Orestes: There's pity in thy look! oh, gaze not so— 'Twas with such looks that Clytemnestra sought [Pg 25] An entrance to her son Orestes' heart, And yet his uprais'd arm her bosom pierced. The weapon raise, spare not, this bosom rend, And make an outlet for its boiling streams.

Orestes:

[Pg 25]

[He sinks exhausted. Enter Pylades.

Pylades

Pylades: Dost thou not know me, and this sacred grove, And this blest light, which shines not on the dead? Attend! Each moment is of priceless worth, And our return hangs on a slender thread. The favouring gale, which swells our parting sail, Must to Olympus waft our perfect joy. Quick counsel and resolve the time demands.

Pylades:

Act IV Iphigenia alone.

Act IV

Iphigenia

Iphigenia: They hasten to the sea, where in a bay Their comrades in the vessel lie concealed, Waiting a signal. Me they have supplied With artful answers should the monarch send To urge the sacrifice. Detested falsehood!

Iphigenia:

[Enter Arkas.

Arkas

Arkas: Priestess, with speed conclude the sacrifice! Impatiently the king and people wait.

Arkas:

Iphigenia: The gods have not decreed that it should be. The elder of these men of kindred-murder Bears guilt. The dread Erinnys here within Have seized upon their prey, polluting thus The sanctuary. I hasten now to bathe The goddess' image in the sea, and there With solemn rites its purity restore.

Iphigenia:

Arkas: This hindrance to the monarch I'll announce.

Arkas:

 Prev. P 44/559 next