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 LeaderI pity you for your cruel fate—a fate I would you never had met!

IphigeniaO mother that bore me! I see a throng of men approaching.ClytemnestraIt is the goddess’ son you see, child, for whom you came here.Iphigeniacalling into the tent.Open the tent-door to me, servants, that I may hide myselfClytemnestraWhy seek to escape, my child?IphigeniaI am ashamed to face Achilles.ClytemnestraBut why?IphigeniaThe luckless ending to our marriage causes me to feel abashed.ClytemnestraNo 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.AchillesDaughter of Leda, lady of sorrows!ClytemnestraNo misnomer that.AchillesA fearful cry is heard among the Argives.ClytemnestraWhat is it? tell me.AchillesIt concerns your child.ClytemnestraAn evil omen for your words.AchillesThey say her sacrifice is necessary.ClytemnestraAnd is there no one to say a word against them?AchillesIndeed I was in some danger myself from the tumult. ClytemnestraIn danger of what, stranger?.AchillesOf being stoned.ClytemnestraSurely not for trying to save my daughter?AchillesThe very reason.ClytemnestraWho would have dared to lay a finger on you?AchillesAll the men of Hellas.ClytemnestraWere not your Myrmidon warriors at your side?AchillesThey were the first who turned against me.