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