Lo! the aged Iphis, thy father, draweth nigh to hear thy startling scheme, which yet he knows not and will grieve to learn.IphisUnhappy child! lo! I am come, a poor old man, with twofold sorrow in my house to mourn, that I may carry to his native land the corpse of my son Eteocles, slain by the Theban spear, and further in quest of my daughter who rushed headlong from the house, for she was the wife of Capaneus and longed with him to die. Ere this she was well guarded in my house, but, when I took the watch away in the present troubles, she escaped. But I feel sure that she is here; tell me if ye have seen her.EvadneWhy question them? Lo, here upon the rock, father, o’er the pyre of Capaneus, like some bird I hover lightly, in my wretchedness.IphisWhat wind hath blown thee hither, child? Whither away? Why didst thou pass the threshold of my house and seek this land?EvadneIt would but anger thee to hear what I intend, and so I fain would keep thee ignorant, my father.IphisWhat! hath not thy own father a right to know?EvadneThou wouldst not wisely judge my intention.IphisWhy dost thou deck thyself in that apparel?EvadneA purport strange this robe conveys, father.IphisThou hast no look of mourning for thy lord.EvadneNo, the reason why I thus am decked is strange, maybe.IphisDost thou in such garb appear before a funeral-pyre?EvadneYea, for hither it is I come to take the meed of victory.IphisVictory! what victory? This would I learn of thee.EvadneA victory o’er all women on whom the sun looks down.IphisIn Athena’s handiwork or in prudent counsel?EvadneIn bravery; for I will lay me down and die with my lord.IphisWhat dost thou say? What is this silly riddle thou propoundest? EvadneTo yonder pyre where lies dead Capaneus, I will leap down.IphisMy daughter, speak not thus before the multitude!EvadneThe very thing I wish, that every Argive should learn it.IphisNay, I will ne’er consent to let thee do this deed.Evadne(as she is throwing herself). ’Tis all one; thou shalt never catch me in thy grasp. Lo! I cast me down, no joy to thee, but to myself and to my husband blazing on the pyre with me.

ChorusO lady, what a fearful deed!IphisAh me! I am undone, ye dames of Argos!

ChoruschantingAlack, alack! a cruel blow is this to thee, but thou must yet witness, poor wretch, the full horror of this deed.