Alas! Alas! Sorrowful work! You were done in by a wretched death. Alas! Alas! And for the survivor also suffering blossoms. OrestesDid she do the deed or not? No, this is my witness, dyed by Aegisthus’ sword. This is a stain of blood that helps time to spoil the many tinctures of embroidered fabric. Now at last I speak his praises. Now at last I am present to lament him, as I address this web that wrought my father’s death.Yet I grieve for the deed and the punishment and for my whole clan. My victory is an unenviable pollution.

ChorusNo mortal being shall pass his life unscathed, free from all suffering to the end.Alas! Alas! One tribulation comes today, another tomorrow.