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。"