To 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,to enter the city.OrestesWell; 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 murdererand 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?Old manChild, 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.OrestesWhat must I do then to accomplish this?Old manKill Thyestes’ son and your mother.OrestesI have come for that victor’s crown; but how shall I grasp it?Old manNot by going within the walls, even if you wanted to.OrestesIs he well furnished with garrisons and body-guards?