They are well-born, but that may ring false; for many of the well-born are base. However; I give the guests welcome.OrestesWelcome, old man! To which of your friends, Electra, does this ancient remnant of a man belong?ElectraThis is the one who brought up my father, stranger.OrestesWhat are you saying? Is this the one who stole away your brother?ElectraThis is the one who saved him, if indeed he is still alive.OrestesOh! Why does he look at me, as if he were examining the clear mark impressed on a silver coin? Is he comparing me to someone?ElectraPerhaps he is glad to see in you a companion of Orestes.OrestesA beloved man, yes. But why is he circling all around me?ElectraI too am amazed, looking at this, stranger.Old manO mistress, daughter Electra, pray to the gods.ElectraFor what thing, present or absent?Old manTo have a beloved treasure, which the god is revealing.ElectraSee: I call on the gods. Or whatever do you mean, old man?Old manLook now at this man, my child, your dearest one.ElectraI have been looking for a long time, to see whether you have lost your mind.Old manLost my mind, because I see your brother?ElectraWhat do you mean, old man, by this word, unhoped for?Old manThat I see Orestes here, Agamemnon’s son.ElectraWhat mark do you see, by which I shall be persuaded?Old manA scar along his brow, where he fell and drew blood one day in his father’s home when chasing a fawn with you.ElectraWhat are you saying? I see the sign of the fall.Old manThen do you hesitate to embrace your dearest one?ElectraNot any longer, old man; for my heart is persuaded by your tokens. O you who have appeared at last, I hold you, beyond all hope.OrestesAnd you are held by me at last.ElectraI never expected it.OrestesNor did I hope.ElectraAre you that one?OrestesYes, your one ally. If I draw back the cast of the net I am aiming for—but I have confidence; or else we must no longer believe in gods, if wrong is to be victorious over right.

ChorusYou have come, you have come, oh, long-delayed day, you have lighted up, you have made visible a beacon to the city, who in long ago exile went forth from his father’s house, unhappily wandering.A god, now, a god brings our victory, my dear. Lift up your hands, lift up your words, send prayers to the gods for your brother with fortune, with fortune,