Unfortunate girl, how seeing you stirs my pity! Electra Then know that you are the first who ever pitied me. Orestes Yes, for I alone have come and been pained by your troubles . Electra Surely you are not some unknown kinsman? Orestes I would tell you, if these women bear you goodwill. Electra Indeed they do, so you will speak to trustworthy companions. Orestes Give up this urn, then, and you shall know everything. Electra No, by the gods, do not do this to me, stranger! Orestes Do as I say, and you will never be mistaken. Electra No, I beg you, do not rip from me what I hold most dear! Orestes You must not keep it. Electra Ah, what misery I will have because of you, Orestes, if I am robbed of your burial! Orestes Hush! No ill-omened words! You have no right to grieve. Electra How is it not right for me to grieve for my dead brother? Orestes It is not proper for you to speak of him as you do. Electra Am I so without rights in the dead? Orestes You are without rights in nothing; but this burial is not your concern. Electra Yes it is, if these are the remains of Orestes that I hold. Orestes They are not his, except inasmuch as fiction alone contrives to make them so. He gently takes the urn from her. 
 Electra And where is that sufferer’s tomb? Orestes There is none; the living have no tomb. Electra What are you saying, boy? Orestes Nothing that is untrue. Electra The man is alive? Orestes If there is life in me. Electra What? Are you he? Orestes Look at this signet, once our father’s, and know if I speak the truth. Electra O blissful day! Orestes Blissful, I am your witness!