Electra (565-616)

You 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,

to enter the city.

Well; I have the loving pleasures of your greeting and later I will give them back in turn. You, old man, for you have come at the right time, tell me, what should I do to avenge myself on my father’s murderer

and on my mother,the partner in his unholy marriage? Do I still have any well-disposed friends in Argos? Or am I wholly bankrupt, just as my fortunes are? With whom shall I ally myself? By night or day? What course shall I take against my enemies?

Child, you have no friend in your misfortune. For this thing is a godsend indeed, to share in common, both good and bad. But you—for you have been destroyed from the foundations, in the eyes of your friends, and you have left them no hope—hear it from me and know:

all that you have is in your own arm and fortune, to win your father’s home and your city.

What must I do then to accomplish this?

Kill Thyestes’ son and your mother.

I have come for that victor’s crown; but how shall I grasp it?

Not by going within the walls, even if you wanted to.

Is he well furnished with garrisons and body-guards?