Clytemnestra
I take this as a lucky omen, your kindness and auspicious greeting, and have good hope that it is to a happy marriage
I conduct the bride.
To attendants. Take from the chariot the dowry I am bringing for my daughter and convey it within with careful heed.
610
My daughter, leave the horse-drawn chariot, planting your faltering footstep delicately.
1
To the Chorus.
Young women,
2
take her in your arms and lift her from the chariot, and let one of you give me the support of her hand, that I may quit my seat in the carriage with fitting grace.
615
Some of you stand at the horses’ heads;
for the horse has a timid eye, easily frightened; here, take this child Orestes, son of Agamemnon, baby as he still is.
620
What! sleeping, little one, tired out by your ride in the chariot? Awake to bless your sister’s wedding; for you, my gallant boy,
shall get by this marriage a kinsman gallant as yourself, the Nereid’s godlike offspring. Come here to your mother, my daughter, Iphigenia, and seat yourself beside me, and stationed near show my happiness to these strangers;
625
yes, come here and welcome the father you love so dearly.
3
630
Iphigenia
4
Do not be angry with me, mother, if I run from your side and throw myself on my father’s breast.
Clytemnestra
Hail! my honored lord, king Agamemnon! we have obeyed your commands and have come.
5
Iphigenia
O my father! I long to outrun others and embrace you after this long while; for I yearn to see your face; do not be angry with me.
635
Clytemnestra
You may do so, daughter; for of all the children I have borne, you have always loved your father best.
Iphigenia in Aulis. Euripides. Edward P. Coleridge (Translator). London. 1891.
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