Stasimon 2
[Episode]
But here come the two youths, with tightly bound hands, the new sacrifice for the goddess; silence, my friends. These first-fruits of Hellas are indeed
Chorus Leader
approaching the temple; the herdman did not deliver a false message.
460
Lady Artemis, if this city carries out the rites in a way pleasing to you, accept the victims,
which the custom among us declares to be unholy.
465
Iphigenia
Enough; first, it will be my care to perform well the rites of the goddess. Unbind the strangers’ hands, so that, as holy victims, they may no longer be in chains.
Then go into the temple and make ready what is necessary and customary at the present time.
470
(Turning to the prisoners.) Ah! Who was your mother, who gave you birth, and your father? And your sister, if you happen to have one . . . such two youths as she has lost,
and will be without a brother! Who knows where such fortunes will arrive? For all the gods’ affairs creep on in darkness, and no one knows evil . . . fate leads us on towards what we cannot know.
475
Unhappy strangers, where have you come from?
For you have sailed a long time to reach this land, and you will be away from your home a long time, in the world below.
480
Orestes
Why do you lament these things, and mourn for the evils about to come upon us, lady, whoever you are? I do not think the one who is about to die wise,
if he wishes to conquer the fear of death by wailing, nor the one who laments when Hades is near and there is no hope of safety; for so he puts together two ills out of one, incurring a charge of folly and dying all the same; we must let fate alone.
485
Do not grieve for us; for we are acquainted with the sacrifices here and we know them.
490
Iphigenia
Which of you is called by the name of Pylades? I want to know this first.
Orestes
That one, if you have any pleasure in the knowledge.
Iphigenia
Of what city of Hellas were you born a citizen?
495
Orestes
What would you gain by learning this, lady?
Iphigenia
Are you brothers, from one mother?
Orestes
By friendship, yes; we are not brothers by birth, lady.
Iphigenia
What name did your father give you?
Orestes
I might rightly be called Unfortunate.
500
Iphigenia
I do not ask that; ascribe that to fortune.
Orestes
If I die unnamed, I would not be mocked at.
Iphigenia
Why do you begrudge this? Are you so proud?
Orestes
You will sacrifice my body, not my name.
Iphigenia
Can you not say what city you are from?
505
Orestes
You are seeking nothing profitable, since I am going to die.
Iphigenia
What hinders you from doing me this favor?
Orestes
The famous Argos I claim as my native land.
Iphigenia
By the gods, truly, stranger, were you born there?
