Orestes

Boy! Boy! Hear my knocking at the outer door! Who is inside? Boy! Boy! I say again, who is at home?

Again for the third time I call for some one to come out of the house, if by Aegisthus’ will it offers welcome to strangers.

655

Servant

Yes, yes, I hear. Of what land is the stranger, and whence?

Orestes

Announce me to the masters of the house, for it is in fact to them that I come bearing news.

And hurry, since the chariot of night is speeding on with darkness, and it is time for wayfarers to drop anchor in some house friendly to all guests. Tell some one to come forth who has authority over the house, the mistress in charge. But the master would be more fitting,

660

for then no delicacy in speaking makes words obscure: man speaks boldly to man and reveals his meaning without reserve. The Servant withdraws. Clytaemestra appears at the door with a maid-servant in attendance

665

Clytaemestra

Strangers, you have only to declare your need, for we have everything that suits this house: warm baths, beds to charm away fatigue,

and the presence of honest faces. But if there is another matter requiring graver counsel, that is the concern of men, and we will communicate with them.

670

Orestes

I am a stranger, a Daulian of the Phocians. As I was on my way, carrying my pack on business of my own to Argos ,

just as I ended my journey here, ¹ a man, a stranger to me as I to him, fell in with me, and inquired about my destination and told me his. He was Strophius, a Phocian (for as we talked I learned his name), and he said to me,

675

Stranger, since in any case you are bound for Argos , keep my message in mind most faithfully and tell his parents Orestes is dead, and by no means let it escape you. Whether his friends decide to bring him home or to bury him in the land of his sojourn, a foreigner utterly forever,

680

convey their wishes back to me. In the meantime a bronze urn contains the ashes of a man rightly lamented. This much I tell you as I heard it. Whether by any chance I am speaking to those with whom the question rests and whose concern it is,

685

I do not know. But his parent should know the truth.

690

Clytaemestra

Oh no! Your story spells our utter undoing. O curse that haunts this house, so hard to wrestle down: how far forward you look! Even what was laid well out of harm’s way you bring down with your well-aimed shafts from far off,

and you strip me of those I love, utterly wretched as I am. And now Orestes: he was indeed prudent in keeping his foot out of the mire of destruction, but now mark down as having abandoned us what was once the one hope in our house of a cure for its fine revelry. ²

695

Orestes

As for me, I am sure that with hosts so prosperous I would rather have been made known and welcomed for favorable news. For where is goodwill greater than from guest to host? Yet to my mind it would have been irreverent

700

not to fulfill for friends a charge like this when I was bound by promise and hospitality pledged to me.

705

Clytaemestra

Rest assured you will receive no less a reward than you deserve nor be the less welcome to this house: someone else might just as well have brought your message.

But it is the hour when strangers who have been travelling on a long day’s journey should have their proper entertainment. To an attendant Conduct him to the rooms where the men are hospitably lodged, him and his attendants here and his fellow-traveller, and let them be tended to there as is proper in our house.

710

I command you to do this as you shall be held to strict account. Meantime we will communicate this matter to the master of the house, and since we have no lack of friends we will confer on this occurrence.

715

DOMESTIC

Well, well—I hear you. What countryman is the stranger? whence comes he 3

?

ORESTES

Bear word to the masters of the mansion, unto whom I am come and am bringing news; and be quick, since also night's dusky car is speeding on, and 'tis time for wayfarers to let go their anchor in houses that welcome all strangers. Let there come forth some lady-mistress of the house, that hath power: but it were more decorous that a man should [come to us], for that bashfulness does not in the course of conversation make words obscure: man is wont to speak with confidence to man, and expresses his thoughts with certainty.

CLYTEMNESTRA

Guests, say whatsoever is necessary; for there are at hand things such as beseem this dwelling of ours, both warm baths 4

, and the couch that soothes fatigues, and the presence of benignant eyes. But if ye are bound to transact any other business that requires somewhat of consultation, this is the concern of men, to whom we will communicate it.

ORESTES

I am a stranger of Daulis, come from the Phocians; and as I was journeying to Argos, self freighted with my own baggage, just as I set forth hither on foot, a stranger who met me said to me a stranger, after having particularly inquired and clearly explained to me my road, Strophius the Phocian,—for I ascertain his name in course of conversation:—“Since on other business, stranger, thou art going to Argos, tell his parents that Orestes is dead, strictly remembering it, let it by no means be forgotten; whether the determination of his friends shall prevail to convey him away, or whether to bury him in the land of his sojourn, altogether estranged for ever, bring back with thee their commands on this subject; for now the sides of a brazen urn conceal the ashes of the man who hath been duly bewailed." Thus much I tell thee as I heard it. And whether I am speaking to the heads of the family and to his relations I know not, but it is proper that his parents know it.

ELECTRA

ORESTES

I could indeed have wished to have become known, and to have been welcomed as a guest by hosts thus opulent through the means of gladsome tidings; for what more kindly feeling is there than that which is entertained by a guest towards hosts? But to my mind it was an act of impiety not to fulfil such an obligation as this to friends, having pledged ray word, and been hospitably welcomed.

CLYTEMNESTRA

Be sure thou shalt not meet with unworthy treatment, and not the less shouldest thou be friendly to the household; For some one else would have come all the same to bring us these tidings. But it is the fit time for strangers that spend the whole day in long travel, to obtain the things that are suitable under their circumstances. Conduct him into the hospitable male apartments of the palace, and these his attendants and fellow-travellers, and there let them enjoy treatment such as beseems the house. And I bid thee do this as liable to be called to account. And we will both communicate these things to the heads of the family, and not lacking friends, will deliberate concerning this misfortune.

CHORUS

NURSE

My mistress bade me call Ægisthus with all speed for the strangers 2

, that having come, man may learn more clearly from man the tidings just reported. Before the domestics, indeed, she suppressed her laughter within her scowling eyes, concealing it over deeds that have been done well for her, but for this house all unhappily, in consequence of the tale which the strangers clearly reported. Verily he, when he hears it, will rejoice in his mind, when he shall have learned the news. Alas, wretch that I am! how did the ancient blended sorrows, hard to be endured, that happened to this mansion of Atreus, afflict with anguish my heart within my bosom! But never yet did I undergo any suffering such as this. For the rest of my calamities I bore through with patience; but my dear Orestes, the care of my soul, whom I reared up, having received him from the moment of his birth 3

and from his arousing cries, disturbing me by night many fruitless toils have been endured by me in vain. For [the infant] that has no sense one must needs rear just as if it were an animal, for how can it be otherwise? according to his humour; for a child while yet in swaddling-clothes speaks not, whether hunger, or thirst, or a call of nature beset him; and the belly of an infant works its own relief. I, fore-warned of these things, but in many cases deceived, I ween, was a washer of the baby's wrappings; the fuller and the nurse had one and the same office 1

. And I having this twofold manual occupation, I received Orestes from his father 2

. But now I wretched hear of his having died. And I am going to a man that hath done foul wrong to this house; and willingly will he hear these tidings.

CHORUS

NURSE

With what equipment? repeat your question, that I may understand it more clearly.

CHORUS

[I mean] whether with guards, or even unattended?

NURSE

She bids him bring his spear-bearing followers.

CHORUS

Prithee do not thou bear this message to our detested master 3

; but bid him come alone with rejoicing mind, with the best speed he may, that he may hear without apprehension; for

κυπτός

4

tidings are set straight by the bearer.

NURSE

What! art thou gladdened by the news that has now been brought?

CHORUS

No; but [I shall be glad] if Jupiter at some future time shall work a change in our ills.

NURSE

And how? Orestes, the hope of the house, hath perished.

CHORUS

Not yet; even a dull diviner might understand this.

NURSE

What sayest thou? knowest thou aught different from what hath been told us?

CHORUS

Go, tell thy message, execute thine orders. The gods take care of those things about which they interest themselves.

NURSE

Well, I will go, and in this matter will yield me to thy bidding. And may the issue be the best it can by the gift of heaven. Exit the NURSE.

CHORUS

ORESTE.

Oreste et Pylade rentrent par la gauche et se dirigent vers le palais. Ils sont suivis d'un ou deux serviteurs qui portent leurs bagages.

Esclave, esclave, entends frapper aux portes de la cour. N'y a-t-il personne au palais? Esclave, esclave,
encore un coup! Voilà trois fois que j'appelle: que quel- qu'un sorte enfin, si la maison, sous Égisthe, pratique l'hospitalité.

L'ESCLAVE.

Voilà! j'écoute. De quel pays est l'étran- ger? d'où vient-il ?

ORESTE.

Répète ces mots à ceux qui commandent ici
et pour qui je viens porteur de nouvelles — mais hâte-toi, car le char ténébreux de la nuit se hâte aussi, et l'heure est venue pour le voyageur de laisser tomber l'ancre dans les logis ouverts à l'étranger — « Qu'un des maîtres de la maison daigne donc venir, une femme ayant autorité ici
ou plutôt un homme; car alors nulle gêne au cours de l'entretien n'obscurcit les propos : l'homme avec l'homme parle sans crainte et tient un clair langage. »

CLYTEMNESTRE.

Étrangers, dites ce qu'il vous faut. Vous trouverez dans ce palais ce qu'on est en droit d'y
attendre: un bain chaud, un lit qui endormira vos fatigues, et l'accueil d'un regard loyal. Si vous venez pour chose sérieuse, c'est l'affaire des hommes, à qui nous en référe- rons.

ORESTE.

Étranger, je viens de Daulis, en Phocide.
Mais, comme je faisais route vers Argos, chargé de mon

[ORESTE]

bagage ² , dans l'équipage même où je débarque ici ³ , soudain, sans me connaître et sans m'être connu, un homme m'aborde, et, après m'avoir parlé de son voyage, questionné sur le mien, voici ce que me dit Strophios de Phocide — j'appris
son nom en causant — « Puisque aussi bien tu vas à Ar- gos, étranger, sans faute, songe à dire aux parents d'Oreste qu'il n'est plus; ne l'oublie pas, de grâce. L'avis prévaudra- t-il parmi les siens de le ramener auprès d'eux ? ou au con- traire de l'enterrer chez nous, étranger devenu notre hôte
à tout jamais ? rapporte-moi leurs ordres. A cette heure, les flancs d'une urne d'airain enferment ses cendres pleurées comme il convient. » Je t'ai répété tout ce qu'il m'a dit ⁴ . Parlé-je à des parents qualifiés pour m'entendre ? je l'i-
gnore, mais qui lui a donné le jour, sans doute, ne l'ignore pas ⁵ .

CLYTEMNESTRE.

ORESTE.

J'aurais voulu, à d'aussi nobles hôtes, apporter d'heureuses nouvelles, pour me faire connaître et accueillir d'eux. Est-il rien de mieux disposé qu'un hôte pour ses hôtes ? Mais mon cœur eût trouvé quelque impiété

[ORESTE]

à ne pas achever mon rôle auprès d'amis, après promesse faite et accueil reçu ⁷ .

CLYTEMNESTRE.

Tu n'en seras pas moins traité suivant ton mérite et reçu en ami par cette maison. Un autre, tôt ou tard, nous eût porté même message. Mais l'heure est
venue, pour des hôtes au bout de leur journée, de rencon- trer des soins en rapport avec leur longue route. (A une esclave.) Conduis-le dans les chambres réservées à nos hôtes, avec ses serviteurs et ses compagnons ⁸ . Et qu'ils y trouvent tout ce qui convient à notre maison. Je t'avertis :
songe, en m'obéissant, que tu m'en rendras compte.

Pour nous, nous rapporterons tout au maître du palais et, comme les amis ne nous manquent pas, nous consulterons sur l'événement.

LE CORYPHÉE.

[LE CORYPHÉE]

[LE CORYPHÉE]

Où vas-tu, Kilissa ¹⁰ , hors du palais ? Ta peine semble une suivante que tu n'avais pas commandée ¹¹ !

LA NOURRICE.

« Les étrangers, sans retard, de- mandent Égisthe » — tel est l'ordre de la maîtresse — « afin que plus nettement, d'homme à homme ¹² , il vienne écouter leur message ». Elle, devant ses serviteurs, s'est fait un visage sombre; mais ses yeux, en dedans cachent un sourire, car tout, pour elle, finit au mieux, tandis
que, pour ce palais, c'est la ruine complète que nous annoncent trop clairement ces étrangers. Sûrement, à les entendre, il aura, lui, le cœur ravi de la nouvelle qu'il apprend! Mais moi, malheureuse... Ah! que les vieux
chagrins, tombant lourdement en masse sur cette demeure d'Atrée, ont donc peiné jadis mon cœur en ma poitrine! Pourtant jamais encore je n'avais eu peine pareille à porter. Les autres, je les épuisais patiemment. Mais mon Oreste,
pour qui j'ai usé ma vie, que j'ai reçu sortant de sa mère et nourri jusqu'au bout...! Et la misère, à chaque instant, de ces appels criards qui me faisaient courir des nuits entières ! J'aurais donc souffert tout cela pour rien ! Ce qui n'a pas de connaissance, il faut l'élever comme un petit
chien, n'est-ce pas ¹³ ? se faire à ses façons. Dans les langes, l'enfant ne parle pas, qu'il ait faim, soif, ou besoin pressant, et son petit ventre se soulage seul. Il fallait être un peu devin, et, comme, ma foi! souvent j'y étais trompée, je

[LA NOURRICE]

devenais laveuse de langes; blanchisseuse et nourrice con-
fondaient leurs besognes. Mais je pouvais bien porter la double charge, puisque j'avais reçu Oreste pour son père! Et j'apprends aujourd'hui qu'il est mort — malheureuse ! Mais je vais trouver l'homme qui a perdu cette maison.
C'est sans peine, lui, qu'il apprendra la nouvelle !

LE CORYPHÉE.

LA NOURRICE.

Quel appareil? répète, que je comprenne mieux.

LE CORYPHÉE.

Avec toute sa garde? ou bien seul, sans escorte ?

LA NOURRICE.

Elle veut qu'il amène tous ses gardes en armes.

LE CORYPHÉE.

Ne transmets pas l'avis au maître que tu hais. Qu'il vienne seul, pour ne pas effrayer ceux qu'il doit entendre. Dis-lui cela, en hâte, et garde un cœur
joyeux. Du messager dépend le succès d'un plan caché.

LA NOURRICE.

Mais peux-tu espérer après cette nou- velle ?

LE CORYPHÉE.

Mais Zeus peut bien changer tous nos malheurs en joies.

LA NOURRICE.

Comment? Oreste est mort, l'espoir de ce palais.

LE CORYPHÉE.

Pas encore : qui le croit sera mauvais devin.

LA NOURRICE.

Que dis-tu ? as-tu donc reçu d'autres nouvelles ?

LE CORYPHÉE.

Va, crois-moi, acquitte-toi de ton mes- sage. Aux dieux de veiller à quoi ils doivent veiller.

LA NOURRICE.

J'irai et suivrai ton conseil. Que la faveur divine tourne tout au mieux !

LE CHOEUR.

SERVANT.

Forbear, I hear, Who art thou, and from whence?

ORESTES.

Go tell the lords of this fair house, to them

I come, charg’d with ſtrange tidings:

735

haſte;

For now the ſable chariot of the night

Rolls on apace; and the dark hour exhorts

The way-ſpent traveller to repoſe beneath

The hoſpitable roof.

740

Call forth the matron,

That has the charge of these domestic cares;

More decent, if a man; for modesty

There checks the falt'ring tongue, but to a man

More confident a man ſpeaks free and open.

745

CLYTEMNESTRA, ORESTES, PYLADES, ELECTRA, CHORUS. CLYTEMNESTRA.

Speak, ſtrangers, what your wants x

; here ſhall you find

All that becomes an house like this; warm baths

Refreshment of your toils, the well-ſpread couch

Inviting ſoft repoſe, and over all

CLYTEMNESTRA.

An eye regarding justice. If your buſineſs

750

Be of more serious import, aſking counsel,

The province this of men; we will inform them.

ORESTES.

A Phocian am I, from the town of Daulis y

.

Occasions of my own call’d me to Argos,

Nor aſk’d a better dreſs, than this coarse garb

755

Familiar to me:

onwards as I travel’d

I met a man unknown, myself to him

Unknown; he courteous queſtion’d me how far

I journey’d, and inform’d me of my way,

760

Strophius of Phocis, so I chanc'd to learn;

“Stranger, ſays he, ſince buſineſs of thy own

“Leads thee to Argos, let me charge thy honour

“To tell his parents that the young Oreſtes

“Is dead.

765

Forget it not. Whether his friends

“With ſolemn obſequies will fetch him hence,

“Or in eternal reſt our friendly earth

“Shall lay him in her hoſpitable bosom,

“Bring back their pleasure;

770

for the brazen urn

“Now holds the ashes of the honour'd youth,

“Whom we lament.”

This, faithful to my charge,

Have I deliver’d; if to kindred ears,

775

And those, whoſe pow’r is ſovereign here, I know not.

But it is meet his parent knew the event.

ELECTRA.

ORESTES.

It were my wish to have borne other tidings,

More welcome to the lords of this fair manſion,

And meriting their hospitable favours:

For what more ſtrongly to benevolence

790

Can bind the grateful ſoul?

Yet I ſhou'd deem it

An impious wrong not to disclose e'en these,

Unwelcome, as they must be, to his friends,

So folemnly entrusted to my charge.

795

CLYTEMNESTRA.

Not leſs for this ſhalt thou receive ſuch uſage

As thy worth challenges: not leſs for this

Reſpected here: another wou’d have come

Charg’d with the ſame sad meſſage. But the hour

Demands refreſhment for the ſtranger, ſpent

800

With the long travel of the weary day.

Lead him to thoſe apartments, where the men

Are well receiv’d; let his attendant follow,

His fellow traveller;

let thy diligent care,

805

I charge thee, miniſter to all his wants.

We to the rulers of this house will bear

These tidings, and amongst our friends conſult

What meaſures in this sad event to form.

CHORUS

alone.

SERVANT, GILISSA, CHORUS. SERVANT.

GILISSA.

My royal miſtreſs order'd me with ſpeed

To call Ægisthus to these stranger guests;

830

That man from man he with more certainty

Might learn this freſh report. Before the ſervants

She kept her ſmile beneath a mournful eye,

To hide her joy at this event; to her

A joy indeed, but to this house a tale

835

Of deep affliction. He too, when he hears

The narrative, will from his ſoul rejoice.

Ah me! what ſorrows in ſucceſſive train

Have in this house of Atreus pierc’d my ſoul

From antient times: but never have I ſuffered

840

A loſs like this: with patience other ills,

Well as I might, I bore.

GILISSA.

But my Oreſtes

Was the dear object of my anxious thoughts;

An infant I receiv’d him from his mother;

845

I nurs’d him, many’ a night to all his wants,

To all his cries attentive, with a care

That now avails me not:

E’er reaſon dawns,

The nurse’s care is needful; in his cradle

850

The infant knows not to expreſs his wants,

Rise they from thirst, or hunger, or the calls

Of nature: with fond diligence I mark’d

Th' inſtinctive cry, nor with a ſqueamiſh niceneſs

Thought ſcorn of any office; for my love

855

Made all delightful.

Now, unhappy me!

My dear Oreſtes is, I hear, no more.

But I am sent in haſte to that vile man,

Whoſe rank pollution ſtains this noble house:

860

With pleasure this report will he receive.

CHORUS.

GILISSA.

Appointment! Let me comprehend thy meaning.

CHORUS.

If with his train of guards, or unattended.

GILISSA.

She bids him come attended with his guards.

865

CHORUS.

No, tell him not n

, this hated lord; but wear

A face of cheerfulness; and urge him hither

Alone, devoid of fear, to be inform’d.

For the mind catches from the meſſenger

A ſecret elevation, and bold ſwell.

870

GILISSA.

This news, it ſeems, is welcome to thy ſoul.

CHORUS.

But what if Heav’n’s high King redreſs these ills?

GILISSA.

How? With Oreſtes all our hopes are dead.

CHORUS.

Not all. This needs no prophet to unfold it.

GILISSA.

Haſt thou heard ought diſproving this report?

875

CHORUS.

Go, bear thy meſſage; do as thou art order'd:

The Gods, whoſe care this is, will guide th' event.

GILISSA.

I go, in all obſervant of thy precepts.

May what is beſt come from the fav’ring Gods!

CHORUS.

STROРНЕ.

SERVO

Ho sentito! Chi sei? Donde giungi, ospite?

ORESTE

La mia venuta ai tuoi signori annunzia,

e che novelle ad essi reco. Sbrígati:

ché della notte il tenebroso carro

530

s'affretta in cielo, e tempo è già che l'àncora

i vïatori in tetti ospiti gittino.

Venga qualcuno della casa, o donna

che vi presieda, o meglio un uom: ché allora,

nel discorso, il pudor cieche non rende

535

le parole; ma l'uom con l'uomo parla

liberamente, e chiaro il tutto esprime.

CLITENNESTRA

Ospiti, dite che vi occorre. Tutto

che a simil reggia si conviene, è pronto:

e caldi bagni, e letti che ristorino

540

dalla fatica, e sorridenti visi.

Se poi si chiede maggior cosa, è compito

d'uomini; ed io ne li farò partecipi.

ORESTE

Straniero io son, della focese Daulide;

e venivo, recando il mio fardello,

545

ad Argo. Or, come il piede alla via mossi,

in un uom m'imbattei: non m'era noto,

né gli ero noto. Ei la sua via mi disse,

e mi chiese la mia. Parlando, seppi

ch'era Strofio focense. « O forestiere,

550

giacché, mi disse, ad Argo vai, la morte

d'Oreste, annuncia ai genitori. Fa'

di non dimenticarlo. O sia che bramino

i cari suoi di riaverlo in patria,

o che meteco ed ospite in eterno

555

resti qui seppellito. E tu riportami

gli ordini loro. Intanto il cavo fianco

del lebète di bronzo accoglie il cenere

dell'uomo tanto lagrimato ».

Questo

560

mi disse, e questo dico. Ora non so

se ai signori parlai, se ai suoi parenti;

ma tutto al padre riferire è d'uopo.

CLITENNESTRA

ORESTE

Ad ospiti sí pii, grate novelle

recare avrei bramato, e in tale evento

esserne conosciuto, averne ospizio.

575

Per gli ospiti, quale è cosa piú grata

dell'ospite? Ma far tale promessa

a genti amiche, e poi non mantenerla,

ed accettar l'ospizio, io ne avrei scrupolo.

CLITENNESTRA

Non per questo accoglienza avrai men degna,

580

né sarai men gradito alla mia casa.

In vece tua, sarebbe un altro giunto

a recar la novella. Ora il ristoro

convien della via lunga offrire agli ospiti

ch'àn viaggiato tutto il dí. Conducilo

585

nelle stanze degli uomini; e il compagno

seco ed i servi: e quivi abbiano quanto

le loro membra riconforti. Intanto

io la novella al re di questa casa

darò. D'amici non abbiam penuria:

590

quel che far ci convenga avviseremo.

CORO

CORIFEA

CILISSA

La regina m'invia, che cerchi Egisto,

perché qui venga subito, e s'incontri

coi forestieri, e apprenda la novella

610

dalla lor bocca stessa. Avanti ai servi

faceva il viso tristo, e dentro agli occhi

celava il riso. Erano andate bene

per lei, le cose! Ma quella notizia

dei forestieri, è troppo chiaro, segna

615

per questa casa l'ultima rovina.

Come sarà contento Egisto, quando

sentirà queste nuove! Ahi!, me tapina!

Tutte le antiche pene insopportabili

della casa d'Atreo, mi contristarono,

620

ma non mai tanta doglia ebbi a patire.

In pace sopportai l'altre sciagure;

ma il caro Oreste, il pensiero dell'anima

mia, ch'ebbi dalla madre, e che nutrii!

I suoi notturni acuti pianti sempre

625

mi tenevano desta; e tante e tante

pene m'ebbi per lui. Come un lattonzolo

convien nutrire un pargoletto, privo

di senno ancora: nulla dice il pargolo,

se la fame o la sete, o se bisogno

630

d'urinar lo molesta; e senza legge

è dei bambini il piccoletto ventre.

Io stavo sempre attenta, e pure spesso

non ero in tempo; e allora, a risciacquare

le fasce al bimbo! Lavandaia e balia

635

eran tutto un mestiere: il doppio incarico

avevo avuto da suo padre, quando

me l'affidò. Tapina, e adesso sento

che Oreste è morto! Ed io devo recarmi

dall'uomo che insozzò questa famiglia!

640

Come sarà contento a questa nuova!

CORIFEA

NUTRICE

Come? Ripeti, ch'io capisca meglio!

CORIFEA

Sí, seguito da guardie, oppure solo?

NUTRICE

Seguito, dice, da compagni armati.

645

CORIFEA

Non dire questo all'odioso: digli

che venga sol: perché non tema, diglielo

con viso lieto. Conseguir l'occulto

fin del messaggio, dell'araldo è cómpito.

NUTRICE

Tu speri un bene? Dopo un tal messaggio…..

650

CORIFEA

Giove potrebbe porre un fine ai mali!

NUTRICE

Se la nostra speranza, Oreste, è spento!

CORIFEA

No! Cattivo profeta è chi lo dice!

NUTRICE

Come? Il contrario sai di quel che dicono?

CORO

Fa' l'ambasciata, va', compi il messaggio.

655

Gli Dei san bene ciò che devon fare.

NUTRICE

Vado, e m'attengo ai tuoi consigli. E tutto

col favor degli Dei, vada pel meglio.

CORO

Strofe I.

Puer.

Esto, audio. cuias es hoſpes? unde?

Ore.

Nuncis illis dominis domus,

610

Ore.

Ad quos uenio, fero noua uerba.

Festina uerò nam currus noctis impellitur

Tenebroſus. uide uerò mercatores diſcedere

Anchoram in ædibus recipientibus hoſpites.

Exeat aliqua domorum gubernatrix

615

Mulier, præfects, uirum uerò meliorem exire iubeat.

Pudore affectus enim in dictis non obſcura

Verba facit. dixit confidens uir

Ad uirum ſignificauitq; manifestum fignum.

Cl.

Hospites diceretis ſi oportet, adſunt enim

620

Quædam domi in his ædibus conceſsa

Et calida lauacra, & laborum oblectamenta,

Lectus, iustorumq; oculorum libertas.

Si aliud agere oportet conſultorum

Virorum, hoc est opus, quibus participamus.

625

Ore.

Hospes enim ſum Dauliensis ex Phocēſibus.

Euntem cum mercibus proprio ſcuto

Argos quemadmodum hunc adduxi pedes,

Ignotus ad ignotum dixit conijciens uir,

Narrans & manifestans uiam,

630

Strophius Phocensis, interroga enim in uerbis,

Poſtquam aliter o hoſpes Argos uadis,

Ad parentes iuſtè memorans,

Mortuam Oreſtem dic, nequaquam obliuifcaris.

Deinde igitur uenire opinio uincet amicos.

635

Deinde colonum omnino ſemper hoſpitem

Sepelire, mandata hæc fer rurſus.

Ore.

Nunc uerò lebetis ænei latera

Sinere occultauit uiri bene plorati.

Hæc audiens dixi, ſiue ſum

640

Dominis & conuenientibus dicens.

Non noui parentem meritò scire oportet.

Ele.

Ore.

Ego quidem hoſpitibus felicibus fic

Bonarum rerum gratia uolui

Notus eſse, & hospitari. quid enim

Hospite hoſpitibus eſt felicius?

655

In impietate erat mihi hoc in mente

Tale negotium non dicere amicis

Amittentem & hoſpitantem.

Cl.

Non enim aſsequeris minus dignè te

Neque minus fies ædibus amicus.

660

Alius uenit ſimiliter hæc nuncians.

Sed tempus est hoſpites interdiu laborantes

Longe uice, aſsequi tempeſtiua.

Conſulo uerò tibi hæc agere tanquam ſubdito-

Vos uerò hæc imperantibus domibus

665

Comunicabimus, & non amicorum penuria laborantes

Conſultabimus de hac calamitate.

Cho.

Fa.

Nu.

Aegisthum quem ſuſcepit hoſpites uocare

Quam ſcitiſſimè iuſsit, ut maniſeſtius

Vir à uiro nouam famam

Veniens audiat. hanc ad famulos quidem

685

Ponit tristiſciam intra oculos ridens,

Occultans in operibus peractis pulchrè.

Eius domus uerò his omnino malè habet.

Famam, quam nunciarunt hoſpites maniſeſtè,

Certè iam ille audiens lætificabit mentem.

690

Quando audiet ſermonem, ò miſera ego,

Quam mihi antiqui mixti

Dolores, diſsidia in Atrei ædibus

Aſsecuta, meam mentem dolore affecit in pectore.

Sed nunquam talem dolorem ſuſcepi.

695

Alia quidem miſerè toleraui mala.

Charum Oreſtem meæ animæ moram,

Quem alui ſuſcipiens ex matrice,

Et noctiuagum rectorum præceptorum

Et multa & peruerſa detrimenta mihi

700

Fierent. non enim ſapiens, tanquam circa animal,

Alere necesse est, quomodo non, more memis?

Non enim clamat amplius puer exiſtens, in faſcijs,

Aut fames aut ſitis aliqua

Habet, nouus uterus idoneus liberis

705

Nu.

Horum prædictor exiſtens, multa uerò puto

Mentiens pueri faſciarum

Lauatrix, nutritor'q; hunc habuerunt finem.

Ego uerò dupla hæc officia

Habens Oreſtem ſuſcepi à patre,

710

Mortuum hunc uerò miſera intelligo.

Eo ad hunc uirum corruptorem

Familiæ, uolens audire hos ſermones.

Cho.

Nun.

Ducere iubet haſtiſeros aſseclatores.

Cho.

Ne nunc tu hæc nuncia odio domini,

Sed ipſum uenire, ut intrepidè audiat

Iube, quàm citiſſimè mente bona.

720

In nuncio occultus recta mente.

Nun.

Sed certè ſapis his nuncijs.

Cho.

Sed ſi mutationem Iupiter poſuerit tandè malorum.

Nun.

Et quomodo? Oreſtes uenit ſpes familiæ.

Cho.

Non malus uates nouiſset hæc.

725

Nun.

Quid dicis? habes aliquid ſeorſim à dictis?

Cho.

Nuncia iens, fac hæc, facia

Sint dijs curæ, de quibus curam oportet habere.

Nun.

Sed proficiſcor, & tuis hæc patiar ſermonib.

Fiatq; quàm optimè cum dono deorum.

730

Cho.

Pförtner.

Ja doch, ich höre. Wer ist da? Wo kommt ihr her?

Orestes.

Geh' mich zu melden bei der Herrschaft, denn zu ihr

bin ich gekommen, neue Zeitung bring' ich ihr,

660 beeile dich. Auf schwarzen Rossen naht die Nacht,

Zeit wird es, daſs der Wandrer zur Herberge sich,

zum Hafen wende, wo er Anker werfen kann.

Pförtner ab.

Doch jemand, der endgiltigen Bescheid erteilt,

muſs kommen, Hausfrau oder schicklicher der Herr.

665 Denn dunkel wird die Botschaft, wenn sie Zartgefühl

verschleiert. Mann zu Manne redet rund heraus

und giebt mit off'nem Worte deutlichen Bericht.

Klytaimestra.

Sagt eure Wünsche. Was von unserm Haus ein Gast

erwarten darf, steht zu Befehl. Ein warmes Bad,

Klytaimestra.

670 ein Lager, das den wegemüden Leib erquickt,

und ehrbar aufmerksamer Diener Gegenwart.

Doch so ihr weiter ernsteres Geschäft betreibt,

ist es der Männer Sache: denen leg' ich's vor.

Orestes.

Ich bin zu Haus in Daulis, fern im Phokerland,

675 und machte mich mit eigener Geschäfte Last

befrachtet auf die Fahrt nach Argos. Unterwegs

traf mich ein Mann; wir kannten beid' einander nicht;

doch als wir gegenseitig unser Ziel erfragt,

sprach Strophios der Phoker (also nannt' er sich

680 in dem Gespräche): 'Wenn du doch nach Argos ziehst,

so bring', ein treuer Bote, von Orestes' Tod

die Nachricht seinen Eltern. Bitte, denke dran.

Und wie sie sich entscheiden, ob sie ihn zurück

verlangen, ob für ewig ihn ein fremdes Grab

685 aufnehmen soll, darüber bring' mir Weisung heim.

Jetzt halten wir nach feierlichem Totenfest

in eh'rnem Krug des Jünglings Asche wohlverwahrt'.

Das war mir aufgetragen, das hab' ich bestellt;

ob an die Angehörigen und Zuständigen,

690 das weiſs ich nicht. Die Eltern wissen es gewiſs.

Klytaimestra.

Orestes.

700 Mir wär' es freilich viel erwünschter, hätte mich

ein freudiges Ereignis einem also hoch

beglückten Hause zugeführt und mir den Schatz

der Gastfreundschaft, des Fremdlings köstlichsten,

beschert.

Doch zu bestellen, was dem Gastfreund ich gelobt,

705 wie es auch war, empfand ich als Gewissenspflicht.

Klytaimestra.

Du sollst darum nicht kärglicher was dir gebührt

erhalten, nicht geringer wird darum das Haus

den Gastfreund schätzen. Wäre mit der Botschaft doch

710 ein andrer sonst gekommen. Doch die Zeit ist da,

wo nach des langen Tages Fahrt der Wandersmann

sich pflegen muſs.

Sie winkt einen aus der Schar der Diener heran.

Du führst die Männer in den Saal,

der unsres Hauses Gästen wohlbereitet ist,

begleitest ihre Schritte, wartest ihnen auf,

und dafs sie alles was ein müder Leib bedarf

715 erhalten; dafür, das bedenke, haftest du.

Zu Orestes.

Ich aber werde diese Sache vor den Herrn

des Hauses bringen. Zuverläss'ger Freunde Rat

gebricht uns nicht: mit ihnen soll's besprochen sein.

Chorführerin.

720

Chor.

725 Heilige Erde, heil'ger Grabeshügel,

seinen Hafen hat der Flottenherzog,

hat der König unter dir gefunden:

jetzt erhör' uns, jetzo sei uns hilfreich.

Jetzo gilt es, dafs dem list'gen Anschlag

Peitho der Bethörung Kraft verleihe,

und der Herr der Nacht, der Erdentiefe,

Hermes leiste selbst im Kampfe Beistand,

lenke zu dem Todesstofs das Schwert.

Chorführerin.

730

Kilissa.

Mich schickt die Frau. Aigisthos soll ich schleunigst her

735 bescheiden; von den fremden Männern soll der Mann

genauer noch die Nachricht, die sie mitgebracht,

erkunden. Sie hat wohl ein trüb' Gesicht dazu

gemacht, vor dem Gesinde. Doch der Augen Glanz

740 verriet die Freude. Ward ihr doch das gröfste Glück

mit unsers Hauses gröfstem Jammer, den der Mund

der Fremden allzu deutlich nur verkündet hat.

Und er erst, wenn er diese neue Post erfährt,

wie wird er sich dran weiden! Ach ich armes Weib!

745 Gar manchen Schmerz hab' ich in diesem Haus erlebt,

und oft hat mir das Herz geblutet; aber nie

war es ein solches Unglück. Alles andre trug

ich in Geduld, doch mein Orestes - hing an ihm

doch meine Seele meine Hände hatten sein

750 vom ersten Tag gewartet, jedem Dienst bereit,

Kilissa.

achtsam auf jedes helle Kreischen in der Nacht.

Und schwere Not und Plage - ach, nun ist's umsonst,

daſs ich sie hatte. Unvernünftig wie ein Tier

ist nun einmal solch' Würmchen, und man muſs Ver-

stand

755 statt seiner haben. Das ist wahr! Ein Wickelkind

kann noch nichts sagen, wenn es Durst und Hunger

plagt,

wenn's abgehalten werden will. Der kleine Bauch

muſs seinen Willen haben. Nun, da pafst man auf,

doch, wie es geht, verpafst man's auch, und Windeln

giebt's

760 zu spülen. Magd und Wäscherin war ein Geschäft.

Ja, diese Doppelarbeit hab' ich einst gehabt,

des Vaters Stolz, Orestes, ward mir anvertraut

und jetzt, ich ärmste, muſs ich hören, er ist tot,

und unsres Hauses Schänder und Verderber muſs

765 ich holen. Dem wird's hochwillkomm'ne Botschaft sein.

Chorführerin.

Kilissa.

Was heifst das? Sag' es mir noch einmal, deutlicher.

Chorführerin.

Ruft sie ihn einzeln oder die Trabanten mit?

Kilissa.

Begleiten soll ihn seiner Lanzenträger Schar.

Chorführerin.

770 Nein, das bestelle dem verhafsten Herren nicht.

Nur er soll kommen, zu vertraulichem Gespräch.

Und eile dich. Doch hab' im Herzen frohen Mut:

am Boten liegt es, wenn geheimer Plan gelingt.

Kilissa.

Bist du von Sinnen? Wie? Bei dem was wir gehört?

Chorführerin.

775 Und wenn sich Zeus erbarmet, und ein Umschlag

kommt?

Kilissa.

Unmöglich. Mit Orestes ist die Hoffnung tot.

Chorführerin.

Noch nicht. Die Zukunft deutet übel, wer es glaubt.

Kilissa.

Was meinst du? Weifst du's anders als die Bot-

schaft war?

Chorführerin.

Geh' und gehorche. Richte deinen Auftrag aus:

780 Gott sorgt für das, wofür bei Gott die Sorge steht.

Kilissa.

Gut, ich will geh'n und will nach deinem Worte thun.

Gelinge was noch möglich ist, das gebe Gott.

Chor.

Slave (from within).

Anon, anon! [ Opens the door.

Speak, from what land art thou, and sent from whom?

Orestes.

Go, tell to them who rule the palace-halls,

Since 'tis to them I come with tidings new—

735

(Delay not—Night's dark car is speeding on,

And time is now for wayfarers to cast

Anchor in haven, wheresoe'er a house

Doth welcome strangers)—that there now come forth

Some one who holds authority within—

740

The queen, or, if some man, more seemly were it;

For when man standeth face to face with man,

No stammering modesty confounds their speech,

But each to each doth tell his meaning clear.

[ Enter Clytemnestra.

Clytemnestra.

Speak on, strangers: have ye need of aught?

745

Here is whate'er beseems a house like this—

Warm bath and bed, tired Nature's soft restorer,

And courteous eyes to greet you; and if aught

Of graver import needeth act as well,

That, as man's charge, I to a man will tell.

750

Orestes.

A Daulian man am I, from Phocis bound;

And as with mine own travel-scrip self-laden

I went toward Argos, parting hitherward

With travelling foot, there did encounter me

One whom I knew not and who knew not me,

755

But asked my purposed way nor hid his own,

And, as we talked together, told his name—

Strophius of Phocis; then he said, "Good sir,

Since in all case thou art to Argos bound,

Forget not this my message, heed it well,

760

Tell to his own, Orestes is no more.

And—whatsoe'er his kinsfolk shall resolve,

Whether to bear his dust unto his home,

Or lay him here, in death as erst in life

Exiled for aye, a child of banishment—

765

Bring me their hest, upon thy backward road;

For now in brazen compass of an urn

His ashes lie, their dues of weeping paid."

So much I heard, and so much tell to thee,

Not knowing if I speak unto his kin

770

Who rule his home; but well, I deem, it were,

Such news should earliest reach a parent's ear.

Clytemnestra.

Orestes.

To host and hostess thus with fortune blest,

Lief had I come with better news to bear

785

Unto your greeting and acquaintanceship;

For what goodwill lies deeper than the bond

Of guest and host? and wrong abhorred it were,

As well I deem, if I, who pledged my faith

To one, and greetings from the other had,

790

Bore not aright the tidings 'twixt the twain.

Clytemnestra.

What'er thy news, thou shalt not welcome lack,

Meet and deserved, nor scant our grace shall be.

Hadst thou thyself not come, such tale to tell,

Another, sure, had borne it to our ears.

795

But lo! the hour is here when travelling guests,

Fresh from the daylong labour of the road,

Should win their rightful due. Take him within

[ To the slave.

To the man-chamber's hospitable rest—

Him and these fellow-farers at his side;

800

Give them such guest-right as beseems our halls;

I bid thee do as thou shalt answer for it.

And I unto the prince that rules our home

Will tell the tale, and, since we lack not friends,

With them will counsel how this hap to bear.

805

[ Exit Clytemnestra.

Chorus.

Kilissa.

My mistress bids me, with what speed I may,

Call in Ægisthus to the stranger guests,

825

That he may come, and standing face to face,

A man with men, may thus more clearly learn

This rumour new. Thus speaking, to her slaves

She hid beneath the glance of fictive grief

Laughter for what is wrought—to her desire

830

Too well; but ill, ill, ill besets the house,

Brought by the tale these guests have told so clear.

And he, God wot, will gladden all his heart

Hearing this rumour. Woe and well-a-day!

The bitter mingled cup of ancient woes,

835

Hard to be borne, that here in Atreus' house

Befel, was grievous to mine inmost heart,

But never yet did I endure such pain.

All else I bore with set soul patiently;

But now—alack, alack!—Orestes dear,

840

The day and night-long travail of my soul!

Whom from his mother's womb, a new-born child,

I clasped and cherished! Many a time and oft

Toilsome and profitless my service was,

When his shrill outcry called me from my couch!

845

For the young child, before the sense is born,

Hath but a dumb thing's life, must needs be nursed

As its own nature bids. The swaddled thing

Hath nought of speech, whate'er discomfort come—

Hunger or thirst or lower weakling need,—

850

For the babe's stomach works its own relief.

Which knowing well before, yet oft surprised,

'Twas mine to cleanse the swaddling clothes—poor I

Was nurse to tend and fuller to make white:

Two works in one, two handicrafts, I took

855

When in mine arms the father laid the boy.

And now he's dead—alack and well-a-day!

Yet must I go to him whose wrongful power

Pollutes this house—fair tidings these to him!

Chorus.

Kilissa.

What say'st thou! Speak more clearly for mine ear.

Chorus.

Bids she bring henchmen, or to come alone?

Kilissa.

She bids him bring a spear-armed body-guard.

Chorus.

Nay, tell not that unto our loathèd lord,

But speed to him, put on the mien of joy,

865

Say Come alone, fear nought, the news is good:

A bearer can tell straight a twisted tale. ¹

Kilissa.

Does then thy mind in this new tale find joy?

Chorus.

What if Zeus bid our ill wind veer to fair?

Kilissa.

And how? the home's hope with Orestes dies.

870

Chorus.

Not yet—a seer, though feeble, this might see.

Kilissa.

What say'st thou? Know'st thou aught, this tale belying?

Chorus.

Go, tell the news to him, perform thine hest,—

What the gods will, themselves can well provide.

Kilissa.

Well, I will go, herein obeying thee;

875

And luck fall fair, with favour sent from heaven.

[ Exit.

Chorus.

Ein Diener.

(An der Pforte.)

Ja doch, ich höre! Wer, o Fremdling, und woher?

Orestes.

Freund, melde bei des Hauses hohen Herrn mich an,

Bei welchen ich mit neuen Kunden angelangt.

Doch schnell! In dunklem Wagen eilt die Nacht heran;

655

Zeit ist es, daß der müde Wandersmann im Port

Der offnen Herberg' Anker wirft, um auszuruh'n.

Es komme Jemand, der Gewalt im Hause hat, -

Die Frau des Hauses; doch der Mann kommt schicklicher!

Dann führt ja nicht verlegne, scheue Scham das Wort,

660

Und macht es dunkel; dreister spricht der Mann zum Mann,

Und deutlich, ohn' Umschweise, legt er Zeugniß ab.

(Der Diener ab. Bald darauf erscheint Klhtämnestra mit Begleitung.)

Klytämnestra.

Sagt, Freunde, wenn ihr Etwas wünscht; hier steht bereit,

Was irgend solchem Hause nur geziemen mag:

Ein warmes Bad, ein Lager, das die müde Kraft

665

Verjüngt, und biedrer Augen treubesorgte Hut.

Doch wenn ihr Andres wünschet, was Bedacht verlangt,

Das ist der Männer Sorge; die befragen wir.

Orestes.

Aus Phokis' Lande komm' ich her, ein Daulier.

Als ich, mit eignem Bündel nur beschwert, den Pfad

670

Herging nach Argos, wie du hier mich kommen siehst,

Gesellte sich ein Fremder mir, dem Fremden, zu,

- Der Phoker Strophios, im Gespräch erfuhr ich das, -

Forscht meinen Weg aus, nennt den seinen mir und spricht:

„Da doch dein Gang, o Fremdling, dich nach Argos führt,

675

So meld' Orestes' Aeltern, doch vergiß es nicht,

Den Tod Orestens: daß es dir ja nicht entfällt!

Ob dann die Seinen wollen, daß er heimgebracht,

Ob, daß er auswärts, wie verbannt auf immerdar,

Bestattet werde, dessen bring' uns Kunde zu.

680

Denn jetzt bewahrt ein erzgetriebner Aschenkrug

Des vielbeweinten Mannes Staub in seinem Schooß."

Was ich vernommen, sagt' ich. Ob ich's aber auch

Den Rechten sage, denen es zu hören ziemt,

Nicht weiß ich's; hören muß es wohl, wer ihn gezeugt.

685

Klytämnestra.

Orestes.

O hätten doch Gastfreunde so glanzvollen Stamms

695

Um froher Botschaft willen mich als Freund erkannt,

Als holden Gast empfangen! Denn wer fühlte mehr,

Als solch ein Gastfreund, für den Gast in fremdem Land?

Doch frevelhaft erschien mir's, wenn ich solchen Fall

Den Seinen nicht kundthäte, weil ich's doch versprach,

700

Und hier als Gastfreund liebevoll empfangen ward.

Klytämnestra.

Nicht minder soll dir werden, was dein würdig ist,

Noch sollst du minder gelten als des Hauses Freund.

Die gleiche Botschaft brachte doch ein Andrer auch.

Doch ist es Zeit, den Fremden alles Nöthige

705

Herbeizuschaffen, nach des Tages langem Weg.

(Zu einem Diener.)

Ihn führe hin zum gastlich offnen Männersaal,

Und, kommst du wieder, seine Fahrtgenossen auch;

Dort dann im Hause finden sie das Nöthige.

Vollzieh' es pünktlich; denn du haftest mir dafür.

710

Wir aber wollen alles dies des Hauses Herrn

Mittheilen, und in unsrer Freunde treuem Kreis

Berathen, was in diesem Fall zu thun geziemt.

Die Chorführerin.

(Alle ab.)

Kilissa.

Aegisthen, sagt die Herrin, soll ich ungesäumt

Den Fremden herbescheiden, daß er deutlicher,

730

Der Mann vom Mann, die neue Kunde, die er bringt,

Mit eignen Ohren höre. Vor den Dienern hält

Sie hinter finstern Augenbrau'n die Freude zwar

Verborgen um das Frohe, das ihr widerfuhr

Durch jene Botschaft, die der Fremdling hergebracht,

735

Und die das Haus in namenloses Leid gestürzt.

Wohl wird Aegisthos hocherfreut, vernimmt er es,

Ob dieser Kunde jauchzen. Ich Unselige!

Wie hat von alten Zeiten her so vieles Leid,

Das über Atreus' hohes Haus mit schwerem Schlag

740

Einbrach, das Herz im Busen mir geängstiget!

Doch nimmermehr erfuhr ich solchen Jammer noch.

Ich harrt' in allen Leiden sonst geduldig aus.

Doch daß Orestes, meiner Seele Lust und Leid,

Den ich vom Mutterschooße nahm und auferzog,

745

Mit all den Nachtunruhen, wenn er jammernd schrie,

Und all der vielen Mühe, die ich nun umsonst

Ertrug - - Ein unvernünftig Kind ist gleich dem Thier,

Man muß es aufzich'n mit Verstand - wie anders auch? -

Denn nicht zu sagen weiß ja solch ein Wickelkind,

750

Ob Durst, ob Hunger, oder welch Verlangen sonst

Es plagt; der kleine Magen ist beim Kinde Herr.

Da mußt' ich oft errathen, und oft rieth ich sehl,

Wie's geht, und wusch dem Kinde dann die Windeln rein,

Und Wäscherin und Amme hatten Ein Geschäft.

755

Ich ließ zu diesem Doppelamt mich gern herbei,

Und nahm Orestes aus des Vaters Händen auf.

Nun muß ich Aermste hören, daß der Theure starb,

Muß hin zum Manne gehen, der dies Haus entweiht,

Und frohen Sinnes dieses Wort vernehmen wird!

760

Die Chorführerin.

Kilissa.

Wie? Sag' es nochmals, rede mir verständlicher!

Die Chorführerin.

Ob seine Wachen im Geleit, ob er allein?

Kilissa.

Gefolgt von Lanzenknechten heißt sie kommen ihn.

Die Chorführerin.

Das melde du dem allverhaften Manne nicht.

765

Er komm' allein nur, daß er ohne Furcht vernimmt:

Also bedeut' ihm ungesäumt mit frohem Muth!

Oft frommt ein schlauverhulltes Wort aus Botenmund.

Kilissa.

Wie? Ueber solche Kunde wärst du gar erfreut?

Die Chorführerin.

Wohl, wenn Kronion alles Leid abwehrt dereinst.

770

Kilissa.

Wie das? Orest, des Hauses Hoffnung, schwand dahin.

Die Chorführerin.

Noch nicht. Ein schlechter Seher auch erkennte das.

Kilissa.

Was sagst du? Weißt du Bess'res, als was ich gesagt?

Die Chorführerin.

Bring' ihm die Botschaft, und bestelle dein Geschäft.

Es sorgt die Gottheit, wo zu sorgen ihr gefällt.

775

Kilissa.

Ich gehe, richt' es treulich aus nach deinem Wort.

Zum besten Ende führ' es uns der Götter Huld!

(Ab.)

Chor

Chorgesang. Erste Strophe.