Eksodos
[Episode]
But is there no fond message I can give the maidens from you?
Iphigenia
Yes, my farewell words; and promise me to rear Orestes to manhood.
1450
Clytemnestra
Press him to your bosom; it is your last look.
Iphigenia
O you that are most dear to me! you have helped your friends as you had means.
Clytemnestra
Is there anything I can do in Argos to please you?
Iphigenia
Yes, do not hate my father, your own husband.
Clytemnestra
Fearful are the trials through which he has to go because of you.
1455
Iphigenia
It was against his will he ruined me for the sake of Hellas.
Clytemnestra
Ah! but he employed base treachery, unworthy of Atreus.
Iphigenia
Who will escort me from here, before my hair is torn?
Clytemnestra
I will go with you—
Iphigenia
No, not you; that is not well saidl.
Clytemnestra
Clinging to your robes.
1460
Iphigenia
Be persuaded by me, mother, stay here; for this is the better way both for me and you; but let one of these attendants of my father conduct me to the meadow of Artemis, where I shall be sacrificed.
1460
Clytemnestra
Are you gone from me, my child?
Iphigenia
Yes, and with no chance of ever returning.
Clytemnestra
Leaving your mother?
1465
Iphigenia
Yes, as you see, undeservedly.
1465
Clytemnestra
Hold! do not leave me!
Iphigenia
I cannot let you shed a tear. To the Chorus. May it be yours, maidens, to hymn in joyous strains Artemis, the child of Zeus, for my hard lot; and let the order for a solemn hush go forth to the Danaids.
Begin the sacrifice with the baskets, let the fire blaze for the purifying meal of sprinkling, and my father pace from left to right about the altar; for I come to bestow on Hellas safety crowned with victory.
1470
