THE BOOK WAS DRENCHED - OUDL Home

IPHIGENIA
Tell him the goddess saved me, in exchange
A hind presenting, which my father slew
A victim, deeming that he plunged his sword
Deep in my breast: me in this land she placed.
Thou hast my charge: and this my letter speaks.
PYLADES
O, thou hast bound me with an easy oath:
What I have sworn with honest purpose, long
Defer I not, but thus discharge mine oath.
To thee a letter from thy sister, lo,
I bear, Orestes; and I give it thee.
(PYLADES hands the letter to ORESTES.)
ORESTES
I do receive it, but forbear to unclose
Its foldings, greater pleasure first to enjoy
Than words can give. My sister, O most dear,
Astonish'd ev'n to disbelief, I throw
Mine arms around thee with a fond embrace,
In transport at the wondrous things I hear.
LEADER OF THE CHORUS
Stranger, thou dost not well with hands profane
Thus to pollute the priestess of the shrine,
Grasping her garments hallow'd from the touch.
ORESTES
My sister, my dear sister, from one sire,
From Agamemnon sprung, turn not away,
Holding thy brother thus beyond all hope.
IPHIGENIA
My brother! Thou my brother! Wilt thou not
Unsay these words? At Argos far he dwells.
ORESTES
Thy brother, O unhappy! is not there.
IPHIGENIA
Thee did the Spartan Tyndarus bring forth?
ORESTES
And from the son of Pelops' son I sprung.