Iphigenia: Thoas: From that same Tantalus, whom Jove himself Drew to his council and his social board? Thoas: Iphigenia: His crime was human, and their doom severe; Alas, and his whole race must bear their hate. His son, Pelops, obtained his second wife [Pg 20] Through treachery and murder. And Hebe's sons, Thyestes and Atreus, envious of the love That Pelops bore his first-born, murdered him. The mother, held as murderess by the sire, In terror did destroy herself. The sons, After the death of Pelops, shared the rule O'er Mycenæ, till Atreus from the realm Thyestes drove. Oh, spare me to relate The deeds of horror, vengeance, cruel infamy That ended in a feast where Atreus made His brother eat the flesh of his own boys. Iphigenia: [Pg 20] Thoas: But tell me by what miracle thou sprangest From race so savage. Thoas: Iphigenia: Atreus' eldest son Was Agamemnon; he, O king, my sire; My mother Clytemnestra, who then bore To him Electra, and to fill his cup Of bliss, Orestes. But misfortunes new Befel our ancient house, when to avenge The fairest woman's wrongs the kings of Greece Round Ilion's walls encamp'd, led by my sire. In Aulis vainly for a favouring gale They waited; for, enrag'd against their chief, Diana stay'd their progress, and requir'd, Through Chalcas' voice, the monarch's eldest daughter. They lured me to the altar, and this head There to the goddess doomed. She was appeased, And shrouded me in a protecting cloud. Here I awakened from the dream of death, Diana's priestess, I who speak with thee. Iphigenia: Thoas: I yield no higher honour or regard To the king's daughter than the maid unknown; Once more my first proposal I repeat. Thoas: Iphigenia: Hath not the goddess who protected me Alone a right to my devoted head?
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