Electra (668-725)

Your work begins at once; you have drawn the first lot in the slaughter.

I would go, if some one would show me the way.

Yes, I can escort you myself, not against my will.

O Zeus, god of my fathers, be also the vanquisher of my enemies—

And have pity on us; for we have suffered pitiably—

Yes, indeed, have pity on your own descendants.

And Hera, you who rule Mycenae’s altars—

Give us victory, if we are asking for what is right.

Yes, indeed, give them the right of vengeance for their father.

You too, father, living below the earth through an unholy deed—

And Lady Earth, to whom I give my hands—

Defend, defend these, your dearest children.

Now come and bring with you all the dead as allies.

Those who destroyed the Trojans in war with you—

And all who hate the unholy and polluted.

Do you hear me, you who suffered dreadful things from my mother?

Your father hears everything, I know; but it is time to be on our way.

And I tell you therefore that Aegisthus is to die; if you fall dead in the struggle, I am also dead, do not count me as alive; for I will strike my heart with a two-edged sword. I will go indoors and make things ready there.

So that if a good report comes from you, the whole house will cry aloud in triumph; but, if you die, it will be the opposite of that. These are my words to you.

I know it all.

Therefore you must be a man. Exeunt Orestes, Pylades, and Old Man. And you, women, please take care to give

a shout in signal of this contest. I will keep a sword ready, holding it in my hand, for I will not ever, if defeated, submit to my enemies the right to insult my body. Exit Electra.