第1章

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！