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Chorus Leader
But here come the two youths, with tightly bound hands, the new sacrifice for the goddess; silence, my friends. These first-fruits of
Hellas
are indeed
approaching the temple; the herdman did not deliver a false message.
460
Lady Artemis, if this city carries out the rites in a way pleasing to you, accept the victims,
which the custom among us declares to be unholy.
465
467
But here come the two youths, with tightly bound hands, the new sacrifice for the goddess; silence, my friends. These first-fruits of
Hellas
are indeed
approaching the temple; the herdman did not deliver a false message.
460
Lady Artemis, if this city carries out the rites in a way pleasing to you, accept the victims,
which the custom among us declares to be unholy.
465
Iphigenia
Enough; first, it will be my care to perform well the rites of the goddess. Unbind the strangers’ hands, so that, as holy victims, they may no longer be in chains.
Then go into the temple and make ready what is necessary and customary at the present time.
470
(Turning to the prisoners.) Ah! Who was your mother, who gave you birth, and your father? And your sister, if you happen to have one . . . such two youths as she has lost,
and will be without a brother! Who knows where such fortunes will arrive? For all the gods’ affairs creep on in darkness, and no one knows evil . . . fate leads us on towards what we cannot know.
475
Unhappy strangers, where have you come from?
For you have sailed a long time to reach this land, and you will be away from your home a long time, in the world below.
480
Enough; first, it will be my care to perform well the rites of the goddess. Unbind the strangers’ hands, so that, as holy victims, they may no longer be in chains.
Then go into the temple and make ready what is necessary and customary at the present time.
470
(Turning to the prisoners.) Ah! Who was your mother, who gave you birth, and your father? And your sister, if you happen to have one . . . such two youths as she has lost,
and will be without a brother! Who knows where such fortunes will arrive? For all the gods’ affairs creep on in darkness, and no one knows evil . . . fate leads us on towards what we cannot know.
475
Unhappy strangers, where have you come from?
For you have sailed a long time to reach this land, and you will be away from your home a long time, in the world below.
480
Orestes
Why do you lament these things, and mourn for the evils about to come upon us, lady, whoever you are? I do not think the one who is about to die wise,
if he wishes to conquer the fear of death by wailing, nor the one who laments when Hades is near and there is no hope of safety; for so he puts together two ills out of one, incurring a charge of folly and dying all the same; we must let fate alone.
485
Do not grieve for us; for we are acquainted with the sacrifices here and we know them.
490
492
Why do you lament these things, and mourn for the evils about to come upon us, lady, whoever you are? I do not think the one who is about to die wise,
if he wishes to conquer the fear of death by wailing, nor the one who laments when Hades is near and there is no hope of safety; for so he puts together two ills out of one, incurring a charge of folly and dying all the same; we must let fate alone.
485
Do not grieve for us; for we are acquainted with the sacrifices here and we know them.
490
Iphigenia
Which of you is called by the name of Pylades? I want to know this first.
Which of you is called by the name of Pylades? I want to know this first.
Orestes
That one, if you have any pleasure in the knowledge.
That one, if you have any pleasure in the knowledge.
Iphigenia
Of what city of
Hellas
were you born a citizen?
495
Of what city of
Hellas
were you born a citizen?
495
Orestes
What would you gain by learning this, lady?
What would you gain by learning this, lady?
Iphigenia
Are you brothers, from one mother?
Are you brothers, from one mother?
Orestes
By friendship, yes; we are not brothers by birth, lady.
By friendship, yes; we are not brothers by birth, lady.
Iphigenia
What name did your father give you?
What name did your father give you?
Orestes
I might rightly be called Unfortunate.
500
I might rightly be called Unfortunate.
500
Iphigenia
I do not ask that; ascribe that to fortune.
I do not ask that; ascribe that to fortune.
Orestes
If I die unnamed, I would not be mocked at.
If I die unnamed, I would not be mocked at.
Iphigenia
Why do you begrudge this? Are you so proud?
Why do you begrudge this? Are you so proud?
Orestes
You will sacrifice my body, not my name.
You will sacrifice my body, not my name.
Iphigenia
Can you not say what city you are from?
505
Can you not say what city you are from?
505
Orestes
You are seeking nothing profitable, since I am going to die.
You are seeking nothing profitable, since I am going to die.
Iphigenia
What hinders you from doing me this favor?
What hinders you from doing me this favor?
Orestes
The famous
Argos
I claim as my native land.
The famous
Argos
I claim as my native land.
Iphigenia
By the gods, truly, stranger, were you born there?
By the gods, truly, stranger, were you born there?
Orestes
Yes, from
Mycenae
, which was once prosperous.
510
Yes, from
Mycenae
, which was once prosperous.
510
Iphigenia
Have you left your country as an exile, or by what fate?
Have you left your country as an exile, or by what fate?
Orestes
My flight is in some manner willed and unwilled.
My flight is in some manner willed and unwilled.
Iphigenia
Could you then tell me something that I wish to know?
Could you then tell me something that I wish to know?
Orestes
It will be no great addition to my own misfortune.
It will be no great addition to my own misfortune.
Iphigenia
Indeed, I am so glad that you have come from
Argos
!
515
Indeed, I am so glad that you have come from
Argos
!
515
Orestes
I am not; but if you are, take pleasure in it.
I am not; but if you are, take pleasure in it.
Iphigenia
Perhaps you know
Troy
, whose fame is everywhere.
Perhaps you know
Troy
, whose fame is everywhere.
Orestes
Would that I did not, even seen in a dream!
Would that I did not, even seen in a dream!
Iphigenia
They say it is no more, lost to the spear.
They say it is no more, lost to the spear.
Orestes
It is so; you have heard nothing that has not happened.
520
It is so; you have heard nothing that has not happened.
520
Iphigenia
Has Helen come back to Menelaus’ home?
Has Helen come back to Menelaus’ home?
Orestes
She has; it was an unfortunate arrival for one dear to me.
She has; it was an unfortunate arrival for one dear to me.
Iphigenia
And where is she? She deserves an ill turn from me also.
And where is she? She deserves an ill turn from me also.
Orestes
She lives at
Sparta
with her former bedfellow.
She lives at
Sparta
with her former bedfellow.
Iphigenia
Creature hated by
Hellas
, not by me alone!
525
Creature hated by
Hellas
, not by me alone!
525
Orestes
I have also had some benefit from the marriage of that woman!
I have also had some benefit from the marriage of that woman!
Iphigenia
Have the Achaeans returned, as reported?
Have the Achaeans returned, as reported?
Orestes
How you put everything together and ask me all at once!
How you put everything together and ask me all at once!
Iphigenia
Before you die, I want to profit by your answers.
Before you die, I want to profit by your answers.
Orestes
Question me, since you desire this; I will tell you.
530
Question me, since you desire this; I will tell you.
530
Iphigenia
Has a certain Calchas, a prophet, come back from
Troy
?
Has a certain Calchas, a prophet, come back from
Troy
?
Orestes
He is dead, as the story goes in
Mycenae
.
He is dead, as the story goes in
Mycenae
.
Iphigenia
O goddess, how good that is! What about Odysseus?
O goddess, how good that is! What about Odysseus?
Orestes
He has not yet returned, but is alive, they say.
He has not yet returned, but is alive, they say.
Iphigenia
May he die and never achieve a return to his country!
535
May he die and never achieve a return to his country!
535
Orestes
Do not pray against that man; all is misery for him.
Do not pray against that man; all is misery for him.
Iphigenia
But is the son of Thetis the Nereid still alive?
But is the son of Thetis the Nereid still alive?
Orestes
He is not; his marriage at
Aulis
was in vain.
He is not; his marriage at
Aulis
was in vain.
Iphigenia
Yes, for it was a cheat, as those who experienced it know.
540
Yes, for it was a cheat, as those who experienced it know.
Orestes
Who are you? How well you ask about
Hellas
!
540
Who are you? How well you ask about
Hellas
!
540
Iphigenia
I am from there; while still a child I was lost.
I am from there; while still a child I was lost.
Orestes
Then rightly you desire to know what has happened there, lady.
Then rightly you desire to know what has happened there, lady.
Iphigenia
What about the general, who is said to be happy?
What about the general, who is said to be happy?
Orestes
Who? The one I knew was not happy.
Who? The one I knew was not happy.
Iphigenia
There was said to be a certain lord, Agamemnon, son of Atreus.
545
There was said to be a certain lord, Agamemnon, son of Atreus.
545
Orestes
I do not know; leave this subject, lady.
I do not know; leave this subject, lady.
Iphigenia
No, by the gods, but tell me, stranger, to delight me.
No, by the gods, but tell me, stranger, to delight me.
Orestes
The wretched man is dead, and in addition he destroyed another.
The wretched man is dead, and in addition he destroyed another.
Iphigenia
Dead? By what fate? I am unhappy!
Dead? By what fate? I am unhappy!
Orestes
Why do you mourn for this? It doesn’t concern you, does it?
550
Why do you mourn for this? It doesn’t concern you, does it?
550
Iphigenia
I grieve for his former prosperity.
I grieve for his former prosperity.
Orestes
Yes, for he was dreadfully murdered by a woman.
Yes, for he was dreadfully murdered by a woman.
Iphigenia
O miserable the slayer . . . and the slain!
O miserable the slayer . . . and the slain!
Orestes
Stop now, and do not ask further.
Stop now, and do not ask further.
Iphigenia
Only this much, if the wife of the wretched man is alive.
555
Only this much, if the wife of the wretched man is alive.
555
Orestes
She is not; she was killed by the son that she bore.
She is not; she was killed by the son that she bore.
Iphigenia
O house thrown into confusion! What was his intent?
O house thrown into confusion! What was his intent?
Orestes
To avenge on her the death of his father.
To avenge on her the death of his father.
Iphigenia
Ah! How well he exacted an evil justice!
Ah! How well he exacted an evil justice!
Orestes
Though he is just, he does not have good fortune from the gods.
560
Though he is just, he does not have good fortune from the gods.
560
Iphigenia
Did Agamemnon leave any other children in his house?
Did Agamemnon leave any other children in his house?
Orestes
He left one virgin daughter, Electra.
He left one virgin daughter, Electra.
Iphigenia
What else? Is there any report of the daughter who was sacrificed?
What else? Is there any report of the daughter who was sacrificed?
Orestes
None, except that she is dead and does not see the light.
None, except that she is dead and does not see the light.
Iphigenia
Unhappy girl, and also the father that killed her!
565
Unhappy girl, and also the father that killed her!
565
Orestes
As a thankless favor to an evil woman, she died.
As a thankless favor to an evil woman, she died.
Iphigenia
Does the dead father’s son live at
Argos
?
Does the dead father’s son live at
Argos
?
Orestes
He lives, the miserable one, both nowhere and everywhere.
He lives, the miserable one, both nowhere and everywhere.
Iphigenia
False dreams, farewell; after all, you were nothing.
False dreams, farewell; after all, you were nothing.
Orestes
And those who are called wise divinities are not less false than winged dreams. These is much confusion, both in divine affairs and in human; but only this is a grief to the one who was not foolish, but trusted in the words of prophets
570
and died—as he died to those that know.
575
And those who are called wise divinities are not less false than winged dreams. These is much confusion, both in divine affairs and in human; but only this is a grief to the one who was not foolish, but trusted in the words of prophets
570
and died—as he died to those that know.
575
Chorus Leader
Ah! What about me, and my parents? Are they alive? Are they not? Who can say?
578
Ah! What about me, and my parents? Are they alive? Are they not? Who can say?
Iphigenia
Listen to me; I have come to a subject which means benefit both to you, strangers,
and to me, by your efforts. A good action is especially so, if the same matter is pleasing to all. Would you, if I should save you, go to
Argos
and take a report of me to my friends there, and bring a tablet,
580
which a captive wrote for me in pity? He did not think my hand murderous, but that the victims of the goddess, who holds these things just, die under the law. For I have had no one to go back to
Argos
with that message, who,
585
being saved, would send my letter to one of my friends. But you—if, as it seems, you are not hostile to me, and you know
Mycenae
and those whom I want you to know—be rescued, and have this reward, not a shameful one, safety for the sake of this small letter.
590
But let him, since the city exacts it, be the offering to the goddess, separated from you.
595
Listen to me; I have come to a subject which means benefit both to you, strangers,
and to me, by your efforts. A good action is especially so, if the same matter is pleasing to all. Would you, if I should save you, go to
Argos
and take a report of me to my friends there, and bring a tablet,
580
which a captive wrote for me in pity? He did not think my hand murderous, but that the victims of the goddess, who holds these things just, die under the law. For I have had no one to go back to
Argos
with that message, who,
585
being saved, would send my letter to one of my friends. But you—if, as it seems, you are not hostile to me, and you know
Mycenae
and those whom I want you to know—be rescued, and have this reward, not a shameful one, safety for the sake of this small letter.
590
But let him, since the city exacts it, be the offering to the goddess, separated from you.
595
Orestes
Stranger, you have spoken all well but this: to sacrifice him would be a heavy grief to me. I am the pilot of these misfortunes,
he sailed with me for the sake of my troubles. For it is not right for me to do you a favor and get out of danger, on condition of his death. But let it happen this way: give him the letter and he will take it to to
Argos
, for your well-being;
600
let anyone who wishes kill me. It is most shameful for anyone to save himself by hurling his friends’ affairs into catastrophe. That man is my friend, and I wish him to live, no less than myself.
605
Stranger, you have spoken all well but this: to sacrifice him would be a heavy grief to me. I am the pilot of these misfortunes,
he sailed with me for the sake of my troubles. For it is not right for me to do you a favor and get out of danger, on condition of his death. But let it happen this way: give him the letter and he will take it to to
Argos
, for your well-being;
600
let anyone who wishes kill me. It is most shameful for anyone to save himself by hurling his friends’ affairs into catastrophe. That man is my friend, and I wish him to live, no less than myself.
605
Iphigenia
O brave spirit! How you were born from some noble
stock, and are rightly a friend to your friends! May that one of my relatives who is left be such as you! For I am not without a brother, strangers, except in so far as I do not see him.
610
Since you wish it, I will send this man
with the tablet, and you will die; a great eagerness for this seems to possess you.
615
617
O brave spirit! How you were born from some noble
stock, and are rightly a friend to your friends! May that one of my relatives who is left be such as you! For I am not without a brother, strangers, except in so far as I do not see him.
610
Since you wish it, I will send this man
with the tablet, and you will die; a great eagerness for this seems to possess you.
615
Orestes
Who will sacrifice me and dare such a dreadful deed ?
Who will sacrifice me and dare such a dreadful deed ?
Iphigenia
I will; for I hold the office of this goddess.
I will; for I hold the office of this goddess.
Orestes
It is not envied, lady, and not blessed.
It is not envied, lady, and not blessed.
Iphigenia
But I am dedicated to necessity, which must be kept.
620
But I am dedicated to necessity, which must be kept.
620
Orestes
Do you yourself, a woman, sacrifice men with the sword?
Do you yourself, a woman, sacrifice men with the sword?
Iphigenia
No; but I sprinkle the holy water around your hair.
No; but I sprinkle the holy water around your hair.
Orestes
Who is the slayer? If I may ask this.
Who is the slayer? If I may ask this.
Iphigenia
That charge belongs to those within this temple.
That charge belongs to those within this temple.
Orestes
What sort of tomb will receive me, when I die?
625
What sort of tomb will receive me, when I die?
625
Iphigenia
The sacred fire within and the wide hollow of a cave.
The sacred fire within and the wide hollow of a cave.
Orestes
Ah! Would that my sister’s hand might lay out my body!
Ah! Would that my sister’s hand might lay out my body!
Iphigenia
You have prayed in vain, unhappy youth, whoever you are; for she lives far from a barbarian land.
Yet indeed, since you happen to be an
Argive
, I too will not leave out any favor that I can do. I will set much ornament on the tomb and quench your body with yellow oil, and throw onto your funeral pyre the gleaming honey, that streams from flowers,
630
of the tawny mountain bee.
635
But I will go and bring the tablet from the temple of the goddess; take care not to bear me ill-will.
Guard them, attendants, without chains. Perhaps I will send unexpected news to one of my friends,
whom I especially love, in
Argos
; and the tablet, in telling him that those whom he thought dead are alive, will report a joy that can be believed.
Exit Iphigenia.
640
You have prayed in vain, unhappy youth, whoever you are; for she lives far from a barbarian land.
Yet indeed, since you happen to be an
Argive
, I too will not leave out any favor that I can do. I will set much ornament on the tomb and quench your body with yellow oil, and throw onto your funeral pyre the gleaming honey, that streams from flowers,
630
of the tawny mountain bee.
635
But I will go and bring the tablet from the temple of the goddess; take care not to bear me ill-will.
Guard them, attendants, without chains. Perhaps I will send unexpected news to one of my friends,
whom I especially love, in
Argos
; and the tablet, in telling him that those whom he thought dead are alive, will report a joy that can be believed.
Exit Iphigenia.
640
Chorus
(to Orestes.) I raise a lament for you; the drops from the holy water,
mingled with blood, will soon take you into their care.
645
(to Orestes.) I raise a lament for you; the drops from the holy water,
mingled with blood, will soon take you into their care.
645
Orestes
This is not a case for pity, but farewell, strangers.
This is not a case for pity, but farewell, strangers.
Chorus
(to Pylades.) We honor you, young man, for your happy fate, because you will tread on your native land some day.
(to Pylades.) We honor you, young man, for your happy fate, because you will tread on your native land some day.
Pylades
An unenviable fate indeed for a friend, when his friend is to die.
650
An unenviable fate indeed for a friend, when his friend is to die.
650
Chorus
O cruel mission!
Ah, ah! You are destroyed! Alas, alas! Which is better?
For still my mind disputes a double argument, shall I mourn for you or rather for you.
655
658
O cruel mission!
Ah, ah! You are destroyed! Alas, alas! Which is better?
For still my mind disputes a double argument, shall I mourn for you or rather for you.
655
Orestes
By the gods, Pylades, do you feel the same thing I do?
By the gods, Pylades, do you feel the same thing I do?
Pylades
I do not know; I have no reply to your question.
I do not know; I have no reply to your question.
Orestes
Who is the girl? How like a Hellene she questioned me about the labors in
Ilium
and the return of the Achaeans, and Calchas, wise in omens, and Achilles’ name; and how she pitied the wretched Agamemnon, and asked me about
660
Who is the girl? How like a Hellene she questioned me about the labors in
Ilium
and the return of the Achaeans, and Calchas, wise in omens, and Achilles’ name; and how she pitied the wretched Agamemnon, and asked me about
660
Pylades
You are not much ahead of me: I was about to say the same things you said,
except this: all who move about in the world know what happens to kings. But I have arrived at another consideration.
670
You are not much ahead of me: I was about to say the same things you said,
except this: all who move about in the world know what happens to kings. But I have arrived at another consideration.
670
Orestes
What is it? Share it with me so that you may know better.
What is it? Share it with me so that you may know better.
Pylades
It is shameful for me to live when you are dead;
I sailed together with you, and I ought to die together with you. For I will seem a coward and base in
Argos
and
Phocis
of the many mountain folds. Most will think—for most people are base—that I betrayed you and saved myself to come home alone,
675
or I plotted your death, in the afflictions of your house, for the sake of your kingdom, since I married your sister and heiress. I fear these things and I am ashamed; and I must breathe my last with you,
680
be slaughtered with you and consumed on the pyre; because I am your friend and I fear reproach.
685
687
It is shameful for me to live when you are dead;
I sailed together with you, and I ought to die together with you. For I will seem a coward and base in
Argos
and
Phocis
of the many mountain folds. Most will think—for most people are base—that I betrayed you and saved myself to come home alone,
675
or I plotted your death, in the afflictions of your house, for the sake of your kingdom, since I married your sister and heiress. I fear these things and I am ashamed; and I must breathe my last with you,
680
be slaughtered with you and consumed on the pyre; because I am your friend and I fear reproach.
685
Orestes
Hush! I must bear my own ills, and when the grief is single, I will not bear it double. What you call vile and infamous,
would be mine, if I cause you, who have toiled with me, to die; for it is not a hardship for me, suffering as I do at the hands of the gods, to give up my life. But you are prosperous, and you have a house that is pure, not afflicted, while mine is impious and unfortunate.
690
If you are saved and get sons from my sister, whom I gave to you for wife, my name would remain and the whole house of my father would not be wiped out in childlessness. But go, and live, and dwell in my father’s house.
695
And when you come to
Hellas
and to
Argos
of the horses, I charge you, by this right hand: heap up a tomb and build a memorial for me, and let my sister give her hair and tears to the tomb. Report that I died at the hand of an
Argive
700
woman, at an altar, purified for death. Do not ever betray my sister, when you see how lonely is my father’s house that you have joined by marriage. And now farewell; I have found you the dearest of my friends, you who have hunted with me, grown up with me,
705
and borne with me many miseries. Phoebus, though a prophet, has deceived me; creating his plot, he drove me far away from
Hellas
, ashamed of his earlier prophecies. I gave him my all and trusted in his words,
710
killed my mother, and myself perish in turn.
715
Hush! I must bear my own ills, and when the grief is single, I will not bear it double. What you call vile and infamous,
would be mine, if I cause you, who have toiled with me, to die; for it is not a hardship for me, suffering as I do at the hands of the gods, to give up my life. But you are prosperous, and you have a house that is pure, not afflicted, while mine is impious and unfortunate.
690
If you are saved and get sons from my sister, whom I gave to you for wife, my name would remain and the whole house of my father would not be wiped out in childlessness. But go, and live, and dwell in my father’s house.
695
And when you come to
Hellas
and to
Argos
of the horses, I charge you, by this right hand: heap up a tomb and build a memorial for me, and let my sister give her hair and tears to the tomb. Report that I died at the hand of an
Argive
700
woman, at an altar, purified for death. Do not ever betray my sister, when you see how lonely is my father’s house that you have joined by marriage. And now farewell; I have found you the dearest of my friends, you who have hunted with me, grown up with me,
705
and borne with me many miseries. Phoebus, though a prophet, has deceived me; creating his plot, he drove me far away from
Hellas
, ashamed of his earlier prophecies. I gave him my all and trusted in his words,
710
killed my mother, and myself perish in turn.
715
Pylades
You will have a tomb, and I will never betray your sister’s bed, unhappy youth, since I will hold you dearer when dead than when alive. But the prophecy of the god has not destroyed you yet;
although you stand near to slaughter. Great misfortune can offer great reversals, when it is fated; it can indeed.
720
You will have a tomb, and I will never betray your sister’s bed, unhappy youth, since I will hold you dearer when dead than when alive. But the prophecy of the god has not destroyed you yet;
although you stand near to slaughter. Great misfortune can offer great reversals, when it is fated; it can indeed.
720
Orestes
Silence; the words of Phoebus are no benefit to me; here comes the woman out of the temple.
725
Silence; the words of Phoebus are no benefit to me; here comes the woman out of the temple.
Iphigenia
(to the guard.) Go away and make the preparations within for those who attend to the sacrifice.
725
Here are the many folds of the tablet, strangers. Hear what I want in addition. No man is the same when he is in troubles
and when he falls out of fear into courage. I am afraid that when the one who is going to take this tablet to
Argos
leaves this land, he will put aside my letter as worth nothing.
730
(to the guard.) Go away and make the preparations within for those who attend to the sacrifice.
725
Here are the many folds of the tablet, strangers. Hear what I want in addition. No man is the same when he is in troubles
and when he falls out of fear into courage. I am afraid that when the one who is going to take this tablet to
Argos
leaves this land, he will put aside my letter as worth nothing.
730
Orestes
What do you want, then? What are you perplexed about?
What do you want, then? What are you perplexed about?
Iphigenia
Let him give me an oath that he will convey this letter to
Argos
, to the friends to whom I wish to send it.
735
Let him give me an oath that he will convey this letter to
Argos
, to the friends to whom I wish to send it.
735
Orestes
And will you give in return the same words to him?
And will you give in return the same words to him?
Iphigenia
To do what, or refrain from doing? Tell me.
To do what, or refrain from doing? Tell me.
Orestes
To send him from this barbarous land alive.
To send him from this barbarous land alive.
Iphigenia
What you say is right; how else could he deliver it?
740
What you say is right; how else could he deliver it?
740
Orestes
Will the king agree to this?
Will the king agree to this?
Iphigenia
Yes. I will persuade the king, and I myself will put this man on the ship.
Yes. I will persuade the king, and I myself will put this man on the ship.
Orestes
(to Pylades.) Swear; begin a pious oath.
(to Pylades.) Swear; begin a pious oath.
Iphigenia
(to Pylades.) You must say: I will give this to your friends.
(to Pylades.) You must say: I will give this to your friends.
Pylades
I will give this letter to your friends.
745
I will give this letter to your friends.
745
Iphigenia
And I will see you safely outside the dark rocks.
And I will see you safely outside the dark rocks.
Pylades
What god do you do you swear by, as witness to your oath?
What god do you do you swear by, as witness to your oath?
Iphigenia
Artemis, in whose temple I hold office.
Artemis, in whose temple I hold office.
Pylades
And I swear by the king of heaven, revered Zeus.
And I swear by the king of heaven, revered Zeus.
Iphigenia
But if you leave off your oath, and wrong me?
750
But if you leave off your oath, and wrong me?
750
Pylades
May I not return. What about you, if you do not save me?
May I not return. What about you, if you do not save me?
Iphigenia
May I never set foot in
Argos
alive.
May I never set foot in
Argos
alive.
Pylades
Now listen to a consideration we have passed over.
Now listen to a consideration we have passed over.
Iphigenia
But it will be something new, if it is good.
But it will be something new, if it is good.
Pylades
Give me this exception: if the ship suffers and the tablet is lost with its cargo in the waves, and I rescue myself only, may this oath not hinder me.
755
Give me this exception: if the ship suffers and the tablet is lost with its cargo in the waves, and I rescue myself only, may this oath not hinder me.
755
Iphigenia
Do you know what I will do? For many attempts hit many targets.
I will tell you what is written in the folds of this tablet for you to report to my friends. For this is secure: if you preserve the writing, itself, though silent, will speak its message; if the writing is lost in the sea,
760
when you save yourself, you will save my words.
765
Do you know what I will do? For many attempts hit many targets.
I will tell you what is written in the folds of this tablet for you to report to my friends. For this is secure: if you preserve the writing, itself, though silent, will speak its message; if the writing is lost in the sea,
760
when you save yourself, you will save my words.
765
Pylades
You have spoken well, on behalf of the gods and me. Make clear to whom I must bring this letter in
Argos
, and what I must say when I have heard it from you.
769
You have spoken well, on behalf of the gods and me. Make clear to whom I must bring this letter in
Argos
, and what I must say when I have heard it from you.
Iphigenia
Report to Orestes, the son of Agamemnon:
the one slain at
Aulis
sends you this, Iphigenia, who is alive, though no longer alive to those there—
770
Report to Orestes, the son of Agamemnon:
the one slain at
Aulis
sends you this, Iphigenia, who is alive, though no longer alive to those there—
770
Orestes
Where is she? Has she come back from the dead??
Where is she? Has she come back from the dead??
Iphigenia
The one you are looking at; don’t confuse me by your talk. Bring me to
Argos
, my brother, before I die.
Take me away from the barbarian land and the sacrifices of the goddess, where I hold the office of killing foreigners.
775
The one you are looking at; don’t confuse me by your talk. Bring me to
Argos
, my brother, before I die.
Take me away from the barbarian land and the sacrifices of the goddess, where I hold the office of killing foreigners.
775
Orestes
Pylades, what shall I say? Where have we found ourselves?
Pylades, what shall I say? Where have we found ourselves?
Iphigenia
Or I will be a curse to your house.
Or I will be a curse to your house.
Pylades
Orestes?
1
Orestes?
Iphigenia
(stopping to address Pylades.) So that you may know the name, hearing it twice.
(stopping to address Pylades.) So that you may know the name, hearing it twice.
Pylades
O gods!
780
O gods!
780
Iphigenia
Why do you invoke the gods in my affairs?
Why do you invoke the gods in my affairs?
Pylades
No reason; finish your words; my thoughts were elsewhere. Perhaps, if I question you, I will not arrive at things I cannot believe.
No reason; finish your words; my thoughts were elsewhere. Perhaps, if I question you, I will not arrive at things I cannot believe.
Iphigenia
Tell him that Artemis saved me, by giving a deer in exchange for me; my father sacrificed it,
thinking that he drove the sword sharply into me; and she settled me in this land. This is my letter, this is the writing in the tablet.
785
Tell him that Artemis saved me, by giving a deer in exchange for me; my father sacrificed it,
thinking that he drove the sword sharply into me; and she settled me in this land. This is my letter, this is the writing in the tablet.
785
Pylades
You have bound me with an easy oath, and sworn very well. I will not take much time
to carry out the oath I swore.
790
See, Orestes, I bring you a tablet from your sister here, and give it to you.
You have bound me with an easy oath, and sworn very well. I will not take much time
to carry out the oath I swore.
790
See, Orestes, I bring you a tablet from your sister here, and give it to you.
Orestes
I do receive it, but first I will pass over the letter’s folds to take a joy that is not in words.
(Approaching to embrace Iphigenia.) My dearest sister, with what astonishment and delight I hold you in my unbelieving arms, after learning these marvels!
795
798
I do receive it, but first I will pass over the letter’s folds to take a joy that is not in words.
(Approaching to embrace Iphigenia.) My dearest sister, with what astonishment and delight I hold you in my unbelieving arms, after learning these marvels!
795
Chorus Leader
Stranger, you are wrongly defiling the attendant of the goddess, by putting your hands on her robe that should not be touched.
Stranger, you are wrongly defiling the attendant of the goddess, by putting your hands on her robe that should not be touched.
Orestes
My own sister, born from my father Agamemnon, do not turn away from me, when you hold your brother and thought you never would!
800
My own sister, born from my father Agamemnon, do not turn away from me, when you hold your brother and thought you never would!
800
Iphigenia
Orestes
Unhappy girl, your brother is not there.
805
Unhappy girl, your brother is not there.
805
Iphigenia
But did Tyndareus’ daughter, the Spartan, give birth to you?
But did Tyndareus’ daughter, the Spartan, give birth to you?
Orestes
Yes, and my father was Pelops’ grandson.
Yes, and my father was Pelops’ grandson.
Iphigenia
What are you saying? Do you have some proof of this for me?
What are you saying? Do you have some proof of this for me?
Orestes
I do; ask me something about our father’s home.
I do; ask me something about our father’s home.
Iphigenia
Well, it is for you to speak, for me to learn.
810
Well, it is for you to speak, for me to learn.
810
Orestes
I will say first what I have heard from Electra. Do you know of the strife that was between Atreus and Thyestes?
I will say first what I have heard from Electra. Do you know of the strife that was between Atreus and Thyestes?
Iphigenia
I have heard of it; the quarrel concerned a golden ram.
I have heard of it; the quarrel concerned a golden ram.
Orestes
Did you not weave these things in a fine-textured web?
Did you not weave these things in a fine-textured web?
Iphigenia
O dearest, you are bending your course near to my heart!
815
O dearest, you are bending your course near to my heart!
815
Orestes
And the image of the sun in the middle of the loom?
And the image of the sun in the middle of the loom?
Iphigenia
I wove that shape also, in fine threads.
I wove that shape also, in fine threads.
Orestes
And you received a ceremonial bath from your mother, for
Aulis
?
And you received a ceremonial bath from your mother, for
Aulis
?
Iphigenia
I know; for no happy marriage has taken that memory from me.
I know; for no happy marriage has taken that memory from me.
Orestes
What about this? You gave locks of your hair to be brought to your mother?
820
What about this? You gave locks of your hair to be brought to your mother?
820
Iphigenia
As a memorial, in place of my body, in the tomb.
As a memorial, in place of my body, in the tomb.
Orestes
What I myself have seen, I will say for proof: an old spear of Pelops, in my father’s house, which he brandished in his hand when he won Hippodamia,
the maiden of
Pisa
, and killed Oenomaus; it was hung up in your rooms.
825
827
What I myself have seen, I will say for proof: an old spear of Pelops, in my father’s house, which he brandished in his hand when he won Hippodamia,
the maiden of
Pisa
, and killed Oenomaus; it was hung up in your rooms.
825
Iphigenia
O dearest, for you are my dearest, none other, I have you, Orestes,
far from our country of
Argos
, my darling.
830
O dearest, for you are my dearest, none other, I have you, Orestes,
far from our country of
Argos
, my darling.
830
Orestes
And I have you, who were thought to be dead. Tears, and laments mixed with joy, fill your eyes and also mine.
And I have you, who were thought to be dead. Tears, and laments mixed with joy, fill your eyes and also mine.
Iphigenia
I left you still a baby,
young in the arms of your nurse, young in the house. O my soul, you have been more fortunate than words can say.
835
I have come upon things that are beyond wonder, far from speech.
840
I left you still a baby,
young in the arms of your nurse, young in the house. O my soul, you have been more fortunate than words can say.
835
I have come upon things that are beyond wonder, far from speech.
840
Orestes
For the rest of time, may we be fortunate with each other!
For the rest of time, may we be fortunate with each other!
Iphigenia
O my friends, I have found an extraordinary joy; I am afraid that he will fly from my hands into the air.
O Cyclopean hearths; o my country, dear
Mycenae
, I thank you for his life, for his nourishment, because you brought up this light of the house, my brother.
845
O my friends, I have found an extraordinary joy; I am afraid that he will fly from my hands into the air.
O Cyclopean hearths; o my country, dear
Mycenae
, I thank you for his life, for his nourishment, because you brought up this light of the house, my brother.
845
Orestes
We are fortunate in our family, but in our circumstances, my sister, we were born to be unfortunate in life.
850
We are fortunate in our family, but in our circumstances, my sister, we were born to be unfortunate in life.
850
Iphigenia
I was unhappy, I know, when my wretched father put the sword to my throat.
I was unhappy, I know, when my wretched father put the sword to my throat.
Orestes
Alas! Though I was not present, I seem to see you there.
855
Alas! Though I was not present, I seem to see you there.
855
Iphigenia
O brother, when I was brought, not a bride, to the treacherous bed of Achilles;
but beside the altar there were tears and wails. Alas for the libations there!
860
O brother, when I was brought, not a bride, to the treacherous bed of Achilles;
but beside the altar there were tears and wails. Alas for the libations there!
860
Orestes
I also mourned for the daring act of our father.
I also mourned for the daring act of our father.
Iphigenia
Fatherless was the fate I received, fatherless.
One thing comes from another, by divine fortune.
865
Fatherless was the fate I received, fatherless.
One thing comes from another, by divine fortune.
865
Orestes
Yes, if you had killed your brother, unhappy one!
868
Yes, if you had killed your brother, unhappy one!
Iphigenia
O wretched, in my dreadful daring!
How dreadful were the things I endured, alas, my brother! By only a little you escaped an unholy death, slain by my hands. But how will these things end? What fortune will assist me?
870
What way will I find to send you from this city, from slaughter, to your native
Argos
,
875
before the sword draws near to your blood? This is your business, unhappy soul, to find out. On the dry land, not in a ship?
880
But if you go on foot, through trackless paths and barbarian tribes, you will draw near to death.
885
But through the dark rocks of the narrow passage is a long way for flight by ship.
890
I am unhappy, unhappy!
Who, either god or mortal or something unexpected, might accomplish a way that is no way, and reveal a release from troubles for the only two children of the house of Atreus?
895
O wretched, in my dreadful daring!
How dreadful were the things I endured, alas, my brother! By only a little you escaped an unholy death, slain by my hands. But how will these things end? What fortune will assist me?
870
What way will I find to send you from this city, from slaughter, to your native
Argos
,
875
before the sword draws near to your blood? This is your business, unhappy soul, to find out. On the dry land, not in a ship?
880
But if you go on foot, through trackless paths and barbarian tribes, you will draw near to death.
885
But through the dark rocks of the narrow passage is a long way for flight by ship.
890
I am unhappy, unhappy!
Who, either god or mortal or something unexpected, might accomplish a way that is no way, and reveal a release from troubles for the only two children of the house of Atreus?
895
Chorus Leader
It is marvelous and surpasses a fable, this event that I myself have have seen and shall relate, not as hearsay.
900
It is marvelous and surpasses a fable, this event that I myself have have seen and shall relate, not as hearsay.
900
Pylades
When friends come into the sight of friends, Orestes, it is reasonable to embrace; but we must leave off wailing and turn to other matters:
how we shall get the glorious name of safety and leave the foreign land. For wise men take opportunities, and do not overstep their fate to get other pleasures.
905
When friends come into the sight of friends, Orestes, it is reasonable to embrace; but we must leave off wailing and turn to other matters:
how we shall get the glorious name of safety and leave the foreign land. For wise men take opportunities, and do not overstep their fate to get other pleasures.
905
Orestes
Well said; but I think fortune will take care
of that with us; when one is eager, divine strength is likely to be greater.
910
Well said; but I think fortune will take care
of that with us; when one is eager, divine strength is likely to be greater.
910
Iphigenia
(to Pylades.) Let nothing hold me back; nor will it prevent me speaking before I first find out Electra’s fate, for you are all dear to me.
(to Pylades.) Let nothing hold me back; nor will it prevent me speaking before I first find out Electra’s fate, for you are all dear to me.
Orestes
She lives with this man,
(pointing to Pylades) and has a happy life.
915
She lives with this man,
(pointing to Pylades) and has a happy life.
915
Iphigenia
What country is he from, and who is his father?
What country is he from, and who is his father?
Orestes
Strophius of
Phocis
is the name of his father.
Strophius of
Phocis
is the name of his father.
Iphigenia
He is related to me, by the daughter of Atreus?
He is related to me, by the daughter of Atreus?
Orestes
He is a cousin, and my only true friend.
He is a cousin, and my only true friend.
Iphigenia
He was not born when my father tried to kill me.
920
He was not born when my father tried to kill me.
920
Orestes
He was not; for Strophius was childless for some time.
He was not; for Strophius was childless for some time.
Iphigenia
Welcome, husband of my sister!
Welcome, husband of my sister!
Orestes
And also my savior, not only a relation.
And also my savior, not only a relation.
Iphigenia
But how did you dare that dreadful deed with our mother?
But how did you dare that dreadful deed with our mother?
Orestes
Let us be silent on that; I was avenging my father.
925
Let us be silent on that; I was avenging my father.
925
Iphigenia
What reason did she have to kill her husband?
What reason did she have to kill her husband?
Orestes
Let our mother’s affairs be; nor is it good for you to hear.
Let our mother’s affairs be; nor is it good for you to hear.
Iphigenia
I am silent; does
Argos
now look to you?
I am silent; does
Argos
now look to you?
Orestes
Menelaus rules there; I am an exile from my country
Menelaus rules there; I am an exile from my country
Iphigenia
Our uncle has surely not maltreated our afflicted house, has he?
930
Our uncle has surely not maltreated our afflicted house, has he?
930
Orestes
No, but fear of the Furies drives me out of the land.
No, but fear of the Furies drives me out of the land.
Iphigenia
That was the madness that they reported there on the shore?
That was the madness that they reported there on the shore?
Orestes
That was not the first time that I was seen to be wretched.
That was not the first time that I was seen to be wretched.
Iphigenia
I know; the goddesses were driving you for the sake of your mother.
I know; the goddesses were driving you for the sake of your mother.
Orestes
So as to put a bloody bit in my mouth.
935
So as to put a bloody bit in my mouth.
935
Iphigenia
Why have you made a journey to this land?
Why have you made a journey to this land?
Orestes
I have come at the commands of Phoebus’ oracles.
I have come at the commands of Phoebus’ oracles.
Iphigenia
To do what? Can you speak of it, or must you be silent?
939
To do what? Can you speak of it, or must you be silent?
Orestes
I will tell you; this is the beginning of my many troubles.
When my mother’s evil deeds, that I cannot speak of, came into my hands, I was driven to flight by the Furies’ pursuit; then Loxias sent me to
Athens
, to stand trial with the goddesses who may not be named.
940
For there is a holy tribunal there, which Zeus once established for Ares, when his hands were stained with blood-pollution. I came there . . . at first, no host would willingly take me in, as one hated by the gods; then some who felt shame offered me a table apart, as a guest,
945
themselves being under the same roof, and in silence they kept me from speaking, so that I might be apart from them in food and drink, and into each private cup they poured an equal measure of wine and had their delight.
950
And I did not think it right to blame my hosts, but I grieved in silence and seemed not to know, while I sighed deeply, that I was the murderer of my mother. I hear that my misfortunes have become a festival at
Athens
, and they still hold this custom
955
and the people of Pallas honor the cup that belongs to the Feast of Pitchers. When I came to the hill of Ares to stand my trial, I took one seat, and the eldest of the Furies took the other. I spoke and heard arguments on the murder of my mother,
960
and Phoebus saved me by bearing witness; Pallas counted out equal votes for me; and I went away victorious in my ordeal of blood. Some of the Furies who sat there, persuaded by the judgment, marked out a holy place for themselves beside this very tribunal;
965
but others were not persuaded by the law, and drove me always in vagabond courses until I came to the holy plain of Phoebus in turn. Stretched out before his shrine and fasting, I swore to break off my life and die there,
970
if Phoebus, who had destroyed me, did not save me. And then Phoebus cried out a golden voice from the tripod, and sent me here, to get the image Zeus hurled down, and set it up in Athena’s land. But what he marked out for my safety
975
you must help me with; for if we possess the statue of the goddess, I will be released from madness and will put you on my ship of many oars and establish you again in
Mycenae
. But, my beloved sister, save our father’s house and save me;
980
for so I perish and all the race of Pelops, unless we take the heavenly image of the goddess.
985
987
I will tell you; this is the beginning of my many troubles.
When my mother’s evil deeds, that I cannot speak of, came into my hands, I was driven to flight by the Furies’ pursuit; then Loxias sent me to
Athens
, to stand trial with the goddesses who may not be named.
940
For there is a holy tribunal there, which Zeus once established for Ares, when his hands were stained with blood-pollution. I came there . . . at first, no host would willingly take me in, as one hated by the gods; then some who felt shame offered me a table apart, as a guest,
945
themselves being under the same roof, and in silence they kept me from speaking, so that I might be apart from them in food and drink, and into each private cup they poured an equal measure of wine and had their delight.
950
And I did not think it right to blame my hosts, but I grieved in silence and seemed not to know, while I sighed deeply, that I was the murderer of my mother. I hear that my misfortunes have become a festival at
Athens
, and they still hold this custom
955
and the people of Pallas honor the cup that belongs to the Feast of Pitchers. When I came to the hill of Ares to stand my trial, I took one seat, and the eldest of the Furies took the other. I spoke and heard arguments on the murder of my mother,
960
and Phoebus saved me by bearing witness; Pallas counted out equal votes for me; and I went away victorious in my ordeal of blood. Some of the Furies who sat there, persuaded by the judgment, marked out a holy place for themselves beside this very tribunal;
965
but others were not persuaded by the law, and drove me always in vagabond courses until I came to the holy plain of Phoebus in turn. Stretched out before his shrine and fasting, I swore to break off my life and die there,
970
if Phoebus, who had destroyed me, did not save me. And then Phoebus cried out a golden voice from the tripod, and sent me here, to get the image Zeus hurled down, and set it up in Athena’s land. But what he marked out for my safety
975
you must help me with; for if we possess the statue of the goddess, I will be released from madness and will put you on my ship of many oars and establish you again in
Mycenae
. But, my beloved sister, save our father’s house and save me;
980
for so I perish and all the race of Pelops, unless we take the heavenly image of the goddess.
985
Chorus Leader
A terrible anger from the gods has boiled up against the race of Tantalus and drives them through torments.
A terrible anger from the gods has boiled up against the race of Tantalus and drives them through torments.
Iphigenia
Before you came here, I was eager
to be in
Argos
and see you, my brother. Your wish is mine: to release you from torment, and restore our father’s afflicted house, for I am not angry at the one who killed me; it is my wish. I would set my hand free from your slaughter
990
and save our house. But I worry about concealment from the goddess and the king, when he finds the stone pedestal empty of the statue. How will I escape death? What argument will I have? But if this one thing happens all together,
995
that you take the statue and bear me away on your lovely ship, the venture is a noble one. If I am separated from this, I am lost, but you might settle your affairs well and have a safe return. Indeed, I do not shrink from it, not even if I must die
1000
to save you. No, for when a man dies and is gone from the home, he is longed for; but women are powerless.
1005
Before you came here, I was eager
to be in
Argos
and see you, my brother. Your wish is mine: to release you from torment, and restore our father’s afflicted house, for I am not angry at the one who killed me; it is my wish. I would set my hand free from your slaughter
990
and save our house. But I worry about concealment from the goddess and the king, when he finds the stone pedestal empty of the statue. How will I escape death? What argument will I have? But if this one thing happens all together,
995
that you take the statue and bear me away on your lovely ship, the venture is a noble one. If I am separated from this, I am lost, but you might settle your affairs well and have a safe return. Indeed, I do not shrink from it, not even if I must die
1000
to save you. No, for when a man dies and is gone from the home, he is longed for; but women are powerless.
1005
Orestes
I would not be the murderer of you as well as my mother; her blood is enough; I would rather have an equal share of life or death, in common with you.
I will bring you home, if I myself escape from here, or if I die, I will remain here with you. Listen to what I think: if Artemis were hostile to this, how could Loxias have prophesied that I would take the statue of the goddess to Pallas’ city . . .
1010
and see your face. Putting all these things together, I have hope of our return.
1015
1017
I would not be the murderer of you as well as my mother; her blood is enough; I would rather have an equal share of life or death, in common with you.
I will bring you home, if I myself escape from here, or if I die, I will remain here with you. Listen to what I think: if Artemis were hostile to this, how could Loxias have prophesied that I would take the statue of the goddess to Pallas’ city . . .
1010
and see your face. Putting all these things together, I have hope of our return.
1015
Iphigenia
But how may we live, and take what we want? For our return home suffers from this; but the will is present.
But how may we live, and take what we want? For our return home suffers from this; but the will is present.
Orestes
Could we murder the king?
1020
Could we murder the king?
1020
Iphigenia
A fearful suggestion, for foreigners to kill their host!
A fearful suggestion, for foreigners to kill their host!
Orestes
But we must dare it, if it brings our safety.
But we must dare it, if it brings our safety.
Iphigenia
I could not; yet I approve your eagerness.
I could not; yet I approve your eagerness.
Orestes
What if you were to hide me secretly in the shrine?
What if you were to hide me secretly in the shrine?
Iphigenia
So that we might take advantage of the darkness and escape?
1025
So that we might take advantage of the darkness and escape?
1025
Orestes
Yes, for the night belongs to thieves, the light to truth.
Yes, for the night belongs to thieves, the light to truth.
Iphigenia
There are secred guards within, who will notice us.
There are secred guards within, who will notice us.
Orestes
Alas, we are ruined! How can we be saved?
Alas, we are ruined! How can we be saved?
Iphigenia
I think I have a new stratagem.
I think I have a new stratagem.
Orestes
What is it? Let me know; share your thought.
1030
What is it? Let me know; share your thought.
1030
Iphigenia
I will use your sorrows as my contrivance.
I will use your sorrows as my contrivance.
Orestes
Women are wonderfully good at devising crafty plans!
Women are wonderfully good at devising crafty plans!
Iphigenia
I will say that you came from
Argos
after killing your mother.
I will say that you came from
Argos
after killing your mother.
Orestes
Make use of my troubles, if you gain by it.
Make use of my troubles, if you gain by it.
Iphigenia
And that it is not right to sacrifice you to the goddess.
1035
And that it is not right to sacrifice you to the goddess.
1035
Orestes
With what reason? I have a suspicion.
With what reason? I have a suspicion.
Iphigenia
Because you are not pure; I will frighten what is sacred.
Because you are not pure; I will frighten what is sacred.
Orestes
How does this help us to seize the statue of the goddess?
How does this help us to seize the statue of the goddess?
Iphigenia
I shall want to purify you in the waves of the sea—
I shall want to purify you in the waves of the sea—
Orestes
The image that we have sailed for is still in the temple.
1040
The image that we have sailed for is still in the temple.
1040
Iphigenia
I will say that I have washed that also, since you have touched it.
I will say that I have washed that also, since you have touched it.
Orestes
Where? Do you mean the watery inlet of the sea?
Where? Do you mean the watery inlet of the sea?
Iphigenia
Where your ship is moored by its roped anchor.
Where your ship is moored by its roped anchor.
Orestes
Will you or some other bear the image in your hands?
Will you or some other bear the image in your hands?
Iphigenia
I shall; it is holy for me alone to touch it.
1045
I shall; it is holy for me alone to touch it.
1045
Orestes
But Pylades here—how will he be assigned to our labor?
But Pylades here—how will he be assigned to our labor?
Iphigenia
His hands, it will be said, are stained like yours with blood-pollution.
His hands, it will be said, are stained like yours with blood-pollution.
Orestes
Will you do all this secretly from the king, or with his knowledge?
Will you do all this secretly from the king, or with his knowledge?
Iphigenia
I shall persuade him; I could not hide it from him.
I shall persuade him; I could not hide it from him.
Orestes
Well then, my ship, with its quick stroke of oars, is at hand.
1050
Well then, my ship, with its quick stroke of oars, is at hand.
1050
Iphigenia
You must indeed take care of the rest, so that it goes well.
You must indeed take care of the rest, so that it goes well.
Orestes
We need only one thing more, that these women conceal our plans; you approach them and find persuasive words. A woman has power over pity.
The rest, perhaps—. May all turn out well!
1055
1056
We need only one thing more, that these women conceal our plans; you approach them and find persuasive words. A woman has power over pity.
The rest, perhaps—. May all turn out well!
1055
Iphigenia
My dearest friends, I look to you; I am in your hands, whether I am to succeed, or come to nothing and lose my country, and my dear brother and dearest sister.
And first of all, I begin my speech with this: we are women, and have hearts naturally formed to love each other, and keep our common interests most secure. Be silent for us and assist us in our flight. It is good to have trustworthy speech.
1060
You see how one fortune holds us three, most dear to each other, either to return to our native land, or to die. If I am saved, I will bring you safe to
Hellas
, so that you may share my fortune. By your right hand, I entreat you, and you, and you;
(addressing different members of the Chorus.) you by your dear face,
1065
by your knees, by all that is dearest to you in your home: father, mother, child, if you have children. What do you reply? Who agrees with us, or is not willing to do this—speak! For if you do not acquiesce in my words, both I and my unhappy brother must die.
1070
My dearest friends, I look to you; I am in your hands, whether I am to succeed, or come to nothing and lose my country, and my dear brother and dearest sister.
And first of all, I begin my speech with this: we are women, and have hearts naturally formed to love each other, and keep our common interests most secure. Be silent for us and assist us in our flight. It is good to have trustworthy speech.
1060
You see how one fortune holds us three, most dear to each other, either to return to our native land, or to die. If I am saved, I will bring you safe to
Hellas
, so that you may share my fortune. By your right hand, I entreat you, and you, and you;
(addressing different members of the Chorus.) you by your dear face,
1065
by your knees, by all that is dearest to you in your home: father, mother, child, if you have children. What do you reply? Who agrees with us, or is not willing to do this—speak! For if you do not acquiesce in my words, both I and my unhappy brother must die.
1070
Chorus Leader
Have courage, dear mistress, only see to your safety; I will be silent on all that you have charged me with—great Zeus be my witness.
1075
Have courage, dear mistress, only see to your safety; I will be silent on all that you have charged me with—great Zeus be my witness.
1075
Iphigenia
Bless you for your words, may you be happy! It is your work now, and yours,
To Orestes and Pylades to enter the temple;
for soon the ruler of this land will come, inquiring if the sacrifice of the strangers has been carried out.
1080
Lady Artemis, you who saved me from my father’s slaughtering hand by the clefts of
Aulis
, save me now also, and these men; or through you Loxias’
prophetic voice will no longer be held true by mortals But leave this barbarian land for
Athens
with good will; it is not fitting for you to dwell here, when you could have so fortunate a city.
Exeunt Iphigenia, Orestes, and Pylades.
1085
Bless you for your words, may you be happy! It is your work now, and yours,
To Orestes and Pylades to enter the temple;
for soon the ruler of this land will come, inquiring if the sacrifice of the strangers has been carried out.
1080
Lady Artemis, you who saved me from my father’s slaughtering hand by the clefts of
Aulis
, save me now also, and these men; or through you Loxias’
prophetic voice will no longer be held true by mortals But leave this barbarian land for
Athens
with good will; it is not fitting for you to dwell here, when you could have so fortunate a city.
Exeunt Iphigenia, Orestes, and Pylades.
1085
Iphigenia in Tauris. Euripides. Edward P. Coleridge (Translator). London. 1891.
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