a different breeze to different men, so that some have joy in setting sail, and sorrow some, and others hard constraint, to make some start and others prepare and others delay! Full of trouble then, it seems, is the race of mortals, full of trouble indeed; and it is Fate’s decree that man should find distress. Woe! woe to you, you child of Tyndareus, for the suffering and anguish sore, which you are causing the Danaids! Chorus Leader I pity you for your cruel fate—a fate I would you never had met! Iphigenia O mother that bore me! I see a throng of men approaching. Clytemnestra It is the goddess’ son you see, child, for whom you came here. Iphigenia calling into the tent. Open the tent-door to me, servants, that I may hide myself Clytemnestra Why seek to escape, my child? Iphigenia I am ashamed to face Achilles. Clytemnestra But why? Iphigenia The luckless ending to our marriage causes me to feel abashed. Clytemnestra No time for affectation now in face of what has happened. Stay then; reserve will do no good, if we may profit. The sentence is left unfinished, owing to the sudden address of Achilles; possibly it would have run if only we can enlist his aid. Achilles Daughter of Leda, lady of sorrows! Clytemnestra No misnomer that. Achilles A fearful cry is heard among the Argives. Clytemnestra What is it? tell me. Achilles It concerns your child. Clytemnestra An evil omen for your words. Achilles They say her sacrifice is necessary. Clytemnestra And is there no one to say a word against them? Achilles Indeed I was in some danger myself from the tumult. Clytemnestra In danger of what, stranger?. Achilles Of being stoned. Clytemnestra Surely not for trying to save my daughter? Achilles The very reason. Clytemnestra Who would have dared to lay a finger on you? Achilles All the men of Hellas . Clytemnestra Were not your Myrmidon warriors at your side? Achilles They were the first who turned against me.