Euripides Electra 671

Orestes

O Zeus, god of my fathers, be also the vanquisher of my enemies—

Electra

And have pity on us; for we have suffered pitiably—

Old man

Yes, indeed, have pity on your own descendants.

Electra

And Hera, you who rule Mycenae ’s altars—

Orestes

Give us victory, if we are asking for what is right.

675

Old man

Yes, indeed, give them the right of vengeance for their father.

Orestes

You too, father, living below the earth through an unholy deed—

Electra

And Lady Earth, to whom I give my hands—

Old man

Defend, defend these, your dearest children.

Orestes

Now come and bring with you all the dead as allies.

680

Electra

Those who destroyed the Trojans in war with you—

Old man

And all who hate the unholy and polluted.

Electra

Do you hear me, you who suffered dreadful things from my mother?

Old man

Your father hears everything, I know; but it is time to be on our way.

Electra

And I tell you therefore that Aegisthus is to die; if you fall dead in the struggle, I am also dead, do not count me as alive; for I will strike my heart with a two-edged sword. I will go indoors and make things ready there.

685

So that if a good report comes from you, the whole house will cry aloud in triumph; but, if you die, it will be the opposite of that. These are my words to you.

690

Orestes

I know it all.

Electra

Therefore you must be a man. Exeunt Orestes, Pylades, and Old Man. And you, women, please take care to give

a shout in signal of this contest. I will keep a sword ready, holding it in my hand, for I will not ever, if defeated, submit to my enemies the right to insult my body. Exit Electra.

695