Sophocles, Electra, Richard Jebb (Translator), 1098

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Enter Orestes, with Pylades and two attendants.

Orestes

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

Orestes

I have long been searching for the home of Aegisthus.

Chorus

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?

Chorus

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.

Electra

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

Electra

What is it, sir? Ah, how fear creeps over me!

Orestes

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

Orestes

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

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

Electra. Sophocles. Richard Jebb (Translator). Cambridge. 1894.

Sponsored by Perseus Project, Tufts University.

Funding provided by The Annenberg CPB/Project.

Current edition Experimental

Electra (English) (Sophocles the plays and fragments, Part 6: The Electra. Jebb, Richard Claverhouse, Sir, translator. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1894. (Modernized by Perseus.))

Provisional text from uncorrected OCR; expect errors.

Editions (2)

Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) — 1098 focus

ὀρθῶς θ᾽ ὁδοιποροῦμεν ἔνθα χρήζομεν ;

ΧΟ.

τί δ᾽ ἐξερευνᾷς καὶ τί βουληθεὶς πάρει;
1100

ΟΡ.

Αἴγισθον ἔνθ᾽ ᾤκηκεν ἱστορῶ γρ. μαστεύω C2. πάλαι.

ΧΟ.

ἀλλ᾽ εὐ θ᾽ ἱκάνεις χώ φράσας ἀζήμιος.

ΟΡ.

τίς οὖν ἂν ὑμῶν τοῖς ἔσω φράσειεν ἂν

ἡμῶν ποθεινὴν κοινόπουν παρουσίαν ;

ΧΟ.

ἥδ᾽, εἰ τὸν ἄγχιστόν γε κηρύσσειν χρεών.
1105

ΟΡ.

ἴθ᾽, ὦ γύναι, δήλωσον εἰσελθοῦσ᾽ ὅτι

Φωκῆς ματεύουσ᾽ μα. στεύουσ' L. ματεύουσ' A. μαστεύουσ᾽ FL2 Pal. ἄνδρες Αἴγισθόν τινες.

ΗΛ.

οἴμοι τάλαιν, οὐ δή ποθ᾿ ἧς ἠκούσαμεν

φήμης φέροντες ἐμφανῆ τεκμήρια;

ΟΡ.

οὐκ οἶδα τὴν σὴν κληδόν· ἀλλά μοι γέρων
1110

ἐφεῖτ᾽ Ὀρέστου Στρόφιος στροφίος L. ἀγγεῖλαι πέρι.

ΗΛ.

τί δ᾽ ἔστιν, ὦ ξέν᾽; ὥς μ᾽ ὑπέρχεται φόβος.

ΟΡ.

φέροντες αὐτοῦ σμικρὰ λείψαν ἐν βραχεῖ

τεύχει θανόντος, ὡς ὁρᾷς, κομίζομεν.

ΗΛ.

οἴ ἐγὼ οἱ ἐγὼ LA Pal. Vat. ac. τάλαινα, τοῦτ᾽ ἐκεῖν᾽ ἤδη σαφές.
1115

πρόχειρον ἄχθος, ὡς ἔοικε, δέρκομαι.

ΟΡ.

εἴπερ τι κλαίεις τῶν Ὀρεστείων κακῶν,

τόδ᾽ ἄγγος ἴσθι σῶμα τοὐκείνου στέγον.

ΗΛ.

ὦ ξεῖνε, δός νυν δὸς νῦν LA Pal. πρὸς θεῶν, εἴπερ τόδε

κέκευθεν αὐτὸν τεῦχος, εἰς χεῖρας λαβεῖν,
1120

ὅπως ἐμαυτὴν καὶ γένος τὸ πᾶν ὁμοῦ

ξὺν τῇδε κλαύσω κἀποδύρωμαι σποδῷ.

ΟΡ.

δόθ᾽ ἥτις ἐστὶ προσφέροντες· οὐ γὰρ ὡς

ἐν δυσμενείᾳ γ᾽ οὖσ᾽ ἐπαιτεῖται τάδε ἐπαιτεῖ τόδε L. ἐπαιτεῖται τάδε AC7.,

ἀλλ᾽ ἢ φίλων τις, ἢ πρὸς αἵματος φύσιν.
1125

ΗΛ.

Greek (F. Storr, 1912) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. Storr, 1912)) — 1098 focus

Ὀρέστης

ἆρʼ, ὦ γυναῖκες, ὀρθά τʼ εἰσηκούσαμεν

ὀρθῶς θʼ ὁδοιποροῦμεν ἔνθα χρῄζομεν;

Χορός

τί δʼ ἐξερευνᾷς καὶ τί βουληθεὶς πάρει;
1100

Ὀρέστης

Αἴγισθον ἔνθʼ ᾤκηκεν ἱστορῶ πάλαι.

Χορός

ἀλλʼ εὖ θʼ ἱκάνεις χὠ φράσας ἀζήμιος.

Ὀρέστης

τίς οὖν ἂν ὑμῶν τοῖς ἔσω φράσειεν ἂν

ἡμῶν ποθεινὴν κοινόπουν παρουσίαν;

Χορός

ἥδʼ, εἰ τὸν ἄγχιστόν γε κηρύσσειν χρεών.
1105

Ὀρέστης

ἴθʼ, ὦ γύναι, δήλωσον εἰσελθοῦσʼ ὅτι

Φωκῆς ματεύουσʼ ἄνδρες Αἴγισθόν τινες,

Ἠλέκτρα

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.

Ἠλέκτρα

τί δʼ ἔστιν, ὦ ξένʼ; ὥς μʼ ὑπέρχεται φόβος.

Ὀρέστης

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.

Ὀρέστης

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.

Ὀρέστης

δόθʼ, ἥτις ἐστί, προσφέροντες· οὐ γὰρ ὡς

ἐν δυσμενείᾳ γʼ οὖσʼ ἐπαιτεῖται τάδε,

ἀλλʼ ἢ φίλων τις ἢ πρὸς αἵματος φύσιν.
1125

Translations (4)

English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 1098 focus

Say, dames and damsels, have we heard aright,

And speed we to the goal of our desire?

CH

And what desire or quest hath brought thee hither?
1100

OR

I seek Aegisthus’ dwelling all this while.

CH

Welcome. The tongue that told thee hath no blame.

OR

Which of you all will signify within

Our joint arrival,—not unwelcome here.

CH

This maiden, if the nearest should report.
1105

OR

Mistress, wilt thou go yonder and make known,

That certain Phocians on Aegisthus wait?

EL

Oh! can it be that you are come to bring

Clear proofs of the sad rumour we have heard?

OR

I know not what ye have heard. Old Strophius
1110

Charged me with tidings of Orestes’ fate.

EL

What, stranger? How this terror steals on me!

OR

Bearing scant remnants of his body dead

In this small vase thou seest, we bring them home.

EL

O sorrow! thou art here: I see full well
1115

That burden of my heart in present view.

OR

If thou hast tears for aught Orestes suffered,

Know that he lies within this vessel’s room.

EL

Ah, sir! by all in Heaven, if yonder urn

Hide him, ah! give it once into my hand,
1120

That o’er that dust I may lament and mourn

Myself and mine own house and all our woe!

OR

Bring it and give her, whosoe’er she be.

For not an enemy—this petition shows it—

But of his friends or kindred, is this maid.
1125

EL

German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 1098 focus

Ihr Frauen, sagt uns, haben wir auch recht gehört,

Sind wir auf rechtem Wege hier nach unserm Ziel?

Der Chor.

Was willst du wissen, welch Verlangen führt dich her?

Orestes.

Wo hier Aegisthos wohne, forsch' ich lange schon.
1075

Der Chor.

Recht gingst du: der dir's sagte, hat dich nicht getäuscht.

Orestes.

Wer unter euch wohl kündet dort im Haus es an,

Daß wir zusammen, längstersehnt, gekommen sind?

(auf Elektra deutend)

Der Chor.

Hier diese, wenn's die Nächstverwandte melden soll.

Orestes.

Frau, geh' hinein und sage, daß hier Einige
1080

Den König suchen, Männer aus dem Phokerland.

Elektra.

Ihr kommt doch nicht, die Sage, die wir hörten, ach!

Mit klaren, sichern Zeichen uns bekräftigend?

Orestes.

Ich weiß von deiner Sache nicht; mit Kunden von

Orestes hat mich Strophios, der Greis, gesandt.
1085

Elektra.

Was ist es, Fremdling? Wie die Furcht mich übermannt!

Orestes.

In kleiner Urne bringen wir vom Todten hier

Die kleinen Ueberreste, wie du siehst, o Frau.

Elektra.

Ich Arme, weh! Das ist es: sichtbar seh' ich jezt

Vor meinen Augen, scheint es, diese Schmerzenslast!
1090

Orestes.

Wenn deine Klag' Orestes' herbem Loose gilt,

So wisse: dieses Erzgefäß birgt seinen Leib.

Gib denn, o Fremdling, wenn die Urne hier ihn birgt,

Gib, bei den Göttern, das Gefäß in meine Hand,

Auf daß ich mich und meinen ganzen Stamm zugleich
1095

Mit dieser Asche weinen und betrauern mag.

(zu den Dienern)

Gebt, wer sie sein mag, bringt es ihr; denn sicher nicht

Als eine Feindin bittet sie sich solches aus,

Nein, als die Freundin, oder ihm durch Blut verwandt.

(die Urne umfassend)

Elektra.

English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759)) — 1098 focus

Say, virgins, if by right instruction led

This way, I tend to

Chorus

Whither wouldst thou 1100

Orestes

The palace of ^gisthus.

Chorus

Sti'iinger, well

Wert thou directed ; thou art there already.

Orestes

Who then amongst your train shall Idndly

speak

A friend's approach, who comes with joyful news

Of highest import?

Chorus

{jpointing to Electra]. Be that office hers

Go then, and say from Phocis are arrived

Who beg admittance to the king.

Eleo. Alas !

And com'st thou then to prove the dreadful tale

Already told ?

Orestes

What you have heard I know not,
1110

But of Orestes came I here to speak

Electra
By Strophius's command.

What is it, say ;

Oh, how I dread thy message !

Orestes

[showing the l^rn]. Here behold

His poor remains

'Tis then too plain, and misery is complete.

Orestes

If for Orestes thus thy sorrows flow,

Know that within this urn his ashes lie.

Electra

Do they indeed ? Then let me, by the gods

1 do entreat thee, let me snatch them from thee !
1120

Let me embrace them — let me weep my fate,

And mourn our hapless race.

Orestes

Give her the urn,

Whoe'er she be ; for not with hostile mind

She craves the boon ; perhaps some friend, perhaps

By blood united.
1125

Electra

English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Robert Potter, 1788)) — 1098 focus

Say, female Argives, are we well inform'd,

Our steps unerring guided as we wish?

Chorus

What wou'dst thou ask? Why hither art thou come?
1100

Orestes

I seek the mansion where Ægisthus dwells.

Chorus

Right are thy steps: no blame thy guide deserves.

Orestes

To those within which of you will announce

Our presence, charged in common with affairs

Of no unwelcome nature to your lords?

Chorus

She, as by birth nearest to them allied.
1105

Orestes

Go, lady, let them be with speed inform'd

That men from Phocis sent Ægisthus seek.

Electra

Unhappy me! Bring you undoubted proofs

Of that report, which reach'd our ears before ?

Orestes

I know not: of Orestes is my charge
1110

To speak, by aged Strophius hither sent.

Electra

What, stranger? How am I oppress'd with fear!

Orestes

Of the dead youth the poor remains we bear,

As thou may'st see, in this small vase enclosed.

Electra

Then I indeed am wretched: now my grief
1115

Is certain; it is brought before my eyes.

Orestes

If for the poor Orestes flow thy tears,

Know that within this urn his body lies.

Electra

Now by the gods, O stranger, if this vase

Contain Orestes, give it to my hands;
1120

That o'er his ashes as I pour my tears,

Myself and all my race I may bewail.

Orestes

Whoe'er she be, entrust it to her hands;

For not in hatred makes she this request,

But as a friend, or one by blood allied.
1125

Electra

Commentary

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

mvp-comment-624-1 εἰσηκούσαμεν ¹

mvp-comment-624-2 ὀρθῶς θ’ ² δ’ ³ θ’ ⁴ τε ⁵ δέ ⁶

mvp-comment-624-3 ἔνθα ⁷

mvp-comment-625-1 Αἴγισθον ⁸ ᾤκηκεν ⁹

mvp-comment-626-1 ἀλλ’ ¹⁰

mvp-comment-626-2 χὡ φράσας ¹¹

mvp-comment-626-3 ἀζήμιος ¹²

mvp-comment-627-1 τίς … φράσειεν ἄν ¹³

mvp-comment-627-2 ποθεινὴν ¹⁴

mvp-comment-627-3 κοινόπουν ¹⁵

mvp-comment-628-1 τὸν ἄγχιστον ¹⁶

mvp-comment-629-1 ἴθ’, ὦ γύναι ¹⁷

mvp-comment-630-1 οὐ δή ποθ’ ¹⁸

mvp-comment-631-1 τὴν σὴν κληδόν’ ¹⁹

mvp-comment-631-2 Στρόφιος ²⁰

mvp-comment-632-1 φέροντες ²¹ κομίζομεν ²²

mvp-comment-633-1 τοῦτ’ ἐκεῖν’ ²³

mvp-comment-633-2 πρόχειρον ²⁴

mvp-comment-633-3 ἄχθος ²⁵

mvp-comment-634-1 κέκευθεν ²⁶

mvp-comment-634-2 1122 Cp. Aesch. P. V. 637

ὡς τἀποκλαῦσαι κἀποδύρασθαι τύχας

mvp-comment-635-1 δότε ²⁷ ἥτις ἐστί ²⁸

mvp-comment-635-2 ἐπαιτεῖται ²⁹

mvp-comment-635-3 πρὸς αἵματος ³⁰

mvp-comment-635-4 φύσιν ³¹

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

1101. mvp-comment-530-1 ᾤκηκεν] Hath his abode.' The perfect tense ironically suggests the supposed permanence of Aegisthus' rule.

1104. mvp-comment-531-1 ποθεινήν] ‘Wishful, i. e. with desire to see them. It is a courteous phrase, for which cp. Shak. Mids. N. D. 1. 1, 'With duty and desire we follow you,'-but may have suggested to the spectators Orestes longing for his home and Electra's longing for him. For the active use of ποθεινός, cp. Eur. Phoen. 1737, ποθεινὰ δάκρυα.

1105. mvp-comment-532-1 τὸν ἄγχιστον] 'Nearest,' i.e. as daughter to the Queen. But the word is calculated to move Orestes, to whom Electra is indeed nearest. The masculine gives generality. Cp. supr. 1026, and note.

1110. mvp-comment-533-1 οὐκ οἶδα .. κληδόν] ‘I know not what report you speak of.' Orestes must seem ignorant of the coming of the Paedagogus, who professed to have been sent by Phanoteus, and had therefore nothing to do with Strophius, from whom Orestes is supposed to come. The evidence appears to flow through two channels, which are independent of each other.

1115. mvp-comment-534-1 Some editors punctuate after ἐκεῖνο, some do not punctuate at all between τοῦτ᾽ .. ἄχθος. The pause at σαφές seems on the whole most probable. Ah! here is that we heard of now made clear. I see the burden ready (as it would seem) to my hand.'

1116. mvp-comment-535-1 πρόχειρον may either mean (1) 'Before my hand,' i. e. ready to be taken up; or (2) Held in the hand' of another.'

1117. mvp-comment-536-1 τι .. τῶν Ὀρεστείων κακῶν] The litotes suggests not only his death, but the ruin of his house. Cp. ll. 1121, 2.

1123-1124. mvp-comment-537-1 οὐ γὰρ οὐσ'] The form of expression may be simply occasioned by antithesis. But friends of Strophius might have reason to suspect those about Aegisthus of being unfriendly to Orestes.

1125. mvp-comment-538-1 ἢ.. φύσιν] ‘Or of his natural kin.' For πρὸς αἵματος, cp. Aj. 1305, τοὺς πρὸς αἵματος, and for φύσιν, see Essay on L. § 17. p. 25. 4, and cp. supr. 325-

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Orestes 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

Orestes I have long been searching for the home of Aegisthus.

Chorus 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?

Chorus 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.

Electra 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

Electra What is it, sir? Ah, how fear creeps over me!

Orestes 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

Orestes 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

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

Current edition Experimental

ὀρθῶς θ᾽ ὁδοιποροῦμεν ἔνθα χρήζομεν ;

ΧΟ. τί δ᾽ ἐξερευνᾷς καὶ τί βουληθεὶς πάρει; 1100

ΟΡ. Αἴγισθον ἔνθ᾽ ᾤκηκεν ἱστορῶ γρ. μαστεύω C2. πάλαι.

ΧΟ. ἀλλ᾽ εὐ θ᾽ ἱκάνεις χώ φράσας ἀζήμιος.

ΟΡ. τίς οὖν ἂν ὑμῶν τοῖς ἔσω φράσειεν ἂν ἡμῶν ποθεινὴν κοινόπουν παρουσίαν ;

ΧΟ. ἥδ᾽, εἰ τὸν ἄγχιστόν γε κηρύσσειν χρεών. 1105

ΟΡ. ἴθ᾽, ὦ γύναι, δήλωσον εἰσελθοῦσ᾽ ὅτι Φωκῆς ματεύουσ᾽ μα. στεύουσ' L. ματεύουσ' A. μαστεύουσ᾽ FL2 Pal. ἄνδρες Αἴγισθόν τινες.

ΗΛ. οἴμοι τάλαιν, οὐ δή ποθ᾿ ἧς ἠκούσαμεν φήμης φέροντες ἐμφανῆ τεκμήρια;

ΟΡ. οὐκ οἶδα τὴν σὴν κληδόν· ἀλλά μοι γέρων 1110 ἐφεῖτ᾽ Ὀρέστου Στρόφιος στροφίος L. ἀγγεῖλαι πέρι.

ΗΛ. τί δ᾽ ἔστιν, ὦ ξέν᾽; ὥς μ᾽ ὑπέρχεται φόβος.

ΟΡ. φέροντες αὐτοῦ σμικρὰ λείψαν ἐν βραχεῖ τεύχει θανόντος, ὡς ὁρᾷς, κομίζομεν.

ΗΛ. οἴ ἐγὼ οἱ ἐγὼ LA Pal. Vat. ac. τάλαινα, τοῦτ᾽ ἐκεῖν᾽ ἤδη σαφές. 1115 πρόχειρον ἄχθος, ὡς ἔοικε, δέρκομαι.

ΟΡ. εἴπερ τι κλαίεις τῶν Ὀρεστείων κακῶν, τόδ᾽ ἄγγος ἴσθι σῶμα τοὐκείνου στέγον.

ΗΛ.

Ὀρέστης ἆρʼ, ὦ γυναῖκες, ὀρθά τʼ εἰσηκούσαμεν ὀρθῶς θʼ ὁδοιποροῦμεν ἔνθα χρῄζομεν;

Χορός τί δʼ ἐξερευνᾷς καὶ τί βουληθεὶς πάρει; 1100

Ὀρέστης Αἴγισθον ἔνθʼ ᾤκηκεν ἱστορῶ πάλαι.

Χορός ἀλλʼ εὖ θʼ ἱκάνεις χὠ φράσας ἀζήμιος.

Ὀρέστης τίς οὖν ἂν ὑμῶν τοῖς ἔσω φράσειεν ἂν ἡμῶν ποθεινὴν κοινόπουν παρουσίαν;

Χορός ἥδʼ, εἰ τὸν ἄγχιστόν γε κηρύσσειν χρεών. 1105

Ὀρέστης ἴθʼ, ὦ γύναι, δήλωσον εἰσελθοῦσʼ ὅτι Φωκῆς ματεύουσʼ ἄνδρες Αἴγισθόν τινες,

Ἠλέκτρα 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.

Ἠλέκτρα τί δʼ ἔστιν, ὦ ξένʼ; ὥς μʼ ὑπέρχεται φόβος.

Ὀρέστης 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.

Ὀρέστης εἴπερ τι κλαίεις τῶν Ὀρεστείων κακῶν, τόδʼ ἄγγος ἴσθι σῶμα τοὐκείνου στέγον.

Ὀρέστης δόθʼ, ἥτις ἐστί, προσφέροντες· οὐ γὰρ ὡς ἐν δυσμενείᾳ γʼ οὖσʼ ἐπαιτεῖται τάδε, ἀλλʼ ἢ φίλων τις ἢ πρὸς αἵματος φύσιν. 1125

Say, dames and damsels, have we heard aright, And speed we to the goal of our desire?

CH And what desire or quest hath brought thee hither? 1100

OR I seek Aegisthus’ dwelling all this while.

CH Welcome. The tongue that told thee hath no blame.

OR Which of you all will signify within Our joint arrival,—not unwelcome here.

CH This maiden, if the nearest should report. 1105

OR Mistress, wilt thou go yonder and make known, That certain Phocians on Aegisthus wait?

EL Oh! can it be that you are come to bring Clear proofs of the sad rumour we have heard?

OR I know not what ye have heard. Old Strophius 1110 Charged me with tidings of Orestes’ fate.

EL What, stranger? How this terror steals on me!

OR Bearing scant remnants of his body dead In this small vase thou seest, we bring them home.

EL O sorrow! thou art here: I see full well 1115 That burden of my heart in present view.

OR If thou hast tears for aught Orestes suffered, Know that he lies within this vessel’s room.

EL Ah, sir! by all in Heaven, if yonder urn Hide him, ah! give it once into my hand, 1120 That o’er that dust I may lament and mourn Myself and mine own house and all our woe!

OR Bring it and give her, whosoe’er she be. For not an enemy—this petition shows it— But of his friends or kindred, is this maid. 1125

EL

Ihr Frauen, sagt uns, haben wir auch recht gehört, Sind wir auf rechtem Wege hier nach unserm Ziel?

Der Chor. Was willst du wissen, welch Verlangen führt dich her?

Orestes. Wo hier Aegisthos wohne, forsch' ich lange schon. 1075

Der Chor. Recht gingst du: der dir's sagte, hat dich nicht getäuscht.

Orestes. Wer unter euch wohl kündet dort im Haus es an, Daß wir zusammen, längstersehnt, gekommen sind? (auf Elektra deutend)

Der Chor. Hier diese, wenn's die Nächstverwandte melden soll.

Orestes. Frau, geh' hinein und sage, daß hier Einige 1080 Den König suchen, Männer aus dem Phokerland.

Elektra. Ihr kommt doch nicht, die Sage, die wir hörten, ach! Mit klaren, sichern Zeichen uns bekräftigend?

Orestes. Ich weiß von deiner Sache nicht; mit Kunden von Orestes hat mich Strophios, der Greis, gesandt. 1085

Elektra. Was ist es, Fremdling? Wie die Furcht mich übermannt!

Orestes. In kleiner Urne bringen wir vom Todten hier Die kleinen Ueberreste, wie du siehst, o Frau.

Elektra. Ich Arme, weh! Das ist es: sichtbar seh' ich jezt Vor meinen Augen, scheint es, diese Schmerzenslast! 1090

Elektra.

Say, virgins, if by right instruction led This way, I tend to

Chorus Whither wouldst thou 1100

Orestes The palace of ^gisthus.

Chorus Sti'iinger, well Wert thou directed ; thou art there already.

Orestes Who then amongst your train shall Idndly speak A friend's approach, who comes with joyful news Of highest import?

Orestes

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

Orestes

I have long been searching for the home of Aegisthus.

Chorus

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?

Chorus

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.

Electra

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

Electra

What is it, sir? Ah, how fear creeps over me!

Orestes

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

Orestes

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

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

ΧΟ.

τί δ᾽ ἐξερευνᾷς καὶ τί βουληθεὶς πάρει;
1100

ΟΡ.

Αἴγισθον ἔνθ᾽ ᾤκηκεν ἱστορῶ γρ. μαστεύω C2. πάλαι.

ΧΟ.

ἀλλ᾽ εὐ θ᾽ ἱκάνεις χώ φράσας ἀζήμιος.

ΟΡ.

τίς οὖν ἂν ὑμῶν τοῖς ἔσω φράσειεν ἂν

ἡμῶν ποθεινὴν κοινόπουν παρουσίαν ;

ΧΟ.

ἥδ᾽, εἰ τὸν ἄγχιστόν γε κηρύσσειν χρεών.
1105

ΟΡ.

ἴθ᾽, ὦ γύναι, δήλωσον εἰσελθοῦσ᾽ ὅτι

Φωκῆς ματεύουσ᾽ μα. στεύουσ' L. ματεύουσ' A. μαστεύουσ᾽ FL2 Pal. ἄνδρες Αἴγισθόν τινες.

ΗΛ.

οἴμοι τάλαιν, οὐ δή ποθ᾿ ἧς ἠκούσαμεν

φήμης φέροντες ἐμφανῆ τεκμήρια;

ΟΡ.

οὐκ οἶδα τὴν σὴν κληδόν· ἀλλά μοι γέρων
1110

ἐφεῖτ᾽ Ὀρέστου Στρόφιος στροφίος L. ἀγγεῖλαι πέρι.

ΗΛ.

τί δ᾽ ἔστιν, ὦ ξέν᾽; ὥς μ᾽ ὑπέρχεται φόβος.

ΟΡ.

φέροντες αὐτοῦ σμικρὰ λείψαν ἐν βραχεῖ

τεύχει θανόντος, ὡς ὁρᾷς, κομίζομεν.

ΗΛ.

οἴ ἐγὼ οἱ ἐγὼ LA Pal. Vat. ac. τάλαινα, τοῦτ᾽ ἐκεῖν᾽ ἤδη σαφές.
1115

πρόχειρον ἄχθος, ὡς ἔοικε, δέρκομαι.

ΟΡ.

εἴπερ τι κλαίεις τῶν Ὀρεστείων κακῶν,

τόδ᾽ ἄγγος ἴσθι σῶμα τοὐκείνου στέγον.

Ὀρέστης

ἆρʼ, ὦ γυναῖκες, ὀρθά τʼ εἰσηκούσαμεν

ὀρθῶς θʼ ὁδοιποροῦμεν ἔνθα χρῄζομεν;

Χορός

τί δʼ ἐξερευνᾷς καὶ τί βουληθεὶς πάρει;
1100

Ὀρέστης

Αἴγισθον ἔνθʼ ᾤκηκεν ἱστορῶ πάλαι.

Χορός

ἀλλʼ εὖ θʼ ἱκάνεις χὠ φράσας ἀζήμιος.

Ὀρέστης

τίς οὖν ἂν ὑμῶν τοῖς ἔσω φράσειεν ἂν

ἡμῶν ποθεινὴν κοινόπουν παρουσίαν;

Χορός

ἥδʼ, εἰ τὸν ἄγχιστόν γε κηρύσσειν χρεών.
1105

Ὀρέστης

ἴθʼ, ὦ γύναι, δήλωσον εἰσελθοῦσʼ ὅτι

Φωκῆς ματεύουσʼ ἄνδρες Αἴγισθόν τινες,

Ἠλέκτρα

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.

Ἠλέκτρα

τί δʼ ἔστιν, ὦ ξένʼ; ὥς μʼ ὑπέρχεται φόβος.

Ὀρέστης

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.

Ὀρέστης

εἴπερ τι κλαίεις τῶν Ὀρεστείων κακῶν,

τόδʼ ἄγγος ἴσθι σῶμα τοὐκείνου στέγον.

Ὀρέστης

δόθʼ, ἥτις ἐστί, προσφέροντες· οὐ γὰρ ὡς

ἐν δυσμενείᾳ γʼ οὖσʼ ἐπαιτεῖται τάδε,

ἀλλʼ ἢ φίλων τις ἢ πρὸς αἵματος φύσιν.
1125

Say, dames and damsels, have we heard aright,

And speed we to the goal of our desire?

CH

And what desire or quest hath brought thee hither?
1100

OR

I seek Aegisthus’ dwelling all this while.

CH

Welcome. The tongue that told thee hath no blame.

OR

Which of you all will signify within

Our joint arrival,—not unwelcome here.

CH

This maiden, if the nearest should report.
1105

OR

Mistress, wilt thou go yonder and make known,

That certain Phocians on Aegisthus wait?

EL

Oh! can it be that you are come to bring

Clear proofs of the sad rumour we have heard?

OR

I know not what ye have heard. Old Strophius
1110

Charged me with tidings of Orestes’ fate.

EL

What, stranger? How this terror steals on me!

OR

Bearing scant remnants of his body dead

In this small vase thou seest, we bring them home.

EL

O sorrow! thou art here: I see full well
1115

That burden of my heart in present view.

OR

If thou hast tears for aught Orestes suffered,

Know that he lies within this vessel’s room.

EL

Ah, sir! by all in Heaven, if yonder urn

Hide him, ah! give it once into my hand,
1120

That o’er that dust I may lament and mourn

Myself and mine own house and all our woe!

OR

Bring it and give her, whosoe’er she be.

For not an enemy—this petition shows it—

But of his friends or kindred, is this maid.
1125

Ihr Frauen, sagt uns, haben wir auch recht gehört,

Sind wir auf rechtem Wege hier nach unserm Ziel?

Der Chor.

Was willst du wissen, welch Verlangen führt dich her?

Orestes.

Wo hier Aegisthos wohne, forsch' ich lange schon.
1075

Der Chor.

Recht gingst du: der dir's sagte, hat dich nicht getäuscht.

Orestes.

Wer unter euch wohl kündet dort im Haus es an,

Daß wir zusammen, längstersehnt, gekommen sind?

(auf Elektra deutend)

Der Chor.

Hier diese, wenn's die Nächstverwandte melden soll.

Orestes.

Frau, geh' hinein und sage, daß hier Einige
1080

Den König suchen, Männer aus dem Phokerland.

Elektra.

Ihr kommt doch nicht, die Sage, die wir hörten, ach!

Mit klaren, sichern Zeichen uns bekräftigend?

Orestes.

Ich weiß von deiner Sache nicht; mit Kunden von

Orestes hat mich Strophios, der Greis, gesandt.
1085

Elektra.

Was ist es, Fremdling? Wie die Furcht mich übermannt!

Orestes.

In kleiner Urne bringen wir vom Todten hier

Die kleinen Ueberreste, wie du siehst, o Frau.

Elektra.

Ich Arme, weh! Das ist es: sichtbar seh' ich jezt

Vor meinen Augen, scheint es, diese Schmerzenslast!
1090

Say, virgins, if by right instruction led

This way, I tend to

Chorus

Whither wouldst thou 1100

Orestes

The palace of ^gisthus.

Chorus

Sti'iinger, well

Wert thou directed ; thou art there already.

Orestes

Who then amongst your train shall Idndly

speak

A friend's approach, who comes with joyful news

Of highest import?

Chorus

{jpointing to Electra]. Be that office hers

Go then, and say from Phocis are arrived

Who beg admittance to the king.

Eleo. Alas !

And com'st thou then to prove the dreadful tale

Already told ?

Orestes

What you have heard I know not,
1110

But of Orestes came I here to speak

Electra
By Strophius's command.

What is it, say ;

Oh, how I dread thy message !

Orestes

[showing the l^rn]. Here behold

His poor remains

'Tis then too plain, and misery is complete.

Orestes

If for Orestes thus thy sorrows flow,

Know that within this urn his ashes lie.

Electra

Do they indeed ? Then let me, by the gods

1 do entreat thee, let me snatch them from thee !
1120

Let me embrace them — let me weep my fate,

And mourn our hapless race.