Iphigenia at Aulis (775-849)

Where is Achaea’s general? Which of his servants will announce to him that Achilles, the son of Peleus, is at his gates seeking him? For this delay at the Euripus is not the same for all of us;

there are some, for instance, who, bing still unwed, have left their houses desolate and are idling here upon the beach, while others are married but without children;[*] so strange the longing for this expedition that has fallen on their hearts by the will of the gods.[*]

My own just plea I must declare, and whoever else has any wish will speak for himself. Though I have left Pharsalia, and Peleus, still I linger[*] here by reason of these light breezes at the Euripus, restraining my Myrmidons, while they are always pressing on me,

saying: Why do we tarry, Achilles? how much longer must we count the days to the start for Ilium? do something if you are so minded; or lead home your men, and do not wait for the tardy action of these Atridae.

Hail to you, son of the Nereid goddess! I heard your voice

from within the tent and came forth.

O modesty revered! who can this lady be whom I behold, so richly dowered with beauty’s gifts?

No wonder you do not know me, seeing I am one you have never before set eyes on; I praise your reverent address to modesty.

Who are you, and why have you come to the mustering of the Danaids—you, a woman, to a fenced camp of men?

I am the daughter of Leda; my name is Clytemnestra; and my husband king Agamemnon.

Well and shortly answered on all important points,

but it is shameful for me to stand talking to women.

Stay; why seek to escape? give me your hand, a prelude to a happy marriage.

What is it you say? I give you my hand? To lay a finger where I have no right, I could never meet Agamemnon’s eye.

The best of rights you have, seeing it is my child you will wed, O son of the sea-goddess, daughter of Nereus.

What wedding do you speak of? Words fail me, lady; can your wits have gone astray and are you inventing this?

All men are naturally shy in the presence of new relations,

when these remind[*] them of their wedding.

Lady, I have never courted your daughter, nor have the sons of Atreus ever mentioned marriage to me.

What can it mean? Your turn now to marvel at my words, for yours are very strange to me.

Hazard a guess; that we can both do in this matter; for it may be we are both correct in our statements.[*]

What! have I suffered such indignity? The marriage I am courting has no reality it seems; I am ashmed of it.

Some one perhaps has made a mock of you and me;