Well, my child, I will let you persuade me, for you speak well.IphigeniaYes, as one who prospers and does Hellas service.ClytemnestraWhat message shall I carry to your sisters?IphigeniaDo not put mourning raiment on them either.ClytemnestraBut is there no fond message I can give the maidens from you? IphigeniaYes, my farewell words; and promise me to rear Orestes to manhood.ClytemnestraPress him to your bosom; it is your last look.IphigeniaO you that are most dear to me! you have helped your friends as you had means.ClytemnestraIs there anything I can do in Argos to please you?IphigeniaYes, do not hate my father, your own husband.ClytemnestraFearful are the trials through which he has to go because of you.IphigeniaIt was against his will he ruined me for the sake of Hellas.ClytemnestraAh! but he employed base treachery, unworthy of Atreus.IphigeniaWho will escort me from here, before my hair is torn?ClytemnestraI will go with you—IphigeniaNo, not you; that is not well saidl.ClytemnestraClinging to your robes.IphigeniaBe 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.ClytemnestraAre you gone from me, my child?IphigeniaYes, and with no chance of ever returning.ClytemnestraLeaving your mother?IphigeniaYes, as you see, undeservedly.ClytemnestraHold! do not leave me!IphigeniaI 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.

IphigeniaLead 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.