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Who in calamities involves his friends,
And saves himself; this is a friend, whose life,
Dear to me as my own, I would preserve.
IPHIGENIA
Excellent spirit! from some noble root
It shows thee sprung, and to thy friends a friend
Sincere; of those that share my blood if one
Remains, such may he be! for I am not
Without a brother, strangers, from my sight
Though distant now. Since then thy wish is such,
Him will I send to Argos; he shall bear
My letter; thou shalt die; for this desire
Hath strong possession of thy noble soul.
ORESTES
Who then shall do the dreadful deed, and slay me?
IPHIGENIA
I: to atone the goddess is my charge.
ORESTES
A charge unenvied, virgin, and unbless'd.
IPHIGENIA
Necessity constrains: I must obey.
ORESTES
Wilt thou, a woman, plunge the sword in men?
IPHIGENIA
No: but thy locks to sprinkle round is mine.
ORESTES
Whose then, if I may ask, the bloody deed?
IPHIGENIA
To some within the temple this belongs.
ORESTES
What tomb is destined to receive my corse?
IPHIGENIA
The hallow'd fire within, and a dark cave.
ORESTES
O, that a sister's hand might wrap these limbs!