Well, my child, I will let you persuade me, for you speak well. Iphigenia Yes, as one who prospers and does Hellas service. Clytemnestra What message shall I carry to your sisters? Iphigenia Do not put mourning raiment on them either. Clytemnestra But is there no fond message I can give the maidens from you? Iphigenia Yes, my farewell words; and promise me to rear Orestes to manhood. Clytemnestra Press him to your bosom; it is your last look. Iphigenia O you that are most dear to me! you have helped your friends as you had means. Clytemnestra Is there anything I can do in Argos to please you? Iphigenia Yes, do not hate my father, your own husband. Clytemnestra Fearful are the trials through which he has to go because of you. Iphigenia It was against his will he ruined me for the sake of Hellas . Clytemnestra Ah! but he employed base treachery, unworthy of Atreus. Iphigenia Who will escort me from here, before my hair is torn? Clytemnestra I will go with you— Iphigenia No, not you; that is not well saidl. Clytemnestra Clinging to your robes. Iphigenia Be persuaded by me, mother, stay here; for this is the better way both for me and you; but let one of these attendants of my father conduct me to the meadow of Artemis, where I shall be sacrificed. Clytemnestra Are you gone from me, my child? Iphigenia Yes, and with no chance of ever returning. Clytemnestra Leaving your mother? Iphigenia Yes, as you see, undeservedly. Clytemnestra Hold! do not leave me! Iphigenia I cannot let you shed a tear. To the Chorus. May it be yours, maidens, to hymn in joyous strains Artemis, the child of Zeus, for my hard lot; and let the order for a solemn hush go forth to the Danaids. Begin the sacrifice with the baskets, let the fire blaze for the purifying meal of sprinkling, and my father pace from left to right about the altar; for I come to bestow on Hellas safety crowned with victory. Iphigenia Lead me away, the destroyer of Ilium ’s town and the Phrygians; give me wreaths to cast about me; bring them here; here are my tresses to crown; bring lustral water too. Dance to Artemis, queen Artemis the blest, around her shrine and altar; for by the blood of my sacrifice I will blot out the oracle, if it must be. O mother, lady revered! I will, not give you my tears; for at the holy rites it is not fitting. Lines 1488-90 are assigned by some editors to the Chorus, but there seems little reason for the arrangement.