Epeisodion 3
Thoas
Where is the gate-keeper of this temple, the woman of Hellas? Has she already begun the rites on the strangers?
Are they glowing with fire in the holy sanctuary?
1155
Chorus Leader
Here she is, to tell you everything clearly, lord.
Thoas
Oh! Daughter of Agamemnon, why have you lifted up in your arms the statue of the goddess from its pedestal that must not be moved?
Iphigenia
Lord, stand there in the entrance!
Thoas
Iphigenia, what has happened in the temple?
1160
Iphigenia
I spit out the pollution; (turning to Thoas to explain.) I say this for Holiness.
Thoas
What is this news in your introduction? Tell it clearly.
Iphigenia
The victims you caught for me are not pure, lord.
Thoas
What taught you this? Or are you only saying what you think?
Iphigenia
The image of the goddess turned back from its place.
1165
Thoas
By itself, or did an earthquake turn it?
Iphigenia
By itself; it closed up its eyes.
Thoas
What was the reason? Was it the uncleanness of the strangers?
Iphigenia
That was the reason, and nothing else; for they have done dreadful things.
Thoas
What, have they killed one of the barbarians on the shore?
1170
Iphigenia
They come with murder done at home.
Thoas
What murder? For I strongly want to know.
Iphigenia
They killed their mother together with their swords.
Thoas
Apollo! No barbarian would have dared this.
Iphigenia
They were driven in pursuit from all of Hellas.
1175
Thoas
Is it for this that you bring the statue outside?
Iphigenia
Yes, to the holy air, to remove it from slaughter.
Thoas
How did you know the blood-pollution of the strangers?
Iphigenia
I questioned them, because the image of the goddess had turned back.
Thoas
Hellas has brought you up to be clever; how well you understood this.
1180
Iphigenia
And yet they dangled a sweet lure for my heart.
Thoas
Reporting to you some charm of news from Argos?
Iphigenia
That Orestes, my only brother, is happy.
Thoas
So that you might save them, for the delight of their messages.
