Stasimon 2
[Episode]
before the sword draws near to your blood? This is your business, unhappy soul, to find out. On the dry land, not in a ship?
880
Iphigenia
But if you go on foot, through trackless paths and barbarian tribes, you will draw near to death.
885
But through the dark rocks of the narrow passage is a long way for flight by ship.
890
Who, either god or mortal or something unexpected, might accomplish a way that is no way, and reveal a release from troubles for the only two children of the house of Atreus?
895
Chorus Leader
It is marvelous and surpasses a fable, this event that I myself have have seen and shall relate, not as hearsay.
900
Pylades
When friends come into the sight of friends, Orestes, it is reasonable to embrace; but we must leave off wailing and turn to other matters:
how we shall get the glorious name of safety and leave the foreign land. For wise men take opportunities, and do not overstep their fate to get other pleasures.
905
Orestes
Well said; but I think fortune will take care
of that with us; when one is eager, divine strength is likely to be greater.
910
Iphigenia
(to Pylades.) Let nothing hold me back; nor will it prevent me speaking before I first find out Electra’s fate, for you are all dear to me.
Orestes
She lives with this man, (pointing to Pylades) and has a happy life.
915
Iphigenia
What country is he from, and who is his father?
Orestes
Strophius of Phocis is the name of his father.
Iphigenia
He is related to me, by the daughter of Atreus?
Orestes
He is a cousin, and my only true friend.
Iphigenia
He was not born when my father tried to kill me.
920
Orestes
He was not; for Strophius was childless for some time.
Iphigenia
Welcome, husband of my sister!
Orestes
And also my savior, not only a relation.
Iphigenia
But how did you dare that dreadful deed with our mother?
Orestes
Let us be silent on that; I was avenging my father.
925
Iphigenia
What reason did she have to kill her husband?
Orestes
Let our mother’s affairs be; nor is it good for you to hear.
Iphigenia
I am silent; does Argos now look to you?
Orestes
Menelaus rules there; I am an exile from my country
Iphigenia
Our uncle has surely not maltreated our afflicted house, has he?
930
Orestes
No, but fear of the Furies drives me out of the land.
Iphigenia
That was the madness that they reported there on the shore?
Orestes
That was not the first time that I was seen to be wretched.
