οὔθ᾽ οἱ κατ᾿ οἶκον ἦσαν, ἀλλ᾽ ἐγὼ τροφός,
Electra. Sophocles. ed. Lewis Campbell. Oxford. 1879.
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Greek (F. Storr, 1912) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. Storr, 1912)) — 1097-1231 focus
Ὀρέστης
ἆρʼ, ὦ γυναῖκες, ὀρθά τʼ εἰσηκούσαμεν
ὀρθῶς θʼ ὁδοιποροῦμεν ἔνθα χρῄζομεν;
ἆρʼ, ὦ γυναῖκες, ὀρθά τʼ εἰσηκούσαμεν
ὀρθῶς θʼ ὁδοιποροῦμεν ἔνθα χρῄζομεν;
Χορός
τί δʼ ἐξερευνᾷς καὶ τί βουληθεὶς πάρει;
1100
τί δʼ ἐξερευνᾷς καὶ τί βουληθεὶς πάρει;
1100
Ὀρέστης
Αἴγισθον ἔνθʼ ᾤκηκεν ἱστορῶ πάλαι.
Αἴγισθον ἔνθʼ ᾤκηκεν ἱστορῶ πάλαι.
Χορός
ἀλλʼ εὖ θʼ ἱκάνεις χὠ φράσας ἀζήμιος.
ἀλλʼ εὖ θʼ ἱκάνεις χὠ φράσας ἀζήμιος.
Ὀρέστης
τίς οὖν ἂν ὑμῶν τοῖς ἔσω φράσειεν ἂν
ἡμῶν ποθεινὴν κοινόπουν παρουσίαν;
τίς οὖν ἂν ὑμῶν τοῖς ἔσω φράσειεν ἂν
ἡμῶν ποθεινὴν κοινόπουν παρουσίαν;
Χορός
ἥδʼ, εἰ τὸν ἄγχιστόν γε κηρύσσειν χρεών.
1105
ἥδʼ, εἰ τὸν ἄγχιστόν γε κηρύσσειν χρεών.
1105
Ὀρέστης
ἴθʼ, ὦ γύναι, δήλωσον εἰσελθοῦσʼ ὅτι
Φωκῆς ματεύουσʼ ἄνδρες Αἴγισθόν τινες,
ἴθʼ, ὦ γύναι, δήλωσον εἰσελθοῦσʼ ὅτι
Φωκῆς ματεύουσʼ ἄνδρες Αἴγισθόν τινες,
Ἠλέκτρα
οἴμοι τάλαινʼ, οὐ δή ποθʼ ἧς ἠκούσαμεν
φήμης φέροντες ἐμφανῆ τεκμήρια;
οἴμοι τάλαινʼ, οὐ δή ποθʼ ἧς ἠκούσαμεν
φήμης φέροντες ἐμφανῆ τεκμήρια;
Ὀρέστης
οὐκ οἶδα τὴν σὴν κληδόνʼ· ἀλλά μοι γέρων
1110
ἐφεῖτʼ Ὀρέστου Στρόφιος ἀγγεῖλαι πέρι.
οὐκ οἶδα τὴν σὴν κληδόνʼ· ἀλλά μοι γέρων
1110
ἐφεῖτʼ Ὀρέστου Στρόφιος ἀγγεῖλαι πέρι.
Ἠλέκτρα
τί δʼ ἔστιν, ὦ ξένʼ; ὥς μʼ ὑπέρχεται φόβος.
τί δʼ ἔστιν, ὦ ξένʼ; ὥς μʼ ὑπέρχεται φόβος.
Ὀρέστης
φέροντες αὐτοῦ σμικρὰ λείψανʼ ἐν βραχεῖ
τεύχει θανόντος, ὡς ὁρᾷς, κομίζομεν.
φέροντες αὐτοῦ σμικρὰ λείψανʼ ἐν βραχεῖ
τεύχει θανόντος, ὡς ὁρᾷς, κομίζομεν.
Ἠλέκτρα
οἲ ʼγὼ τάλαινα, τοῦτʼ ἐκεῖνʼ ἤδη σαφὲς
1115
πρόχειρον ἄχθος, ὡς ἔοικε, δέρκομαι.
οἲ ʼγὼ τάλαινα, τοῦτʼ ἐκεῖνʼ ἤδη σαφὲς
1115
πρόχειρον ἄχθος, ὡς ἔοικε, δέρκομαι.
Ὀρέστης
εἴπερ τι κλαίεις τῶν Ὀρεστείων κακῶν,
τόδʼ ἄγγος ἴσθι σῶμα τοὐκείνου στέγον.
εἴπερ τι κλαίεις τῶν Ὀρεστείων κακῶν,
τόδʼ ἄγγος ἴσθι σῶμα τοὐκείνου στέγον.
Ἠλέκτρα
ὦ ξεῖνε, δός νυν, πρὸς θεῶν, εἴπερ τόδε
κέκευθεν αὐτὸν τεῦχος, εἰς χεῖρας λαβεῖν,
1120
ὅπως ἐμαυτὴν καὶ γένος τὸ πᾶν ὁμοῦ
ξὺν τῇδε κλαύσω κἀποδύρωμαι σποδῷ.
ὦ ξεῖνε, δός νυν, πρὸς θεῶν, εἴπερ τόδε
κέκευθεν αὐτὸν τεῦχος, εἰς χεῖρας λαβεῖν,
1120
ὅπως ἐμαυτὴν καὶ γένος τὸ πᾶν ὁμοῦ
ξὺν τῇδε κλαύσω κἀποδύρωμαι σποδῷ.
Ὀρέστης
δόθʼ, ἥτις ἐστί, προσφέροντες· οὐ γὰρ ὡς
ἐν δυσμενείᾳ γʼ οὖσʼ ἐπαιτεῖται τάδε,
ἀλλʼ ἢ φίλων τις ἢ πρὸς αἵματος φύσιν.
1125
1126
δόθʼ, ἥτις ἐστί, προσφέροντες· οὐ γὰρ ὡς
ἐν δυσμενείᾳ γʼ οὖσʼ ἐπαιτεῖται τάδε,
ἀλλʼ ἢ φίλων τις ἢ πρὸς αἵματος φύσιν.
1125
Ἠλέκτρα
ὦ φιλτάτου μνημεῖον ἀνθρώπων ἐμοὶ
ψυχῆς Ὀρέστου λοιπόν, ὥς σʼ ἀπʼ ἐλπίδων
οὐχ ὧνπερ ἐξέπεμπον εἰσεδεξάμην.
νῦν μὲν γὰρ οὐδὲν ὄντα βαστάζω χεροῖν,
δόμων δέ σʼ, ὦ παῖ, λαμπρὸν ἐξέπεμψʼ ἐγώ.
1130
ὡς ὤφελον πάροιθεν ἐκλιπεῖν βίον,
πρὶν ἐς ξένην σε γαῖαν ἐκπέμψαι χεροῖν
κλέψασα ταῖνδε κἀνασώσασθαι φόνου,
ὅπως θανὼν ἔκεισο τῇ τόθʼ ἡμέρᾳ,
τύμβου πατρῴου κοινὸν εἰληχὼς μέρος.
1135
νῦν δʼ ἐκτὸς οἴκων κἀπὶ γῆς ἄλλης φυγὰς
κακῶς ἀπώλου, σῆς κασιγνήτης δίχα,
κοὔτʼ ἐν φίλαισι χερσὶν ἡ τάλαινʼ ἐγὼ
λουτροῖς σʼ ἐκόσμησʼ οὔτε παμφλέκτου πυρὸς
ἀνειλόμην, ὡς εἰκός, ἄθλιον βάρος,
1140
ἀλλʼ ἐν ξέναισι χερσὶ κηδευθεὶς τάλας
σμικρὸς προσήκεις ὄγκος ἐν σμικρῷ κύτει.
οἴμοι τάλαινα τῆς ἐμῆς πάλαι τροφῆς
ἀνωφελήτου, τὴν ἐγὼ θάμʼ ἀμφὶ σοὶ
πόνῳ γλυκεῖ παρέσχον· οὔτε γάρ ποτε
1145
μητρὸς σύ γʼ ἦσθα μᾶλλον ἢ κἀμοῦ φίλος,
οὔθʼ οἱ κατʼ οἶκον ἦσαν, ἀλλʼ ἐγὼ τροφός,
ἐγὼ δʼ ἀδελφὴ σοὶ προσηυδώμην ἀεί.
νῦν δʼ ἐκλέλοιπε ταῦτʼ ἐν ἡμέρᾳ μιᾷ
θανόντι σὺν σοί· πάντα γὰρ συναρπάσας
1150
θύελλʼ ὅπως βέβηκας. οἴχεται πατήρ·
τέθνηκʼ ἐγὼ σοί· φροῦδος αὐτὸς εἶ θανών·
γελῶσι δʼ ἐχθροί· μαίνεται δʼ ὑφʼ ἡδονῆς
μήτηρ ἀμήτωρ, ἧς ἐμοὶ σὺ πολλάκις
φήμας λάθρᾳ προύπεμπες ὡς φανούμενος
1155
τιμωρὸς αὐτός. ἀλλὰ ταῦθʼ ὁ δυστυχὴς
δαίμων ὁ σός τε κἀμὸς ἐξαφείλετο,
ὅς σʼ ὧδέ μοι προύπεμψεν ἀντὶ φιλτάτης
μορφῆς σποδόν τε καὶ σκιὰν ἀνωφελῆ.
1160
ὦ φιλτάτου μνημεῖον ἀνθρώπων ἐμοὶ
ψυχῆς Ὀρέστου λοιπόν, ὥς σʼ ἀπʼ ἐλπίδων
οὐχ ὧνπερ ἐξέπεμπον εἰσεδεξάμην.
νῦν μὲν γὰρ οὐδὲν ὄντα βαστάζω χεροῖν,
δόμων δέ σʼ, ὦ παῖ, λαμπρὸν ἐξέπεμψʼ ἐγώ.
1130
ὡς ὤφελον πάροιθεν ἐκλιπεῖν βίον,
πρὶν ἐς ξένην σε γαῖαν ἐκπέμψαι χεροῖν
κλέψασα ταῖνδε κἀνασώσασθαι φόνου,
ὅπως θανὼν ἔκεισο τῇ τόθʼ ἡμέρᾳ,
τύμβου πατρῴου κοινὸν εἰληχὼς μέρος.
1135
νῦν δʼ ἐκτὸς οἴκων κἀπὶ γῆς ἄλλης φυγὰς
κακῶς ἀπώλου, σῆς κασιγνήτης δίχα,
κοὔτʼ ἐν φίλαισι χερσὶν ἡ τάλαινʼ ἐγὼ
λουτροῖς σʼ ἐκόσμησʼ οὔτε παμφλέκτου πυρὸς
ἀνειλόμην, ὡς εἰκός, ἄθλιον βάρος,
1140
ἀλλʼ ἐν ξέναισι χερσὶ κηδευθεὶς τάλας
σμικρὸς προσήκεις ὄγκος ἐν σμικρῷ κύτει.
οἴμοι τάλαινα τῆς ἐμῆς πάλαι τροφῆς
ἀνωφελήτου, τὴν ἐγὼ θάμʼ ἀμφὶ σοὶ
πόνῳ γλυκεῖ παρέσχον· οὔτε γάρ ποτε
1145
μητρὸς σύ γʼ ἦσθα μᾶλλον ἢ κἀμοῦ φίλος,
οὔθʼ οἱ κατʼ οἶκον ἦσαν, ἀλλʼ ἐγὼ τροφός,
ἐγὼ δʼ ἀδελφὴ σοὶ προσηυδώμην ἀεί.
νῦν δʼ ἐκλέλοιπε ταῦτʼ ἐν ἡμέρᾳ μιᾷ
θανόντι σὺν σοί· πάντα γὰρ συναρπάσας
1150
θύελλʼ ὅπως βέβηκας. οἴχεται πατήρ·
τέθνηκʼ ἐγὼ σοί· φροῦδος αὐτὸς εἶ θανών·
γελῶσι δʼ ἐχθροί· μαίνεται δʼ ὑφʼ ἡδονῆς
μήτηρ ἀμήτωρ, ἧς ἐμοὶ σὺ πολλάκις
φήμας λάθρᾳ προύπεμπες ὡς φανούμενος
1155
τιμωρὸς αὐτός. ἀλλὰ ταῦθʼ ὁ δυστυχὴς
δαίμων ὁ σός τε κἀμὸς ἐξαφείλετο,
ὅς σʼ ὧδέ μοι προύπεμψεν ἀντὶ φιλτάτης
μορφῆς σποδόν τε καὶ σκιὰν ἀνωφελῆ.
Ἠλέκτρα
οἴμοι μοι.
1160
ὦ δέμας οἰκτρόν. φεῦ φεῦ.
ὦ δεινοτάτας, οἴμοι μοι,
πεμφθεὶς κελεύθους, φίλταθʼ, ὥς μʼ ἀπώλεσας·
ἀπώλεσας δῆτʼ, ὦ κασίγνητον κάρα.
τοιγὰρ σὺ δέξαι μʼ ἐς τὸ σὸν τόδε στέγος,
1165
τὴν μηδὲν εἰς τὸ μηδέν, ὡς σὺν σοὶ κάτω
ναίω τὸ λοιπόν· καὶ γὰρ ἡνίκʼ ἦσθʼ ἄνω,
ξὺν σοὶ μετεῖχον τῶν ἴσων, καὶ νῦν ποθῶ
τοῦ σοῦ θανοῦσα μὴ ἀπολείπεσθαι τάφου.
τοὺς γὰρ θανόντας οὐχ ὁρῶ λυπουμένους.
1170
1171
οἴμοι μοι.
1160
ὦ δέμας οἰκτρόν. φεῦ φεῦ.
ὦ δεινοτάτας, οἴμοι μοι,
πεμφθεὶς κελεύθους, φίλταθʼ, ὥς μʼ ἀπώλεσας·
ἀπώλεσας δῆτʼ, ὦ κασίγνητον κάρα.
τοιγὰρ σὺ δέξαι μʼ ἐς τὸ σὸν τόδε στέγος,
1165
τὴν μηδὲν εἰς τὸ μηδέν, ὡς σὺν σοὶ κάτω
ναίω τὸ λοιπόν· καὶ γὰρ ἡνίκʼ ἦσθʼ ἄνω,
ξὺν σοὶ μετεῖχον τῶν ἴσων, καὶ νῦν ποθῶ
τοῦ σοῦ θανοῦσα μὴ ἀπολείπεσθαι τάφου.
τοὺς γὰρ θανόντας οὐχ ὁρῶ λυπουμένους.
1170
Χορός
θνητοῦ πέφυκας πατρός, Ἠλέκτρα, φρόνει,
θνητὸς δʼ Ὀρέστης. ὥστε μὴ λίαν στένε.
πᾶσιν γὰρ ἡμῖν τοῦτʼ ὀφείλεται παθεῖν.
θνητοῦ πέφυκας πατρός, Ἠλέκτρα, φρόνει,
θνητὸς δʼ Ὀρέστης. ὥστε μὴ λίαν στένε.
πᾶσιν γὰρ ἡμῖν τοῦτʼ ὀφείλεται παθεῖν.
Ὀρέστης
φεῦ φεῦ. τί λέξω; ποῖ λόγων ἀμηχανῶν
ἔλθω; κρατεῖν γὰρ οὐκέτι γλώσσης σθένω.
1175
φεῦ φεῦ. τί λέξω; ποῖ λόγων ἀμηχανῶν
ἔλθω; κρατεῖν γὰρ οὐκέτι γλώσσης σθένω.
1175
Ἠλέκτρα
τί δʼ ἔσχες ἄλγος; πρὸς τί τοῦτʼ εἰπὼν κυρεῖς;
τί δʼ ἔσχες ἄλγος; πρὸς τί τοῦτʼ εἰπὼν κυρεῖς;
Ὀρέστης
ἦ σὸν τὸ κλεινὸν εἶδος Ἠλέκτρας τόδε;
ἦ σὸν τὸ κλεινὸν εἶδος Ἠλέκτρας τόδε;
Ἠλέκτρα
τόδʼ ἔστʼ ἐκεῖνο, καὶ μάλʼ ἀθλίως ἔχον.
τόδʼ ἔστʼ ἐκεῖνο, καὶ μάλʼ ἀθλίως ἔχον.
Ὀρέστης
οἴμοι ταλαίνης ἆρα τῆσδε συμφορᾶς.
οἴμοι ταλαίνης ἆρα τῆσδε συμφορᾶς.
Ἠλέκτρα
οὐ δή ποτʼ, ὦ ξένʼ, ἀμφʼ ἐμοὶ στένεις τάδε;
1180
οὐ δή ποτʼ, ὦ ξένʼ, ἀμφʼ ἐμοὶ στένεις τάδε;
1180
Ὀρέστης
ὦ σῶμʼ ἀτίμως κἀθέως ἐφθαρμένον.
ὦ σῶμʼ ἀτίμως κἀθέως ἐφθαρμένον.
Ἠλέκτρα
οὔτοι ποτʼ ἄλλην ἢ ʼμὲ δυσφημεῖς, ξένε.
οὔτοι ποτʼ ἄλλην ἢ ʼμὲ δυσφημεῖς, ξένε.
Ὀρέστης
φεῦ τῆς ἀνύμφου δυσμόρου τε σῆς τροφῆς,
φεῦ τῆς ἀνύμφου δυσμόρου τε σῆς τροφῆς,
Ἠλέκτρα
τί δή ποτʼ, ὦ ξένʼ, ὧδʼ ἐπισκοπῶν στένεις;
τί δή ποτʼ, ὦ ξένʼ, ὧδʼ ἐπισκοπῶν στένεις;
Ὀρέστης
ὡς οὐκ ἄρʼ ᾔδη τῶν ἐμῶν οὐδὲν κακῶν.
1185
ὡς οὐκ ἄρʼ ᾔδη τῶν ἐμῶν οὐδὲν κακῶν.
1185
Ἠλέκτρα
ἐν τῷ διέγνως τοῦτο τῶν εἰρημένων;
ἐν τῷ διέγνως τοῦτο τῶν εἰρημένων;
Ὀρέστης
ὁρῶν σε πολλοῖς ἐμπρέπουσαν ἄλγεσιν.
ὁρῶν σε πολλοῖς ἐμπρέπουσαν ἄλγεσιν.
Ἠλέκτρα
καὶ μὴν ὁρᾷς γε παῦρα τῶν ἐμῶν κακῶν.
καὶ μὴν ὁρᾷς γε παῦρα τῶν ἐμῶν κακῶν.
Ὀρέστης
καὶ πῶς γένοιτʼ ἂν τῶνδʼ ἔτʼ ἐχθίω βλέπειν;
καὶ πῶς γένοιτʼ ἂν τῶνδʼ ἔτʼ ἐχθίω βλέπειν;
Ἠλέκτρα
ὁθούνεκʼ εἰμὶ τοῖς φονεῦσι σύντροφος
1190
ὁθούνεκʼ εἰμὶ τοῖς φονεῦσι σύντροφος
1190
Ὀρέστης
τοῖς τοῦ; πόθεν τοῦτʼ ἐξεσήμηνας κακόν;
τοῖς τοῦ; πόθεν τοῦτʼ ἐξεσήμηνας κακόν;
Ἠλέκτρα
τοῖς πατρός· εἶτα τοῖσδε δουλεύω βίᾳ.
τοῖς πατρός· εἶτα τοῖσδε δουλεύω βίᾳ.
Ὀρέστης
τίς γάρ σʼ ἀνάγκῃ τῇδε προτρέπει βροτῶν;
τίς γάρ σʼ ἀνάγκῃ τῇδε προτρέπει βροτῶν;
Ἠλέκτρα
μήτηρ καλεῖται, μητρὶ δʼ οὐδὲν ἐξισοῖ.
μήτηρ καλεῖται, μητρὶ δʼ οὐδὲν ἐξισοῖ.
Ὀρέστης
τί δρῶσα; πότερα χερσὶν ἢ λύμῃ βίου;
1195
τί δρῶσα; πότερα χερσὶν ἢ λύμῃ βίου;
1195
Ἠλέκτρα
καὶ χερσὶ καὶ λύμαισι καὶ πᾶσιν κακοῖς.
καὶ χερσὶ καὶ λύμαισι καὶ πᾶσιν κακοῖς.
Ὀρέστης
οὐδʼ οὑπαρήξων οὐδʼ ὁ κωλύσων πάρα;
οὐδʼ οὑπαρήξων οὐδʼ ὁ κωλύσων πάρα;
Ἠλέκτρα
οὐ δῆθʼ. ὃς ἦν γάρ μοι σὺ προὔθηκας σποδόν.
οὐ δῆθʼ. ὃς ἦν γάρ μοι σὺ προὔθηκας σποδόν.
Ὀρέστης
ὦ δύσποτμʼ, ὡς ὁρῶν σʼ ἐποικτίρω πάλαι.
1200
ὦ δύσποτμʼ, ὡς ὁρῶν σʼ ἐποικτίρω πάλαι.
Ἠλέκτρα
μόνος βροτῶν νυν ἴσθʼ ἐποικτίρας ποτέ.
1200
μόνος βροτῶν νυν ἴσθʼ ἐποικτίρας ποτέ.
1200
Ὀρέστης
μόνος γὰρ ἥκω τοῖς ἴσοις ἀλγῶν κακοῖς.
μόνος γὰρ ἥκω τοῖς ἴσοις ἀλγῶν κακοῖς.
Ἠλέκτρα
οὐ δή ποθʼ ἡμῖν ξυγγενὴς ἥκεις ποθέν;
οὐ δή ποθʼ ἡμῖν ξυγγενὴς ἥκεις ποθέν;
Ὀρέστης
ἐγὼ φράσαιμʼ ἄν, εἰ τὸ τῶνδʼ εὔνουν πάρα.
ἐγὼ φράσαιμʼ ἄν, εἰ τὸ τῶνδʼ εὔνουν πάρα.
Ἠλέκτρα
ἀλλʼ ἐστὶν εὔνουν, ὥστε πρὸς πιστὰς ἐρεῖς.
ἀλλʼ ἐστὶν εὔνουν, ὥστε πρὸς πιστὰς ἐρεῖς.
Ὀρέστης
μέθες τόδʼ ἄγγος νῦν, ὅπως τὸ πᾶν μάθῃς.
1205
μέθες τόδʼ ἄγγος νῦν, ὅπως τὸ πᾶν μάθῃς.
1205
Ἠλέκτρα
μὴ δῆτα πρὸς θεῶν τοῦτό μʼ ἐργάσῃ, ξένε.
μὴ δῆτα πρὸς θεῶν τοῦτό μʼ ἐργάσῃ, ξένε.
Ὀρέστης
πείθου λέγοντι κοὐχ ἁμαρτήσει ποτέ.
πείθου λέγοντι κοὐχ ἁμαρτήσει ποτέ.
Ἠλέκτρα
μή, πρὸς γενείου, μὴ ʼξέλῃ τὰ φίλτατα.
μή, πρὸς γενείου, μὴ ʼξέλῃ τὰ φίλτατα.
Ὀρέστης
οὔ φημʼ ἐάσειν.
οὔ φημʼ ἐάσειν.
Ἠλέκτρα
ὦ τάλαινʼ ἐγὼ σέθεν,
Ὀρέστα, τῆς σῆς εἰ στερήσομαι ταφῆς.
1210
ὦ τάλαινʼ ἐγὼ σέθεν,
Ὀρέστα, τῆς σῆς εἰ στερήσομαι ταφῆς.
1210
Ὀρέστης
εὔφημα φώνει· πρὸς δίκης γὰρ οὐ στένεις.
εὔφημα φώνει· πρὸς δίκης γὰρ οὐ στένεις.
Ἠλέκτρα
πῶς τὸν θανόντʼ ἀδελφὸν οὐ δίκῃ στένω;
πῶς τὸν θανόντʼ ἀδελφὸν οὐ δίκῃ στένω;
Ὀρέστης
οὔ σοι προσήκει τήνδε προσφωνεῖν φάτιν.
οὔ σοι προσήκει τήνδε προσφωνεῖν φάτιν.
Ἠλέκτρα
οὕτως ἄτιμός εἰμι τοῦ τεθνηκότος;
οὕτως ἄτιμός εἰμι τοῦ τεθνηκότος;
Ὀρέστης
ἄτιμος οὐδενὸς σύ· τοῦτο δʼ οὐχὶ σόν.
1215
ἄτιμος οὐδενὸς σύ· τοῦτο δʼ οὐχὶ σόν.
1215
Ἠλέκτρα
εἴπερ γʼ Ὀρέστου σῶμα βαστάζω τόδε;
εἴπερ γʼ Ὀρέστου σῶμα βαστάζω τόδε;
Ὀρέστης
ἀλλʼ οὐκ Ὀρέστου, πλὴν λόγῳ γʼ ἠσκημένον.
ἀλλʼ οὐκ Ὀρέστου, πλὴν λόγῳ γʼ ἠσκημένον.
Ἠλέκτρα
ποῦ δʼ ἔστʼ ἐκείνου τοῦ ταλαιπώρου τάφος;
ποῦ δʼ ἔστʼ ἐκείνου τοῦ ταλαιπώρου τάφος;
Ὀρέστης
οὐκ ἔστι· τοῦ γὰρ ζῶντος οὐκ ἔστιν τάφος.
οὐκ ἔστι· τοῦ γὰρ ζῶντος οὐκ ἔστιν τάφος.
Ἠλέκτρα
πῶς εἶπας, ὦ παῖ;
1220
πῶς εἶπας, ὦ παῖ;
1220
Ὀρέστης
ψεῦδος οὐδὲν ὧν λέγω.
ψεῦδος οὐδὲν ὧν λέγω.
Ἠλέκτρα
ἦ ζῇ γὰρ ἁνήρ;
ἦ ζῇ γὰρ ἁνήρ;
Ὀρέστης
εἴπερ ἔμψυχός γʼ ἐγώ.
εἴπερ ἔμψυχός γʼ ἐγώ.
Ἠλέκτρα
ἦ γὰρ σὺ κεῖνος;
ἦ γὰρ σὺ κεῖνος;
Ὀρέστης
τήνδε προσβλέψασά μου
σφραγῖδα πατρὸς ἔκμαθʼ εἰ σαφῆ λέγω.
τήνδε προσβλέψασά μου
σφραγῖδα πατρὸς ἔκμαθʼ εἰ σαφῆ λέγω.
Ἠλέκτρα
ὦ φίλτατον φῶς.
ὦ φίλτατον φῶς.
Ὀρέστης
φίλτατον, συμμαρτυρῶ.
φίλτατον, συμμαρτυρῶ.
Ἠλέκτρα
ὦ φθέγμʼ, ἀφίκου;
1225
ὦ φθέγμʼ, ἀφίκου;
1225
Ὀρέστης
μηκέτʼ ἄλλοθεν πύθῃ,
μηκέτʼ ἄλλοθεν πύθῃ,
Ἠλέκτρα
ἔχω σε χερσίν;
ἔχω σε χερσίν;
Ὀρέστης
ὡς τὰ λοίπʼ ἔχοις ἀεί.
ὡς τὰ λοίπʼ ἔχοις ἀεί.
Ἠλέκτρα
ὦ φίλταται γυναῖκες, ὦ πολίτιδες,
ὁρᾶτʼ Ὀρέστην τόνδε, μηχαναῖσι μὲν
θανόντα, νῦν δὲ μηχαναῖς σεσωσμένον.
ὦ φίλταται γυναῖκες, ὦ πολίτιδες,
ὁρᾶτʼ Ὀρέστην τόνδε, μηχαναῖσι μὲν
θανόντα, νῦν δὲ μηχαναῖς σεσωσμένον.
Χορός
ὁρῶμεν, ὦ παῖ, κἀπὶ συμφοραῖσί μοι
1230
γεγηθὸς ἕρπει δάκρυον ὀμμάτων ἄπο.
ὁρῶμεν, ὦ παῖ, κἀπὶ συμφοραῖσί μοι
1230
γεγηθὸς ἕρπει δάκρυον ὀμμάτων ἄπο.
Translations (2)
German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 1160 focus
klägliches Bild!
1135
Weh, weh!
Auf Pfaden des Grau'ns
(Weh, weh mir!)
Gesendet, o mein Trauter, gabst du mir den Tod,
Sa, gabst den Tod mir, mein geliebtes Bruderhaupt!
1140
So nimm mich auf in dieses enge Haus zu dir,
Zum Staub die Staubgewordne, daß ich drunten dir
Fortan gesellt sei! Als du noch hier oben warst,
Da theilt' ich gleiches Loos mit dir; mun drängt es mich,
Im Tode nicht von deinem Grabe fern zu sein.
1145
Denn nur die Todten, seh' ich, rührt kein Kummer mehr.
klägliches Bild!
1135
Weh, weh!
Auf Pfaden des Grau'ns
Gesendet, o mein Trauter, gabst du mir den Tod,
Sa, gabst den Tod mir, mein geliebtes Bruderhaupt!
1140
So nimm mich auf in dieses enge Haus zu dir,
Zum Staub die Staubgewordne, daß ich drunten dir
Fortan gesellt sei! Als du noch hier oben warst,
Da theilt' ich gleiches Loos mit dir; mun drängt es mich,
Im Tode nicht von deinem Grabe fern zu sein.
1145
Denn nur die Todten, seh' ich, rührt kein Kummer mehr.
Der Chor.
English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904)) — 1098-1230 focus
Enter Orestes, with Pylades and two attendants.
1126
1160
1171
1200
Orestes
Ladies, have we been directed aright, and are we on the right path to our goal?
Ladies, have we been directed aright, and are we on the right path to our goal?
Chorus
What do you seek? What desire brings you here?
1100
What do you seek? What desire brings you here?
1100
Orestes
I have long been searching for the home of Aegisthus.
I have long been searching for the home of Aegisthus.
Chorus
Well, you have found it, and your guide is blameless.
Well, you have found it, and your guide is blameless.
Orestes
Which of you, then, would tell those inside of the long-desired presence of us travelers?
Which of you, then, would tell those inside of the long-desired presence of us travelers?
Chorus
She will, if the nearest in kin should announce it.
1105
She will, if the nearest in kin should announce it.
1105
Orestes
Go, lady, enter and make it known that certain men of
Phocis
seek Aegisthus.
Go, lady, enter and make it known that certain men of
Phocis
seek Aegisthus.
Electra
Ah, miserable me! Surely you do not bring proof positive of that rumor which we heard?
Ah, miserable me! Surely you do not bring proof positive of that rumor which we heard?
Orestes
I know nothing of your
rumor; but the aged Strophius ordered me to give report of Orestes.
1110
I know nothing of your
rumor; but the aged Strophius ordered me to give report of Orestes.
1110
Electra
What is it, sir? Ah, how fear creeps over me!
What is it, sir? Ah, how fear creeps over me!
Orestes
We come bearing his scanty remains in a small urn, as you see.
We come bearing his scanty remains in a small urn, as you see.
Electra
Oh, the misery! Here, at last, my eyes look for certain, it seems, upon that grievous burden in your hand.
1115
Oh, the misery! Here, at last, my eyes look for certain, it seems, upon that grievous burden in your hand.
1115
Orestes
If your tears are for any of Orestes’ tribulations, know that this vessel is his body’s home.
If your tears are for any of Orestes’ tribulations, know that this vessel is his body’s home.
Electra
Ah, sir, if this urn indeed contains him, then allow me,
by the gods, to take it in my hands, so that I may weep and wail, not for these ashes alone, but for myself and for all our house with them!
1120
Ah, sir, if this urn indeed contains him, then allow me,
by the gods, to take it in my hands, so that I may weep and wail, not for these ashes alone, but for myself and for all our house with them!
1120
Orestes
To the attendants.
Take it and give it to her, whoever she may be. For she asks this for herself not as if with hostile intent,
but like one who is his friend, or a kinswoman by blood.
The urn is placed in Electra’s hands.
1125
1126
Take it and give it to her, whoever she may be. For she asks this for herself not as if with hostile intent,
but like one who is his friend, or a kinswoman by blood.
The urn is placed in Electra’s hands.
1125
Electra
Memorial of him whom I loved best on earth, sole remnant of Orestes’ vitality! How contrary to the hopes with which I sent you away do I receive you back! Now I raise your nothingness in my hands;
but then, my child, you were radiant, when I sent you away from home! Would that I had first abandoned life, before, stealing you away with these hands, I sent you to a strange land and rescued you from death, in order that you might have lain dead on that same day
1130
and had your share in the tomb of our father!
But now, an exile from home and fatherland, you have perished miserably, far from your sister. Ah, me, these loving hands have not washed or decked your corpse, nor taken up
1135
their sad burden from the all-consuming pyre, as was proper. No! At the hands of strangers, poor Orestes, you have been tended, and so have come to us, a small bulk in a small urn.
Ah, I grieve at the uselessness of my nursing long ago, the service that I often bestowed
1140
on you in sweet labor! For you were never your mother’s darling so much as mine, nor was any in the house your nurse but I, and by you I was ever called
sister. But now all this has vanished in a day
1145
with your death. Like a whirlwind you have swept everything away with you. Our father is gone; I am dead because of you; you yourself are dead and gone; our enemies laugh at us; and our mother, who is no mother, raves with joy. Unknown to her, you often
1150
sent me messages about her, saying that you yourself would appear for vengeance. But our evil fortune, yours and mine, has torn all that away, and has sent you back to me in this state, ash and a useless shade in place of your beloved form.
1155
1160
Memorial of him whom I loved best on earth, sole remnant of Orestes’ vitality! How contrary to the hopes with which I sent you away do I receive you back! Now I raise your nothingness in my hands;
but then, my child, you were radiant, when I sent you away from home! Would that I had first abandoned life, before, stealing you away with these hands, I sent you to a strange land and rescued you from death, in order that you might have lain dead on that same day
1130
and had your share in the tomb of our father!
But now, an exile from home and fatherland, you have perished miserably, far from your sister. Ah, me, these loving hands have not washed or decked your corpse, nor taken up
1135
But now, an exile from home and fatherland, you have perished miserably, far from your sister. Ah, me, these loving hands have not washed or decked your corpse, nor taken up
their sad burden from the all-consuming pyre, as was proper. No! At the hands of strangers, poor Orestes, you have been tended, and so have come to us, a small bulk in a small urn.
Ah, I grieve at the uselessness of my nursing long ago, the service that I often bestowed
1140
Ah, I grieve at the uselessness of my nursing long ago, the service that I often bestowed
on you in sweet labor! For you were never your mother’s darling so much as mine, nor was any in the house your nurse but I, and by you I was ever called
sister. But now all this has vanished in a day
1145
with your death. Like a whirlwind you have swept everything away with you. Our father is gone; I am dead because of you; you yourself are dead and gone; our enemies laugh at us; and our mother, who is no mother, raves with joy. Unknown to her, you often
1150
sent me messages about her, saying that you yourself would appear for vengeance. But our evil fortune, yours and mine, has torn all that away, and has sent you back to me in this state, ash and a useless shade in place of your beloved form.
1155
ah, me, ah, me! O pitiable body! Alas, dear one sent on a most dire journey, how you have destroyed me, destroyed me indeed, my brother!
1160
Therefore accept me into this abode of yours—me, a nothing, into your nothingness,—so that I may dwell with you hereafter below. For when you were on earth, we shared equally, and now I wish to die and not to be left out of your grave,
1165
since I see that the dead are relieved of pain.
1170
1171
ah, me, ah, me! O pitiable body! Alas, dear one sent on a most dire journey, how you have destroyed me, destroyed me indeed, my brother!
1160
Therefore accept me into this abode of yours—me, a nothing, into your nothingness,—so that I may dwell with you hereafter below. For when you were on earth, we shared equally, and now I wish to die and not to be left out of your grave,
1165
since I see that the dead are relieved of pain.
1170
Chorus
Remember, Electra, you are the child of a mortal father, and Orestes was mortal. Therefore do not grieve too much. Death is a debt which all of us must pay.
Remember, Electra, you are the child of a mortal father, and Orestes was mortal. Therefore do not grieve too much. Death is a debt which all of us must pay.
Orestes
Ah, what shall I say? I am at a loss. To what words
can I turn? I no longer have the strength to master my tongue!
1175
Ah, what shall I say? I am at a loss. To what words
can I turn? I no longer have the strength to master my tongue!
1175
Electra
What has troubled you? Why did you say that?
What has troubled you? Why did you say that?
Orestes
Is this the illustrious form of Electra?
Is this the illustrious form of Electra?
Electra
It is, though in a very wretched state.
It is, though in a very wretched state.
Orestes
What pity, then, for this miserable fortune!
What pity, then, for this miserable fortune!
Electra
Surely, stranger, you are not saddened like this on my account?
1180
Surely, stranger, you are not saddened like this on my account?
1180
Orestes
O frame dishonorably, godlessly wasted!
O frame dishonorably, godlessly wasted!
Electra
Those ills of which you speak, stranger, are none other’s than mine.
Those ills of which you speak, stranger, are none other’s than mine.
Orestes
Ah, pity for your unwed, ill-fated life!
Ah, pity for your unwed, ill-fated life!
Electra
Why, stranger, do you stare and grieve in this way?
Why, stranger, do you stare and grieve in this way?
Orestes
How I knew nothing, it seems, of my own sorrows!
1185
How I knew nothing, it seems, of my own sorrows!
1185
Electra
What that has been said made you realize this?
What that has been said made you realize this?
Orestes
It was the sight of you conspicuous in your many sufferings.
It was the sight of you conspicuous in your many sufferings.
Electra
And yet you see but a few of my troubles.
And yet you see but a few of my troubles.
Orestes
And how could there be any more odious to look on than these?
And how could there be any more odious to look on than these?
Electra
Because I share house and table with the murderers.
1190
Because I share house and table with the murderers.
1190
Orestes
Whose murderers? Where lies the guilt at which you point?
Whose murderers? Where lies the guilt at which you point?
Electra
The murderers of my father. And, further, I am forced to slave for them.
The murderers of my father. And, further, I am forced to slave for them.
Orestes
Who is it that binds you with this compulsion?
Who is it that binds you with this compulsion?
Electra
She is called my mother, but in no respect is she like a mother.
She is called my mother, but in no respect is she like a mother.
Orestes
How does she do it? By violence or by inflicting hardship?
1195
How does she do it? By violence or by inflicting hardship?
1195
Electra
By violence and hardships and all manner of evil.
By violence and hardships and all manner of evil.
Orestes
And is there no one to help, or to prevent it?
And is there no one to help, or to prevent it?
Electra
No one. The one I had, his ashes you have put before me.
No one. The one I had, his ashes you have put before me.
Orestes
Unfortunate girl, how seeing you stirs my pity!
1200
Unfortunate girl, how seeing you stirs my pity!
Electra
Then know that you are the first who ever pitied me.
1200
Then know that you are the first who ever pitied me.
1200
Orestes
Yes, for I alone have come and been pained by your troubles .
Yes, for I alone have come and been pained by your troubles .
Electra
Surely you are not some unknown kinsman?
Surely you are not some unknown kinsman?
Orestes
I would tell you, if these women bear you goodwill.
I would tell you, if these women bear you goodwill.
Electra
Indeed they do, so you will speak to trustworthy companions.
Indeed they do, so you will speak to trustworthy companions.
Orestes
Give up this urn, then, and you shall know everything.
1205
Give up this urn, then, and you shall know everything.
1205
Electra
No, by the gods, do not do this to me, stranger!
No, by the gods, do not do this to me, stranger!
Orestes
Do as I say, and you will never be mistaken.
Do as I say, and you will never be mistaken.
Electra
No, I beg you, do not rip from me what I hold most dear!
No, I beg you, do not rip from me what I hold most dear!
Orestes
You must not keep it.
You must not keep it.
Electra
Ah, what misery I will have because of you,
Orestes, if I am robbed of your burial!
1210
Ah, what misery I will have because of you,
Orestes, if I am robbed of your burial!
1210
Orestes
Hush! No ill-omened words! You have no right to grieve.
Hush! No ill-omened words! You have no right to grieve.
Electra
How is it not right for me to grieve for my dead brother?
How is it not right for me to grieve for my dead brother?
Orestes
It is not proper for you to speak of him as you do.
It is not proper for you to speak of him as you do.
Electra
Am I so without rights in the dead?
Am I so without rights in the dead?
Orestes
You are without rights in nothing; but this burial is not your concern.
1215
You are without rights in nothing; but this burial is not your concern.
1215
Electra
Yes it is, if these are the remains of Orestes that I hold.
Yes it is, if these are the remains of Orestes that I hold.
Orestes
They are not his, except inasmuch as fiction alone contrives to make them so.
He gently takes the urn from her.
They are not his, except inasmuch as fiction alone contrives to make them so.
He gently takes the urn from her.
Electra
And where is that sufferer’s tomb?
And where is that sufferer’s tomb?
Orestes
There is none; the living have no tomb.
There is none; the living have no tomb.
Electra
What are you saying, boy?
1220
What are you saying, boy?
1220
Orestes
Nothing that is untrue.
Nothing that is untrue.
Electra
The man is alive?
The man is alive?
Orestes
If there is life in me.
If there is life in me.
Electra
What? Are you he?
What? Are you he?
Orestes
Look at this signet, once our father’s, and know if I speak the truth.
Look at this signet, once our father’s, and know if I speak the truth.
Electra
O blissful day!
O blissful day!
Orestes
Blissful, I am your witness!
Blissful, I am your witness!
Electra
Is this your voice?
1225
Is this your voice?
1225
Orestes
Hear it from no other.
Hear it from no other.
Electra
Do I hold you in my arms?
Do I hold you in my arms?
Orestes
May you hold me so always hereafter!
May you hold me so always hereafter!
Electra
Ah, dear friends and fellow-citizens, see Orestes here, who was dead by design, and now by design has come safely home!
Ah, dear friends and fellow-citizens, see Orestes here, who was dead by design, and now by design has come safely home!
Chorus
We see him, daughter, and for this happy turn of fortune a tear of joy trickles from our eyes.
1230
We see him, daughter, and for this happy turn of fortune a tear of joy trickles from our eyes.
1230
Commentary
Commentary (R. C. Jebb) (OCR draft) (Commentary (R. C. Jebb))
Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) focus
1147. mvp-comment-546-1 And I was more thy nurse than the domestics were.' A natural picture of the fondness of an elder sister for a little brother.