The World's Greatest Books — Volume 17 — Poetry and Drama
hast thou heard. [Pg 24] Electra, on the day when fell her sire, Her brother from impending doom conceal'd; Him Strophius, his father's relative, Received with kindest care, and rear'd him up, With his own son, named Pylades, who soon Around the stranger twin'd love's fairest bonds. The longing to revenge the monarch's death Took them to Mycenæ, and by her son Was Clytemnestra slain.

Orestes:

[Pg 24]

Iphigenia: Immortal powers! O tell me of the poor unfortunate! Speak of Orestes!

Iphigenia:

Orestes: Him the Furies chase. They glare around him with their hollow eyes, Like greedy eagles. In their murky dens They stir themselves, and from the corners creep Their comrades, dire remorse and pallid fear; Before them fumes a mist of Acheron. I am Orestes! and this guilty head Is stooping to the tomb and covets death; It will be welcome now in any shape.

Orestes:

[Orestes retires. Iphigenia prays to the gods, and

Orestes

Iphigenia

Orestes returns.

Orestes

Orestes: Who art thou, that thy voice thus horribly Can harrow up my bosom's inmost depths?

Orestes:

Iphigenia: Thine inmost heart reveals it. I am she—Iphigenia!

Iphigenia:

Orestes: Hence, away, begone! Leave me! Like Heracles, a death of shame, Unworthy wretch, locked in myself, I'll die!

Orestes:

Iphigenia: Thou shalt not perish! Would that I might hear One quiet word from thee! Dispel my doubts, Make sure the bliss I have implored so long. Orestes! O my brother!

Iphigenia:


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