Eksodos
Chorus Leader
I pity you for your cruel fate—a fate I would you never had met!
[Episode]
O mother that bore me! I see a throng of men approaching.
Clytemnestra
It is the goddess’ son you see, child, for whom you came here.
Iphigenia
Open the tent-door to me, servants, that I may hide myself
1340
Clytemnestra
Why seek to escape, my child?
Iphigenia
I am ashamed to face Achilles.
Iphigenia
The luckless ending to our marriage causes me to feel abashed.
Clytemnestra
No time for affectation now in face of what has happened. Stay then; reserve will do no good, if we may profit.The sentence is left unfinished, owing to the sudden address of Achilles; possibly it would have run if only we can enlist his aid.
Achilles
Daughter of Leda, lady of sorrows!
1345
Clytemnestra
No misnomer that.
1345
Achilles
A fearful cry is heard among the Argives.
Clytemnestra
What is it? tell me.
Achilles
It concerns your child.
Clytemnestra
An evil omen for your words.
Achilles
They say her sacrifice is necessary.
Clytemnestra
And is there no one to say a word against them?
Achilles
Indeed I was in some danger myself from the tumult.
Clytemnestra
In danger of what, stranger?.
Achilles
Of being stoned.
1350
Clytemnestra
Surely not for trying to save my daughter?
1350
Achilles
The very reason.
Clytemnestra
Who would have dared to lay a finger on you?
Achilles
All the men of Hellas.
Clytemnestra
Were not your Myrmidon warriors at your side?
Achilles
They were the first who turned against me.
Clytemnestra
My child! we are lost, it seems.
Achilles
They taunted me as the man whom marriage had enslaved.
Clytemnestra
And what did you answer them?
Achilles
Not to kill the one I meant to wed—
1355
