Sophocles, Electra, ed. Lewis Campbell, 902

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κεὐθὺς τάλαιν ὡς εἶδον, ἐμπαίει τί μοι μου L. μου C7.

Electra. Sophocles. ed. Lewis Campbell. Oxford. 1879.

Current edition Experimental

Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Greek) (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879))

Provisional text from uncorrected OCR; expect errors.

Editions (1)

Greek (F. Storr, 1912) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. Storr, 1912)) — 871-1057 focus

Χρυσόθεμις

ὑφʼ ἡδονῆς τοι, φιλτάτη, διώκομαι

τὸ κόσμιον μεθεῖσα σὺν τάχει μολεῖν·

φέρω γὰρ ἡδονάς τε κἀνάπαυλαν ὧν

πάροιθεν εἶχες καὶ κατέστενες κακῶν

Ἠλέκτρα

πόθεν δʼ ἂν εὕροις τῶν ἐμῶν σὺ πημάτων
875

ἄρηξιν, οἷς ἴασιν οὐκ ἔνεστʼ ἰδεῖν;

Χρυσόθεμις

πάρεστʼ Ὀρέστης ἡμίν, ἴσθι τοῦτʼ ἐμοῦ

κλύουσʼ, ἐναργῶς, ὥσπερ εἰσορᾷς ἐμέ.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἀλλʼ ἦ μέμηνας, ὦ τάλαινα, κἀπὶ τοῖς

σαυτῆς κακοῖσι κἀπὶ τοῖς ἐμοῖς γελᾷς;
880

Χρυσόθεμις

μὰ τὴν πατρῴαν ἑστίαν, ἀλλʼ οὐχ ὕβρει

λέγω τάδʼ, ἀλλʼ ἐκεῖνον ὡς παρόντα νῷν.

Ἠλέκτρα

οἴμοι τάλαινα· καὶ τίνος βροτῶν λόγον

τόνδʼ εἰσακούσασʼ ὧδε πιστεύεις ἄγαν;

Χρυσόθεμις

ἐγὼ μὲν ἐξ ἐμοῦ τε κοὐκ ἄλλης, σαφῆ
885

σημεῖʼ ἰδοῦσα, τῷδε πιστεύω λόγῳ.

Ἠλέκτρα

τίνʼ, ὦ τάλαινʼ, ἔχουσα πίστιν; ἐς τί μοι

βλέψασα θάλπει τῷδʼ ἀνηκέστῳ πυρί;

Χρυσόθεμις

πρός νυν θεῶν ἄκουσον, ὡς μαθοῦσά μου

τὸ λοιπὸν ἢ φρονοῦσαν ἢ μωρὰν λέγῃς.
890

Ἠλέκτρα

σὺ δʼ οὖν λέγʼ, εἴ σοι τῷ λόγῳ τις ἡδονή.

892

Χρυσόθεμις

καὶ δὴ λέγω σοι πᾶν ὅσον κατειδόμην.

ἐπεὶ γὰρ ἦλθον πατρὸς ἀρχαῖον τάφον,

ὁρῶ κολώνης ἐξ ἄκρας νεορρύτους

πηγὰς γάλακτος καὶ περιστεφῆ κύκλῳ
895

πάντων ὅσʼ ἐστὶν ἀνθέων θήκην πατρός.

ἰδοῦσα δʼ ἔσχον θαῦμα, καὶ περισκοπῶ

μή πού τις ἡμῖν ἐγγὺς ἐγχρίμπτῃ βροτῶν.

ὡς δʼ ἐν γαλήνῃ πάντʼ ἐδερκόμην τόπον,

τύμβου προσεῖρπον ἆσσον· ἐσχάτης δʼ ὁρῶ
900

πυρᾶς νεώρη βόστρυχον τετμημένον·

κεὐθὺς τάλαινʼ ὡς εἶδον, ἐμπαίει τί μοι

ψυχῇ σύνηθες ὄμμα, φιλτάτου βροτῶν

πάντων Ὀρέστου τοῦθʼ ὁρᾶν τεκμήριον·

καὶ χερσὶ βαστάσασα δυσφημῶ μὲν οὔ,
905

χαρᾷ δὲ πίμπλημʼ εὐθὺς ὄμμα δακρύων.

καὶ νῦν θʼ ὁμοίως καὶ τότʼ ἐξεπίσταμαι

μή του τόδʼ ἀγλάϊσμα πλὴν κείνου μολεῖν·

τῷ γὰρ προσήκει πλήν γʼ ἐμοῦ καὶ σοῦ τόδε;

κἀγὼ μὲν οὐκ ἔδρασα, τοῦτʼ ἐπίσταμαι,
910

οὐδʼ αὖ σύ· πῶς γάρ; ᾗ γε μηδὲ πρὸς θεοὺς

ἔξεστʼ ἀκλαύστῳ τῆσδʼ ἀποστῆναι στέγης.

ἀλλʼ οὐδὲ μὲν δὴ μητρὸς οὔθʼ ὁ νοῦς φιλεῖ

τοιαῦτα πράσσειν οὔτε δρῶσʼ ἐλάνθανʼ ἄν·

ἀλλʼ ἔστʼ Ὀρέστου ταῦτα τἀπιτύμβια.
915

ἀλλʼ, ὦ φίλη, θάρσυνε· τοῖς αὐτοῖσί τοι

οὐχ αὑτὸς αἰεὶ δαιμόνων παραστατεῖ.

νῷν ἦν τὰ πρόσθεν στυγνός· ἡ δὲ νῦν ἴσως

πολλῶν ὑπάρξει κῦρος ἡμέρα καλῶν.

920

Ἠλέκτρα

φεῦ, τῆς ἀνοίας ὥς σʼ ἐποικτίρω πάλαι.
920

Χρυσόθεμις

τί δʼ ἔστιν; οὐ πρὸς ἡδονὴν λέγω τάδε;

Ἠλέκτρα

οὐκ οἶσθʼ ὅποι γῆς οὐδʼ ὅποι γνώμης φέρει.

Χρυσόθεμις

πῶς δʼ οὐκ ἐγὼ κάτοιδʼ ἅ γʼ εἶδον ἐμφανῶς;

Ἠλέκτρα

τέθνηκεν, ὦ τάλαινα, τἀκείνου δέ σοι

σωτήριʼ ἔρρει· μηδὲν εἰς κεῖνόν γʼ ὅρα.
925

Χρυσόθεμις

οἴμοι τάλαινα· τοῦ τάδʼ ἤκουσας βροτῶν;

Ἠλέκτρα

τοῦ πλησίον παρόντος, ἡνίκʼ ὤλλυτο.

Χρυσόθεμις

καὶ ποῦ ʼστιν οὗτος; θαῦμά τοί μʼ ὑπέρχεται.

Ἠλέκτρα

κατʼ οἶκον, ἡδὺς οὐδὲ μητρὶ δυσχερής.

Χρυσόθεμις

οἴμοι τάλαινα· τοῦ γὰρ ἀνθρώπων ποτʼ ἦν
930

τὰ πολλὰ πατρὸς πρὸς τάφον κτερίσματα;

Ἠλέκτρα

οἶμαι μάλιστʼ ἔγωγε τοῦ τεθνηκότος

μνημεῖʼ Ὀρέστου ταῦτα προσθεῖναί τινα.

Χρυσόθεμις

ὦ δυστυχής· ἐγὼ δὲ σὺν χαρᾷ λόγους

τοιούσδʼ ἔχουσʼ ἔσπευδον, οὐκ εἰδυῖʼ ἄρα
935

ἵνʼ ἦμεν ἄτης· ἀλλὰ νῦν, ὅθʼ ἱκόμην,

τά τʼ ὄντα πρόσθεν ἄλλα θʼ εὑρίσκω κακά.

Ἠλέκτρα

οὕτως ἔχει σοι ταῦτʼ· ἐὰν δέ μοι πίθῃ,

τῆς νῦν παρούσης πημονῆς λύσεις βάρος.

Χρυσόθεμις

ἦ τοὺς θανόντας ἐξαναστήσω ποτέ;
940

Ἠλέκτρα

οὐκ ἔσθʼ ὅ γʼ εἶπον· οὐ γὰρ ὧδʼ ἄφρων ἔφυν.

Χρυσόθεμις

τί γὰρ κελεύεις ὧν ἐγὼ φερέγγυος;

Ἠλέκτρα

τλῆναί σε δρῶσαν ἃν ἐγὼ παραινέσω.

Χρυσόθεμις

ἀλλʼ εἴ τις ὠφέλειά γʼ, οὐκ ἀπώσομαι.

Ἠλέκτρα

ὅρα, πόνου τοι χωρὶς οὐδὲν εὐτυχεῖ.
945

Χρυσόθεμις

ὁρῶ. ξυνοίσω πᾶν ὅσονπερ ἂν σθένω.

947

Ἠλέκτρα

ἄκουε δή νυν ᾗ βεβούλευμαι ποεῖν.

παρουσίαν μὲν οἶσθα καὶ σύ που φίλων

ὡς οὔτις ἡμῖν ἔστιν, ἀλλʼ Ἅιδης λαβὼν

ἀπεστέρηκε καὶ μόνα λελείμμεθον.
950

ἐγὼ δʼ ἕως μὲν τὸν κασίγνητον βίῳ

θάλλοντʼ ἔτʼ εἰσήκουον, εἶχον ἐλπίδας

φόνου ποτʼ αὐτὸν πράκτορʼ ἵξεσθαι πατρός·

νῦν δʼ ἡνίκʼ οὐκέτʼ ἔστιν, εἰς σὲ δὴ βλέπω,

ὅπως τὸν αὐτόχειρα πατρῴου φόνου
955

ξὺν τῇδʼ ἀδελφῇ μὴ κατοκνήσεις κτανεῖν

Αἴγισθον· οὐδὲν γάρ σε δεῖ κρύπτειν μʼ ἔτι.

ποῖ γὰρ μενεῖς ῥᾴθυμος, εἰς τίνʼ ἐλπίδων

βλέψασʼ ἔτʼ ὀρθήν; ᾗ πάρεστι μὲν στένειν

πλούτου πατρῴου κτῆσιν ἐστερημένῃ,
960

πάρεστι δʼ ἀλγεῖν ἐς τοσόνδε τοῦ χρόνου

ἄλεκτρα γηράσκουσαν ἀνυμέναιά τε.

καὶ τῶνδε μέντοι μηκέτʼ ἐλπίσῃς ὅπως

τεύξει ποτʼ· οὐ γὰρ ὧδʼ ἄβουλός ἐστʼ ἀνὴρ

Αἴγισθος ὥστε σόν ποτʼ ἢ κἀμὸν γένος
965

βλαστεῖν ἐᾶσαι, πημονὴν αὑτῷ σαφῆ.

ἀλλʼ ἢν ἐπίσπῃ τοῖς ἐμοῖς βουλεύμασιν,

πρῶτον μὲν εὐσέβειαν ἐκ πατρὸς κάτω

θανόντος οἴσει τοῦ κασιγνήτου θʼ ἅμα·

ἔπειτα δʼ, ὥσπερ ἐξέφυς, ἐλευθέρα
970

καλεῖ τὸ λοιπὸν καὶ γάμων ἐπαξίων

τεύξει· φιλεῖ γὰρ πρὸς τὰ χρηστὰ πᾶς ὁρᾶν.

λόγων γε μὴν εὔκλειαν οὐχ ὁρᾷς ὅσην

σαυτῇ τε κἀμοὶ προσβαλεῖς πεισθεῖσʼ ἐμοί;

τίς γάρ ποτʼ ἀστῶν ἢ ξένων ἡμᾶς ἰδὼν
975

τοιοῖσδʼ ἐπαίνοις οὐχὶ δεξιώσεται·

ἴδεσθε τώδε τὼ κασιγνήτω, φίλοι,

ὣ τὸν πατρῷον οἶκον ἐξεσωσάτην,

ὣ τοῖσιν ἐχθροῖς εὖ βεβηκόσιν ποτὲ

ψυχῆς ἀφειδήσαντε προὐστήτην φόνου·
980

τούτω φιλεῖν χρή, τώδε χρὴ πάντας σέβειν,

τώδʼ ἔν θʼ ἑορταῖς ἔν τε πανδήμῳ πόλει

τιμᾶν ἅπαντας οὕνεκʼ ἀνδρείας χρεών.

τοιαῦτά τοι νὼ πᾶς τις ἐξερεῖ βροτῶν,

ζώσαιν θανούσαιν θʼ ὥστε μὴ ʼκλιπεῖν κλέος.
985

ἀλλʼ, ὦ φίλη, πείσθητι, συμπόνει πατρί,

σύγκαμνʼ ἀδελφῷ, παῦσον ἐκ κακῶν ἐμέ,

παῦσον δὲ σαυτήν, τοῦτο γιγνώσκουσʼ ὅτι

ζῆν αἰσχρὸν αἰσχρῶς τοῖς καλῶς πεφυκόσιν.

990

Χορός

ἐν τοῖς τοιούτοις ἐστὶν ἡ προμηθία
990

καὶ τῷ λέγοντι καὶ κλύοντι σύμμαχος.

Χρυσόθεμις

καὶ πρίν γε φωνεῖν, ὦ γυναῖκες, εἰ φρενῶν

ἐτύγχανʼ αὕτη μὴ κακῶν, ἐσῴζετʼ ἂν

τὴν εὐλάβειαν, ὥσπερ οὐχὶ σῴζεται.

ποῖ γάρ ποτʼ ἐμβλέψασα τοιοῦτον θράσος
995

αὐτή θʼ ὁπλίζει κἄμʼ ὑπηρετεῖν καλεῖς;

οὐκ εἰσορᾷς; γυνὴ μὲν οὐδʼ ἀνὴρ ἔφυς,

σθένεις δʼ ἔλασσον τῶν ἐναντίων χερί.

δαίμων δὲ τοῖς μὲν εὐτυχεῖ καθʼ ἡμέραν,

ἡμῖν δʼ ἀπορρεῖ κἀπὶ μηδὲν ἔρχεται.
1000

τίς οὖν τοιοῦτον ἄνδρα βουλεύων ἑλεῖν

ἄλυπος ἄτης ἐξαπαλλαχθήσεται;

ὅρα κακῶς πράσσοντε μὴ μείζω κακὰ

κτησώμεθʼ, εἴ τις τούσδʼ ἀκούσεται λόγους.

λύει γὰρ ἡμῖν οὐδὲν οὐδʼ ἐπωφελεῖ
1005

βάξιν καλὴν λαβόντε δυσκλεῶς θανεῖν.

οὐ γὰρ θανεῖν ἔχθιστον, ἀλλʼ ὅταν θανεῖν

χρῄζων τις εἶτα μηδὲ τοῦτʼ ἔχῃ λαβεῖν.

ἀλλʼ ἀντιάζω, πρὶν πανωλέθρους τὸ πᾶν

ἡμᾶς τʼ ὀλέσθαι κἀξερημῶσαι γένος,
1010

κατάσχες ὀργήν. καὶ τὰ μὲν λελεγμένα

ἄρρητʼ ἐγώ σοι κἀτελῆ φυλάξομαι,

αὐτὴ δὲ νοῦν σχὲς ἀλλὰ τῷ χρόνῳ ποτέ,

σθένουσα μηδὲν τοῖς κρατοῦσιν εἰκαθεῖν.

1015

Χορός

πείθου· προνοίας οὐδὲν ἀνθρώποις ἔφυ
1015

κέρδος λαβεῖν ἄμεινον οὐδὲ νοῦ σοφοῦ.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἀπροσδόκητον οὐδὲν εἴρηκας· καλῶς δʼ

ᾔδη σʼ ἀπορρίψουσαν ἁπηγγελλόμην.

ἀλλʼ αὐτόχειρί μοι μόνῃ τε δραστέον

τοὔργον τόδʼ· οὐ γὰρ δὴ κενόν γʼ ἀφήσομεν.
1020

Χρυσόθεμις

φεῦ·

εἴθʼ ὤφελες τοιάδε τὴν γνώμην πατρὸς

θνῄσκοντος εἶναι· πᾶν γὰρ ἂν κατειργάσω.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἀλλʼ ἦ φύσιν γε, τὸν δὲ νοῦν ἥσσων τότε.

Χρυσόθεμις

ἄσκει τοιαύτη νοῦν διʼ αἰῶνος μένειν.

Ἠλέκτρα

ὡς οὐχὶ συνδράσουσα νουθετεῖς τάδε.
1025

Χρυσόθεμις

εἰκὸς γὰρ ἐγχειροῦντα καὶ πράσσειν κακῶς.

Ἠλέκτρα

ζηλῶ σε τοῦ νοῦ, τῆς δὲ δειλίας στυγῶ.

Χρυσόθεμις

ἀνέξομαι κλύουσα χὤταν εὖ λέγῃς.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἀλλʼ οὔ ποτʼ ἐξ ἐμοῦ γε μὴ πάθῃς τόδε.

Χρυσόθεμις

μακρὸς τὸ κρῖναι ταῦτα χὠ λοιπὸς χρόνος.
1030

Ἠλέκτρα

ἄπελθε· σοὶ γὰρ ὠφέλησις οὐκ ἔνι.

Χρυσόθεμις

ἔνεστιν· ἀλλὰ σοὶ μάθησις οὐ πάρα.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἐλθοῦσα μητρὶ ταῦτα πάντʼ ἔξειπε σῇ.

Χρυσόθεμις

οὐδʼ αὖ τοσοῦτον ἔχθος ἐχθαίρω σʼ ἐγώ.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἀλλʼ οὖν ἐπίστω γʼ οἷ μʼ ἀτιμίας ἄγεις.
1035

Χρυσόθεμις

ἀτιμίας μὲν οὔ, προμηθίας δὲ σοῦ.

Ἠλέκτρα

τῷ σῷ δικαίῳ δῆτʼ ἐπισπέσθαι με δεῖ;

Χρυσόθεμις

ὅταν γὰρ εὖ φρονῇς, τόθʼ ἡγήσει σὺ νῷν.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἦ δεινὸν εὖ λέγουσαν ἐξαμαρτάνειν.

Χρυσόθεμις

εἴρηκας ὀρθῶς ᾧ σὺ πρόσκεισαι κακῷ.
1040

Ἠλέκτρα

τί δʼ; οὐ δοκῶ σοι ταῦτα σὺν δίκῃ λέγειν;

Χρυσόθεμις

ἀλλʼ ἔστιν ἔνθα χἠ δίκη βλάβην φέρει.

Ἠλέκτρα

τούτοις ἐγὼ ζῆν τοῖς νόμοις οὐ βούλομαι.

Χρυσόθεμις

ἀλλʼ εἰ ποήσεις ταῦτʼ, ἐπαινέσεις ἐμέ.

Ἠλέκτρα

καὶ μὴν ποήσω γʼ οὐδὲν ἐκπλαγεῖσά σε.
1045

Χρυσόθεμις

καὶ τοῦτʼ ἀληθές, οὐδὲ βουλεύσει πάλιν;

Ἠλέκτρα

βουλῆς γὰρ οὐδέν ἐστιν ἔχθιον κακῆς.

Χρυσόθεμις

φρονεῖν ἔοικας οὐδὲν ὧν ἐγὼ λέγω.

Ἠλέκτρα

πάλαι δέδοκται ταῦτα κοὐ νεωστί μοι.

1050

Χρυσόθεμις

ἄπειμι τοίνυν· οὔτε γὰρ σὺ τἄμʼ ἔπη
1050

τολμᾷς ἐπαινεῖν οὔτʼ ἐγὼ τοὺς σοὺς τρόπους.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἀλλʼ εἴσιθʼ. οὔ σοι μὴ μεθέψομαί ποτε,

οὐδʼ ἢν σφόδρʼ ἱμείρουσα τυγχάνῃς· ἐπεὶ

πολλῆς ἀνοίας καὶ τὸ θηρᾶσθαι κενά.

Χρυσόθεμις

ἀλλʼ εἰ σεαυτῇ τυγχάνεις δοκοῦσά τι
1055

φρονεῖν, φρόνει τοιαῦθʼ. ὅταν γὰρ ἐν κακοῖς

ἤδη βεβήκῃς, τἄμʼ ἐπαινέσεις ἔπη.

Translations (2)

German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 892 focus

Ich melde dir denn Alles, was ich dort gesehın.
870

Sobald ich ankam bei des Vaters Ahnengruft,

Da sah ich frischergossen hoch vom Hügel her

Milchbäche rinnen und im Kreis umher bekränzt

Mit allen Blumen, welche blüh'n, des Vaters Grab.

Und das erblickend, staunt' ich hoch und späh' umher,
875

Ob nicht ein Mensch uns nahe sich herangedrängt.

Doch als ich weithin ruhig sah den ganzen Ort,

Trat ich dem Hügel näher und gewahre hier

Frischabgeschnittne Locken auf des Grabes Rand.

Kaum daß ich's Arme sehe, steigt vor meinem Geist
880

Ein trautes Bild auf, und ich ahn' ein Zeichen hier

Vom liebsten aller Menschen, von Orestes' Hand.

Ich heb' es auf, verstummend hemm' ich jeden Laut;

Doch schnell mit Wonnethränen füllt mein Auge sich.

Und jezt erscheint mir's noch gewiß, wie dazumal :
885

Von ihm, von keinem Andern kam der Todtenschmuck.

Denn wem geziemte solches, außer mir und dir?

Ich brachte nicht die Spende, dieses weiß ich doch,

Noch brachtest du sie, die du ja zu Göttern selbst

Nicht ungestraft aus diesem Hause gehen darfst.
890

Wohl nimmer liebt auch, so zu thun, der Mutter Sinn,

Und that's die Mutter, blieb es doch nicht unbemerkt.

So hat Orestes dargebracht den Grabesschmuck.

Drum fasse Muth, o Theure! Nicht Denselben mag

Dieselbe Gottheit immerdar zur Seite steh'n.
895

Uns war sie früher feindlich; doch der heut'ge Tag

Wird uns vielleicht vielfachen Glückes Quelle noch.

Elektra.

English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904)) — 871-1055 focus

Enter Chrysothemis, from the right.

Chrysothemis

I am pursued by joy, dear sister, and I disregard seemliness in order to come with speed. I bring joyful news to relieve your former troubles and grief.

Electra

And from where could you find help for my sufferings, when no cure for them can be imagined?
875

Chrysothemis

Orestes is with us—know this from my lips—plainly visible, just as you see me now.

Electra

What, are you insane, poor girl?

Do you laugh at my sorrows and your own?
880

Chrysothemis

No, by our father’s hearth, I do not speak in mockery. I tell you that he truly is with us.

Electra

Ah, miserable girl! And from whom on earth have you heard this tale, which you believe so lightly?

Chrysothemis

I have it on my own knowledge, no one else’s; I have seen clear proofs.
885

Electra

What have you seen, poor girl, to warrant your belief? What did you see, that you are warmed by this unquenchable fire?

Chrysothemis

Now, for the gods’ love, listen, so that you may know

the rest from me before deciding whether I am sane or foolish.
890

Electra

Speak on, then, if you find pleasure in speaking.

892

Chrysothemis

Well, I will tell you all that I have seen. When I came to Father’s ancestral tomb, I saw that streams of milk had recently flowed from the top of the mound

and that his sepulchre was encircled with garlands of all flowers that grow. I was astonished at the sight, and peered about lest somehow someone should approach close to me. But when I perceived that all the place was in stillness,
895

I crept nearer to the tomb, and on the mound’s edge I saw a lock of hair, freshly severed.
And the very moment I see it—ah me!—a familiar image rushes into my mind, and I feel that I am looking at a token of him whom I most love, Orestes.
900

Then I lift it in my hands and make no sound of bad omen, but the tears of joy straightaway fill my eyes. Even now I know well, just as I knew then, that this fair tribute has come from no one but him. Whom else does that tomb concern, save me and you?
905

And I did not make those offerings, I know, nor did you. How could you, when you cannot leave this house even to worship the gods without later regretting it? Nor, again, does our mother’s heart incline to do such deeds, nor could she have done so without our knowledge.

910

No, these offerings are from Orestes! Come, dear sister, have courage! Not always does the same fortune, it is true, attend the same individuals. Ours was once to be despised, but today, perhaps, will seal the promise of much good.
915

920

Electra

Oh, what foolishness! How I have been pitying you!
920

Chrysothemis

What, is my news unpleasing to you?

Electra

You do not know where on earth or into what dreams you wander.

Chrysothemis

How could I not know what I have plainly seen?

Electra

He is dead, poor girl, and your

salvation by him is gone. Do not look to him.
925

Chrysothemis

Ah, miserable me! From whom have you heard this?

Electra

From the man who was present when he perished.

Chrysothemis

And where is he? Amazement steals over my mind.

Electra

He is inside, a welcome guest, not unpleasing to our mother.

Chrysothemis

Ah, misery! Who, then, can have made those ample offerings to my father’s tomb?
930

Electra

Most likely, I think, someone placed those gifts in memory of the dead Orestes.

Chrysothemis

Oh, my misfortune! And I was hurrying here

with such joyous nows, ignorant after all of our downfall. But now that I have arrived, I find fresh sorrows added to the old!
935

Electra

So it stands with you. Yet if you will be persuaded by me, you will lighten the load of our present trouble.

Chrysothemis

How can I ever raise the dead back to life?
940

Electra

That is not what I meant; I was not born so foolish.

Chrysothemis

What do you urge, then, of those things that I am capable of doing?

Electra

That you be brave in executing what I recommend.

Chrysothemis

If any good can be done, I will not refuse.

Electra

Remember, nothing succeeds without toil.
945

Chrysothemis

I know it, and I will share your burden with all my power.

947

Electra

Hear, then, in what way I have decided to take action. As for the support of friends, you yourself doubtless know that we have none. Hades has taken our friends away,

and we two are left alone. I, so long as I heard that my brother still lived and prospered, had hopes that he would yet come to avenge the murder of our father. But now that he is no more, I look next to you
950

and ask that you not flinch from aiding me, your sister, to slay our father’s murderer, Aegisthus. There—I can have no secrets from you anymore.
How long will you wait in indifference? What hope is left standing, to which your eyes can turn? Now you are right to complain
955

that you are robbed of possession of your father’s estate; now you may mourn that you have advanced this far in years without wedded love or bridal song. And do not cling to hopes that you will ever meet with such joys. The man, Aegisthus, is not so unthinking
960

as ever to permit that offspring should shoot up from you or from me either to be a certain bane for himself. But if you will follow my plans, first you will win praise for piety from our dead father below, and from our brother, too;
965

next, you shall be called hereafter free, just as you were born, and shall find a worthy marriage. For noble natures draw the gaze of all.
Then do you not see what fair fame you will procure for yourself and for me, by obeying me?
970

What citizen or stranger when he sees us will not greet us with praises such as these: Behold these two sisters, my friends! They saved their father’s house, and at a time when their foes were firmly established, they took their lives in their hands and administered bloodshed! Worthy of love is this pair, worthy of reverence from all. At festivals, and wherever the citizenry is assembled, let these two be honored by all men for their manly courage. Thus will every one speak of us,
975

so that in life and in death our glory shall not fail.
Come, dear sister, be persuaded! Toil with our father, share the burden of your brother, put an end to my troubles and an end to yours, keeping in mind that a shameful life brings shame upon the noble-born.
985

990

Chorus

In a crisis such as this, forethought is an ally both to those who speak and those who listen.
990

Chrysothemis

Yes, I agree. And before she spoke, my friends, if she were blessed with a sound mind, she would have remembered caution, even as she does not now.

Where can you have turned your eyes, that you arm yourself with such rashness and call me to serve beneath you? Do you not see? Your nature is a woman’s, not a man’s, and the strength of your hand is less than that of your adversaries. And their fortune prospers day by day,
995

while ours ebbs and comes to nothing. Who, then, plotting to subdue such a man, would escape destruction unharmed? See to it that, badly as we fare now, we do not acquire greater evil, if any one hears this talk of yours.
1000

It brings us no relief or benefit, if after winning fair fame we die an ignominious death. For death is not the most odious thing; it is rather craving death, but lacking the means to die. No, I plead with you, before we are utterly, totally destroyed
1005

and before we leave our house desolate, restrain your rage! I will take care that your words remain secret and harmless for you. You in turn must get hold of good sense at long last and yield to the powerful since you have no strength.
1010

1015

Chorus

Listen to her. There is no better gain for mortals to win than foresight and a prudent mind.
1015

Electra

You have said nothing unexpected. Well I knew that you would reject what I proposed. But the deed must be done with my own hand, by me and me alone.

I certainly will not leave it unaccomplished.
1020

Chrysothemis

Ah! If only you had had such resolve on the day of our father’s death! Then you would have accomplished everything!

Electra

My nature was the same then, but my mind was less ripe.

Chrysothemis

Strive to keep your mind that way through all your life.

Electra

You make these admonitions like one who will not assist me.
1025

Chrysothemis

I will not, for he who sets hand to the deed is likely also to suffer disaster.

Electra

I admire you for your prudence. For your cowardice I hate you.

Chrysothemis

I will listen no less calmly when you praise me.

Electra

Never fear to suffer that from me, at least.

Chrysothemis

There is time enough in the future to decide that.
1030

Electra

Leave! You have no power to help.

Chrysothemis

No, I have it, but you lack the ability to listen and learn.

Electra

Go, reveal everything to your mother!

Chrysothemis

But, again, I do not hate you with so great a hate.

Electra

Yet know at least to what dishonor you drive me.
1035

Chrysothemis

Dishonor, no! It is forethought for you.

Electra

Am I bound, then, to follow your rule of right?

Chrysothemis

Yes, for when you are sensible, then at that time you shall lead the both of us.

Electra

How terrible it is that one who speaks so well should be so wrong!

Chrysothemis

You have well described the fault to which you devotedly cling.
1040

Electra

What? Do you think that my words are not the words of Justice?

Chrysothemis

But sometimes even Justice herself causes harm.

Electra

I do not care to live where that attitude is lawful.

Chrysothemis

Well, if you must do this, you will commend me yet.

Electra

And do it I will, not a bit disturbed by you.
1045

Chrysothemis

Is this true? You will not reconsider your plan?

Electra

No, for no enemy is more damaging than bad advice.

Chrysothemis

You seem to agree with nothing that I say.

Electra

My resolve is not new, but long since fixed.

1050

Chrysothemis

Then I will go. You cannot be brought to approve my words, nor I your conduct.
1050

Electra

No, go inside. I will never come after you, even though you may strongly desire it, since it is great folly even to attempt a useless quest.

Chrysothemis

Well, if you seem to think straight in your own eyes, may you go on thinking so. Eventually, when you have fallen into trouble, you will approve my advice. Exit Chrysothemis into the house.
1055

Commentary

Commentary (R. C. Jebb) (OCR draft) (Commentary (R. C. Jebb))

mvp-comment-513-1 ἐμπαίει κ.τ.λ. ¹ ὄμμα ²

mvp-comment-513-2 σύνηθες ³ ὁρᾶν ⁴

mvp-comment-513-3 The intrans.

ἐμπαίειν

(a stronger

ἐμπίπτειν

) occurs only here; but cp. O. T. 1252

βοῶν γὰρ εἰσέπαισεν Οἰδίπους

. In Aesch. Ag. 187

ἐμπαίοις τύχαισι

are ‘the fortunes which have suddenly struck him’: cp. ib. 347

εἰ πρόσπαια μὴ τύχοι κακά.

mvp-comment-513-4 ψυχῇ ⁵

mvp-comment-513-5 The scholium in L runs thus:—

ψυχῇ σύνηθες ὄμμα

]

ὅραμα ὃ ἀεὶ ἐφανταζόμην κατὰ ψυχήν

: i.e., the writer took

ὅμμα

to mean ‘a sight’; a sense possible for it only when, as here, it denotes the human face or form ( Ai. 977 : ib. 1004: Aesch. Ch. 238 ). This scholium cannot be claimed, however, as indicating that the scholiast read φάσμα ⁶

Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) focus

902-904. mvp-comment-432-1 ἐμπαίει.. τεκμήριον] 'A familiar sight' or 'image struck upon my soul, (and told me) that I saw in this a certain token of Orestes, dearest of mankind.' ὄμμα (see Essay on L. § 54. p. 99) is here the active impression of the object of vision. ὁρᾶν depends on the general notion, 'I felt,' implied in the preceding words.

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Χρυσόθεμις ὑφʼ ἡδονῆς τοι, φιλτάτη, διώκομαι τὸ κόσμιον μεθεῖσα σὺν τάχει μολεῖν· φέρω γὰρ ἡδονάς τε κἀνάπαυλαν ὧν πάροιθεν εἶχες καὶ κατέστενες κακῶν

Ἠλέκτρα πόθεν δʼ ἂν εὕροις τῶν ἐμῶν σὺ πημάτων 875 ἄρηξιν, οἷς ἴασιν οὐκ ἔνεστʼ ἰδεῖν;

Χρυσόθεμις πάρεστʼ Ὀρέστης ἡμίν, ἴσθι τοῦτʼ ἐμοῦ κλύουσʼ, ἐναργῶς, ὥσπερ εἰσορᾷς ἐμέ.

Ἠλέκτρα ἀλλʼ ἦ μέμηνας, ὦ τάλαινα, κἀπὶ τοῖς σαυτῆς κακοῖσι κἀπὶ τοῖς ἐμοῖς γελᾷς; 880

Χρυσόθεμις μὰ τὴν πατρῴαν ἑστίαν, ἀλλʼ οὐχ ὕβρει λέγω τάδʼ, ἀλλʼ ἐκεῖνον ὡς παρόντα νῷν.

Ἠλέκτρα οἴμοι τάλαινα· καὶ τίνος βροτῶν λόγον τόνδʼ εἰσακούσασʼ ὧδε πιστεύεις ἄγαν;

Χρυσόθεμις ἐγὼ μὲν ἐξ ἐμοῦ τε κοὐκ ἄλλης, σαφῆ 885 σημεῖʼ ἰδοῦσα, τῷδε πιστεύω λόγῳ.

Ἠλέκτρα τίνʼ, ὦ τάλαινʼ, ἔχουσα πίστιν; ἐς τί μοι βλέψασα θάλπει τῷδʼ ἀνηκέστῳ πυρί;

Χρυσόθεμις πρός νυν θεῶν ἄκουσον, ὡς μαθοῦσά μου τὸ λοιπὸν ἢ φρονοῦσαν ἢ μωρὰν λέγῃς. 890

Ἠλέκτρα σὺ δʼ οὖν λέγʼ, εἴ σοι τῷ λόγῳ τις ἡδονή.

Ἠλέκτρα φεῦ, τῆς ἀνοίας ὥς σʼ ἐποικτίρω πάλαι. 920

Χρυσόθεμις τί δʼ ἔστιν; οὐ πρὸς ἡδονὴν λέγω τάδε;

Ἠλέκτρα οὐκ οἶσθʼ ὅποι γῆς οὐδʼ ὅποι γνώμης φέρει.

Χρυσόθεμις πῶς δʼ οὐκ ἐγὼ κάτοιδʼ ἅ γʼ εἶδον ἐμφανῶς;

Ἠλέκτρα τέθνηκεν, ὦ τάλαινα, τἀκείνου δέ σοι σωτήριʼ ἔρρει· μηδὲν εἰς κεῖνόν γʼ ὅρα. 925

Χρυσόθεμις οἴμοι τάλαινα· τοῦ τάδʼ ἤκουσας βροτῶν;

Ἠλέκτρα τοῦ πλησίον παρόντος, ἡνίκʼ ὤλλυτο.

Χρυσόθεμις καὶ ποῦ ʼστιν οὗτος; θαῦμά τοί μʼ ὑπέρχεται.

Ἠλέκτρα κατʼ οἶκον, ἡδὺς οὐδὲ μητρὶ δυσχερής.

Χρυσόθεμις οἴμοι τάλαινα· τοῦ γὰρ ἀνθρώπων ποτʼ ἦν 930 τὰ πολλὰ πατρὸς πρὸς τάφον κτερίσματα;

Ἠλέκτρα οἶμαι μάλιστʼ ἔγωγε τοῦ τεθνηκότος μνημεῖʼ Ὀρέστου ταῦτα προσθεῖναί τινα.

Ἠλέκτρα οὕτως ἔχει σοι ταῦτʼ· ἐὰν δέ μοι πίθῃ, τῆς νῦν παρούσης πημονῆς λύσεις βάρος.

Χρυσόθεμις ἦ τοὺς θανόντας ἐξαναστήσω ποτέ; 940

Ἠλέκτρα οὐκ ἔσθʼ ὅ γʼ εἶπον· οὐ γὰρ ὧδʼ ἄφρων ἔφυν.

Χρυσόθεμις τί γὰρ κελεύεις ὧν ἐγὼ φερέγγυος;

Ἠλέκτρα τλῆναί σε δρῶσαν ἃν ἐγὼ παραινέσω.

Χρυσόθεμις ἀλλʼ εἴ τις ὠφέλειά γʼ, οὐκ ἀπώσομαι.

Ἠλέκτρα ὅρα, πόνου τοι χωρὶς οὐδὲν εὐτυχεῖ. 945

Χρυσόθεμις ὁρῶ. ξυνοίσω πᾶν ὅσονπερ ἂν σθένω.

Χορός ἐν τοῖς τοιούτοις ἐστὶν ἡ προμηθία 990 καὶ τῷ λέγοντι καὶ κλύοντι σύμμαχος.

Χορός πείθου· προνοίας οὐδὲν ἀνθρώποις ἔφυ 1015 κέρδος λαβεῖν ἄμεινον οὐδὲ νοῦ σοφοῦ.

Χρυσόθεμις φεῦ· εἴθʼ ὤφελες τοιάδε τὴν γνώμην πατρὸς θνῄσκοντος εἶναι· πᾶν γὰρ ἂν κατειργάσω.

Ἠλέκτρα ἀλλʼ ἦ φύσιν γε, τὸν δὲ νοῦν ἥσσων τότε.

Χρυσόθεμις ἄσκει τοιαύτη νοῦν διʼ αἰῶνος μένειν.

Ἠλέκτρα ὡς οὐχὶ συνδράσουσα νουθετεῖς τάδε. 1025

Χρυσόθεμις εἰκὸς γὰρ ἐγχειροῦντα καὶ πράσσειν κακῶς.

Ἠλέκτρα ζηλῶ σε τοῦ νοῦ, τῆς δὲ δειλίας στυγῶ.

Χρυσόθεμις ἀνέξομαι κλύουσα χὤταν εὖ λέγῃς.

Ἠλέκτρα ἀλλʼ οὔ ποτʼ ἐξ ἐμοῦ γε μὴ πάθῃς τόδε.

Χρυσόθεμις μακρὸς τὸ κρῖναι ταῦτα χὠ λοιπὸς χρόνος. 1030

Ἠλέκτρα ἄπελθε· σοὶ γὰρ ὠφέλησις οὐκ ἔνι.

Χρυσόθεμις ἔνεστιν· ἀλλὰ σοὶ μάθησις οὐ πάρα.

Ἠλέκτρα ἐλθοῦσα μητρὶ ταῦτα πάντʼ ἔξειπε σῇ.

Χρυσόθεμις οὐδʼ αὖ τοσοῦτον ἔχθος ἐχθαίρω σʼ ἐγώ.

Ἠλέκτρα ἀλλʼ οὖν ἐπίστω γʼ οἷ μʼ ἀτιμίας ἄγεις. 1035

Χρυσόθεμις ἀτιμίας μὲν οὔ, προμηθίας δὲ σοῦ.

Ἠλέκτρα τῷ σῷ δικαίῳ δῆτʼ ἐπισπέσθαι με δεῖ;

Χρυσόθεμις ὅταν γὰρ εὖ φρονῇς, τόθʼ ἡγήσει σὺ νῷν.

Ἠλέκτρα ἦ δεινὸν εὖ λέγουσαν ἐξαμαρτάνειν.

Χρυσόθεμις εἴρηκας ὀρθῶς ᾧ σὺ πρόσκεισαι κακῷ. 1040

Ἠλέκτρα τί δʼ; οὐ δοκῶ σοι ταῦτα σὺν δίκῃ λέγειν;

Χρυσόθεμις ἀλλʼ ἔστιν ἔνθα χἠ δίκη βλάβην φέρει.

Ἠλέκτρα τούτοις ἐγὼ ζῆν τοῖς νόμοις οὐ βούλομαι.

Χρυσόθεμις ἀλλʼ εἰ ποήσεις ταῦτʼ, ἐπαινέσεις ἐμέ.

Ἠλέκτρα καὶ μὴν ποήσω γʼ οὐδὲν ἐκπλαγεῖσά σε. 1045

Χρυσόθεμις καὶ τοῦτʼ ἀληθές, οὐδὲ βουλεύσει πάλιν;

Ἠλέκτρα βουλῆς γὰρ οὐδέν ἐστιν ἔχθιον κακῆς.

Χρυσόθεμις φρονεῖν ἔοικας οὐδὲν ὧν ἐγὼ λέγω.

Ἠλέκτρα πάλαι δέδοκται ταῦτα κοὐ νεωστί μοι.

Χρυσόθεμις ἄπειμι τοίνυν· οὔτε γὰρ σὺ τἄμʼ ἔπη 1050 τολμᾷς ἐπαινεῖν οὔτʼ ἐγὼ τοὺς σοὺς τρόπους.

Ἠλέκτρα ἀλλʼ εἴσιθʼ. οὔ σοι μὴ μεθέψομαί ποτε, οὐδʼ ἢν σφόδρʼ ἱμείρουσα τυγχάνῃς· ἐπεὶ πολλῆς ἀνοίας καὶ τὸ θηρᾶσθαι κενά.

Χρυσόθεμις ἀλλʼ εἰ σεαυτῇ τυγχάνεις δοκοῦσά τι 1055 φρονεῖν, φρόνει τοιαῦθʼ. ὅταν γὰρ ἐν κακοῖς ἤδη βεβήκῃς, τἄμʼ ἐπαινέσεις ἔπη.

Elektra.

Chrysothemis I am pursued by joy, dear sister, and I disregard seemliness in order to come with speed. I bring joyful news to relieve your former troubles and grief.

Electra And from where could you find help for my sufferings, when no cure for them can be imagined? 875

Chrysothemis Orestes is with us—know this from my lips—plainly visible, just as you see me now.

Electra What, are you insane, poor girl? Do you laugh at my sorrows and your own? 880

Chrysothemis No, by our father’s hearth, I do not speak in mockery. I tell you that he truly is with us.

Electra Ah, miserable girl! And from whom on earth have you heard this tale, which you believe so lightly?

Chrysothemis I have it on my own knowledge, no one else’s; I have seen clear proofs. 885

Electra What have you seen, poor girl, to warrant your belief? What did you see, that you are warmed by this unquenchable fire?

Chrysothemis Now, for the gods’ love, listen, so that you may know the rest from me before deciding whether I am sane or foolish. 890

Electra Speak on, then, if you find pleasure in speaking.

Electra Oh, what foolishness! How I have been pitying you! 920

Chrysothemis What, is my news unpleasing to you?

Electra You do not know where on earth or into what dreams you wander.

Chrysothemis How could I not know what I have plainly seen?

Χρυσόθεμις

ὑφʼ ἡδονῆς τοι, φιλτάτη, διώκομαι

τὸ κόσμιον μεθεῖσα σὺν τάχει μολεῖν·

φέρω γὰρ ἡδονάς τε κἀνάπαυλαν ὧν

πάροιθεν εἶχες καὶ κατέστενες κακῶν

Ἠλέκτρα

πόθεν δʼ ἂν εὕροις τῶν ἐμῶν σὺ πημάτων
875

ἄρηξιν, οἷς ἴασιν οὐκ ἔνεστʼ ἰδεῖν;

Χρυσόθεμις

πάρεστʼ Ὀρέστης ἡμίν, ἴσθι τοῦτʼ ἐμοῦ

κλύουσʼ, ἐναργῶς, ὥσπερ εἰσορᾷς ἐμέ.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἀλλʼ ἦ μέμηνας, ὦ τάλαινα, κἀπὶ τοῖς

σαυτῆς κακοῖσι κἀπὶ τοῖς ἐμοῖς γελᾷς;
880

Χρυσόθεμις

μὰ τὴν πατρῴαν ἑστίαν, ἀλλʼ οὐχ ὕβρει

λέγω τάδʼ, ἀλλʼ ἐκεῖνον ὡς παρόντα νῷν.

Ἠλέκτρα

οἴμοι τάλαινα· καὶ τίνος βροτῶν λόγον

τόνδʼ εἰσακούσασʼ ὧδε πιστεύεις ἄγαν;

Χρυσόθεμις

ἐγὼ μὲν ἐξ ἐμοῦ τε κοὐκ ἄλλης, σαφῆ
885

σημεῖʼ ἰδοῦσα, τῷδε πιστεύω λόγῳ.

Ἠλέκτρα

τίνʼ, ὦ τάλαινʼ, ἔχουσα πίστιν; ἐς τί μοι

βλέψασα θάλπει τῷδʼ ἀνηκέστῳ πυρί;

Χρυσόθεμις

πρός νυν θεῶν ἄκουσον, ὡς μαθοῦσά μου

τὸ λοιπὸν ἢ φρονοῦσαν ἢ μωρὰν λέγῃς.
890

Ἠλέκτρα

σὺ δʼ οὖν λέγʼ, εἴ σοι τῷ λόγῳ τις ἡδονή.

Ἠλέκτρα

φεῦ, τῆς ἀνοίας ὥς σʼ ἐποικτίρω πάλαι.
920

Χρυσόθεμις

τί δʼ ἔστιν; οὐ πρὸς ἡδονὴν λέγω τάδε;

Ἠλέκτρα

οὐκ οἶσθʼ ὅποι γῆς οὐδʼ ὅποι γνώμης φέρει.

Χρυσόθεμις

πῶς δʼ οὐκ ἐγὼ κάτοιδʼ ἅ γʼ εἶδον ἐμφανῶς;

Ἠλέκτρα

τέθνηκεν, ὦ τάλαινα, τἀκείνου δέ σοι

σωτήριʼ ἔρρει· μηδὲν εἰς κεῖνόν γʼ ὅρα.
925

Χρυσόθεμις

οἴμοι τάλαινα· τοῦ τάδʼ ἤκουσας βροτῶν;

Ἠλέκτρα

τοῦ πλησίον παρόντος, ἡνίκʼ ὤλλυτο.

Χρυσόθεμις

καὶ ποῦ ʼστιν οὗτος; θαῦμά τοί μʼ ὑπέρχεται.

Ἠλέκτρα

κατʼ οἶκον, ἡδὺς οὐδὲ μητρὶ δυσχερής.

Χρυσόθεμις

οἴμοι τάλαινα· τοῦ γὰρ ἀνθρώπων ποτʼ ἦν
930

τὰ πολλὰ πατρὸς πρὸς τάφον κτερίσματα;

Ἠλέκτρα

οἶμαι μάλιστʼ ἔγωγε τοῦ τεθνηκότος

μνημεῖʼ Ὀρέστου ταῦτα προσθεῖναί τινα.

Ἠλέκτρα

οὕτως ἔχει σοι ταῦτʼ· ἐὰν δέ μοι πίθῃ,

τῆς νῦν παρούσης πημονῆς λύσεις βάρος.

Χρυσόθεμις

ἦ τοὺς θανόντας ἐξαναστήσω ποτέ;
940

Ἠλέκτρα

οὐκ ἔσθʼ ὅ γʼ εἶπον· οὐ γὰρ ὧδʼ ἄφρων ἔφυν.

Χρυσόθεμις

τί γὰρ κελεύεις ὧν ἐγὼ φερέγγυος;

Ἠλέκτρα

τλῆναί σε δρῶσαν ἃν ἐγὼ παραινέσω.

Χρυσόθεμις

ἀλλʼ εἴ τις ὠφέλειά γʼ, οὐκ ἀπώσομαι.

Ἠλέκτρα

ὅρα, πόνου τοι χωρὶς οὐδὲν εὐτυχεῖ.
945

Χρυσόθεμις

ὁρῶ. ξυνοίσω πᾶν ὅσονπερ ἂν σθένω.

Χορός

ἐν τοῖς τοιούτοις ἐστὶν ἡ προμηθία
990

καὶ τῷ λέγοντι καὶ κλύοντι σύμμαχος.

Χορός

πείθου· προνοίας οὐδὲν ἀνθρώποις ἔφυ
1015

κέρδος λαβεῖν ἄμεινον οὐδὲ νοῦ σοφοῦ.

Χρυσόθεμις

φεῦ·

εἴθʼ ὤφελες τοιάδε τὴν γνώμην πατρὸς

θνῄσκοντος εἶναι· πᾶν γὰρ ἂν κατειργάσω.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἀλλʼ ἦ φύσιν γε, τὸν δὲ νοῦν ἥσσων τότε.

Χρυσόθεμις

ἄσκει τοιαύτη νοῦν διʼ αἰῶνος μένειν.

Ἠλέκτρα

ὡς οὐχὶ συνδράσουσα νουθετεῖς τάδε.
1025

Χρυσόθεμις

εἰκὸς γὰρ ἐγχειροῦντα καὶ πράσσειν κακῶς.

Ἠλέκτρα

ζηλῶ σε τοῦ νοῦ, τῆς δὲ δειλίας στυγῶ.

Χρυσόθεμις

ἀνέξομαι κλύουσα χὤταν εὖ λέγῃς.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἀλλʼ οὔ ποτʼ ἐξ ἐμοῦ γε μὴ πάθῃς τόδε.

Χρυσόθεμις

μακρὸς τὸ κρῖναι ταῦτα χὠ λοιπὸς χρόνος.
1030

Ἠλέκτρα

ἄπελθε· σοὶ γὰρ ὠφέλησις οὐκ ἔνι.

Χρυσόθεμις

ἔνεστιν· ἀλλὰ σοὶ μάθησις οὐ πάρα.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἐλθοῦσα μητρὶ ταῦτα πάντʼ ἔξειπε σῇ.

Χρυσόθεμις

οὐδʼ αὖ τοσοῦτον ἔχθος ἐχθαίρω σʼ ἐγώ.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἀλλʼ οὖν ἐπίστω γʼ οἷ μʼ ἀτιμίας ἄγεις.
1035

Χρυσόθεμις

ἀτιμίας μὲν οὔ, προμηθίας δὲ σοῦ.

Ἠλέκτρα

τῷ σῷ δικαίῳ δῆτʼ ἐπισπέσθαι με δεῖ;

Χρυσόθεμις

ὅταν γὰρ εὖ φρονῇς, τόθʼ ἡγήσει σὺ νῷν.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἦ δεινὸν εὖ λέγουσαν ἐξαμαρτάνειν.

Χρυσόθεμις

εἴρηκας ὀρθῶς ᾧ σὺ πρόσκεισαι κακῷ.
1040

Ἠλέκτρα

τί δʼ; οὐ δοκῶ σοι ταῦτα σὺν δίκῃ λέγειν;

Χρυσόθεμις

ἀλλʼ ἔστιν ἔνθα χἠ δίκη βλάβην φέρει.

Ἠλέκτρα

τούτοις ἐγὼ ζῆν τοῖς νόμοις οὐ βούλομαι.

Χρυσόθεμις

ἀλλʼ εἰ ποήσεις ταῦτʼ, ἐπαινέσεις ἐμέ.

Ἠλέκτρα

καὶ μὴν ποήσω γʼ οὐδὲν ἐκπλαγεῖσά σε.
1045

Χρυσόθεμις

καὶ τοῦτʼ ἀληθές, οὐδὲ βουλεύσει πάλιν;

Ἠλέκτρα

βουλῆς γὰρ οὐδέν ἐστιν ἔχθιον κακῆς.

Χρυσόθεμις

φρονεῖν ἔοικας οὐδὲν ὧν ἐγὼ λέγω.

Ἠλέκτρα

πάλαι δέδοκται ταῦτα κοὐ νεωστί μοι.

Χρυσόθεμις

ἄπειμι τοίνυν· οὔτε γὰρ σὺ τἄμʼ ἔπη
1050

τολμᾷς ἐπαινεῖν οὔτʼ ἐγὼ τοὺς σοὺς τρόπους.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἀλλʼ εἴσιθʼ. οὔ σοι μὴ μεθέψομαί ποτε,

οὐδʼ ἢν σφόδρʼ ἱμείρουσα τυγχάνῃς· ἐπεὶ

πολλῆς ἀνοίας καὶ τὸ θηρᾶσθαι κενά.

Χρυσόθεμις

ἀλλʼ εἰ σεαυτῇ τυγχάνεις δοκοῦσά τι
1055

φρονεῖν, φρόνει τοιαῦθʼ. ὅταν γὰρ ἐν κακοῖς

ἤδη βεβήκῃς, τἄμʼ ἐπαινέσεις ἔπη.

Chrysothemis

I am pursued by joy, dear sister, and I disregard seemliness in order to come with speed. I bring joyful news to relieve your former troubles and grief.

Electra

And from where could you find help for my sufferings, when no cure for them can be imagined?
875

Chrysothemis

Orestes is with us—know this from my lips—plainly visible, just as you see me now.

Electra

What, are you insane, poor girl?

Do you laugh at my sorrows and your own?
880

Chrysothemis

No, by our father’s hearth, I do not speak in mockery. I tell you that he truly is with us.

Electra

Ah, miserable girl! And from whom on earth have you heard this tale, which you believe so lightly?

Chrysothemis

I have it on my own knowledge, no one else’s; I have seen clear proofs.
885

Electra

What have you seen, poor girl, to warrant your belief? What did you see, that you are warmed by this unquenchable fire?

Chrysothemis

Now, for the gods’ love, listen, so that you may know

the rest from me before deciding whether I am sane or foolish.
890

Electra

Speak on, then, if you find pleasure in speaking.

Electra

Oh, what foolishness! How I have been pitying you!
920

Chrysothemis

What, is my news unpleasing to you?

Electra

You do not know where on earth or into what dreams you wander.

Chrysothemis

How could I not know what I have plainly seen?

Electra

He is dead, poor girl, and your

salvation by him is gone. Do not look to him.
925

Chrysothemis

Ah, miserable me! From whom have you heard this?

Electra

From the man who was present when he perished.

Chrysothemis

And where is he? Amazement steals over my mind.