Let us make haste and go on; I will keep careful watch upon this road towards the east.Second Semi-ChorusAnd I on this one, that leads westward.ElectraThrow a glance sideways.ChorusHere and there, then we are looking back again, as you tell us.

ElectraCast your eyes around, let them see everything, through your tresses.First Semi-ChorusWho is that on the road? Who is this country-man wandering round your house?ElectraAh! friends, we are ruined; he will at once reveal to our enemies the armed ambush.Second Semi-Chorus(Reconnoitring. Calm your fears; the road is not occupied, as you think, my dear.Electra(Turning to the other watchers.) Well? Is your side still secure? Give me a good report, if the space before the court-yard is deserted.First Semi-ChorusAll goes well here; look to your own watch, for no Danaid is approaching us.Second Semi-ChorusYour report agrees with mine; there is no noise here either.ElectraWell then, I will listen in the gateway.Chorus(Calling through the door.) You within the house, why are you delaying to spill your victim’s blood, now that all is quiet?

ElectraspokenThey do not hear; alas for my troubles! Can it be that her beauty has blunted their swords?sungSoon some Argive in full armor, hurrying to her rescue, will attack the palace.spokenKeep a better look-out; it is not a contest of sitting still; turn about, some here, some there.ChorussungI am looking everywhere in turn along the road.HelenwithinOh, Pelasgian Argos! I am being foully murdered.ChorusDid you hear? The men have put their hand to the slaughter.It is Helen screaming, at a guess.ElectrasungO eternal might of Zeus, of Zeus, only come to help my friends!HelenwithinMenelaus, I am dying, but you do not help me, though you are near.ElectrasungSlay her, kill her, destroy her! Stab with your twin double-edged swords the woman who left her father, left her husband, and killed so many of the men of Hellas, slain beside the river-bank, where tears rained down, by the iron darts all round the eddies of Scamander.

Chorus LeaderHush! hush! I caught the sound of a foot-fall on the road near the house.