUS
SonofAtreus，startforPhrygia’slandwithjoyandsoreturn，Ipray，aftertakingfromTroyherfairestspoils。
ExeuntOMNES。