Iphigenia Among the Tauri (1036-1095)

With what reason? I have a suspicion.

Because you are not pure; I will frighten what is sacred.

How does this help us to seize the statue of the goddess?

I shall want to purify you in the waves of the sea—

The image that we have sailed for is still in the temple.

I will say that I have washed that also, since you have touched it.

Where? Do you mean the watery inlet of the sea?

Where your ship is moored by its roped anchor.

Will you or some other bear the image in your hands?

I shall; it is holy for me alone to touch it.

But Pylades here—how will he be assigned to our labor?

His hands, it will be said, are stained like yours with blood-pollution.

Will you do all this secretly from the king, or with his knowledge?

I shall persuade him; I could not hide it from him.

Well then, my ship, with its quick stroke of oars, is at hand.

You must indeed take care of the rest, so that it goes well.

We need only one thing more, that these women conceal our plans; you approach them and find persuasive words. A woman has power over pity.

The rest, perhaps—. May all turn out well!

My dearest friends, I look to you; I am in your hands, whether I am to succeed, or come to nothing and lose my country, and my dear brother and dearest sister.

And first of all, I begin my speech with this: we are women, and have hearts naturally formed to love each other, and keep our common interests most secure. Be silent for us and assist us in our flight. It is good to have trustworthy speech.

You see how one fortune holds us three, most dear to each other, either to return to our native land, or to die. If I am saved, I will bring you safe to Hellas, so that you may share my fortune. By your right hand, I entreat you, and you, and you; (addressing different members of the Chorus.) you by your dear face,

by your knees, by all that is dearest to you in your home: father, mother, child, if you have children. What do you reply? Who agrees with us, or is not willing to do this—speak! For if you do not acquiesce in my words, both I and my unhappy brother must die.

Have courage, dear mistress, only see to your safety; I will be silent on all that you have charged me with—great Zeus be my witness.

Bless you for your words, may you be happy! It is your work now, and yours, To Orestes and Pylades to enter the temple;

for soon the ruler of this land will come, inquiring if the sacrifice of the strangers has been carried out.

Lady Artemis, you who saved me from my father’s slaughtering hand by the clefts of Aulis, save me now also, and these men; or through you Loxias’

prophetic voice will no longer be held true by mortals But leave this barbarian land for Athens with good will; it is not fitting for you to dwell here, when you could have so fortunate a city. Exeunt Iphigenia, Orestes, and Pylades.