Epeisodion 3
[Episode]
And send someone to announce to the city—
Thoas
That what has happened?
Iphigenia
That all remain indoors.
1210
Thoas
So that they do not come in contact with murder?
1210
Iphigenia
Yes, for such things are polluted.
Thoas
(to a servant.) Go and announce—
Iphigenia
That no one come near the sight. An attendant departs.
Thoas
You are taking good care of the city
Iphigenia
And of the friends to whom I owe the most.
Thoas
You mean this for me.
Thoas
The whole city marvels at you, with reason.
Iphigenia
You stay here before the shrine of the goddess.
1215
Thoas
What shall I do?
1215
Iphigenia
Purify the house with fire.
Thoas
So that you may return to find it pure.
Iphigenia
When the strangers come outside—
Iphigenia
Hold your robe over your eyes.
Thoas
So that I do not receive the pollution.
Iphigenia
If I seem to delay too long—
Thoas
What limit of the delay should I keep in mind?
Iphigenia
Do not wonder at it.
1220
Thoas
Carry out the rites of the goddess well, since you have leisure.
1220
Iphigenia
May this purification fall out as I wish!
Thoas
I pray along with you.
Iphigenia
I see the strangers coming out of the temple now, and the ornaments of the goddess and the new-born lambs, because I will wash blood-pollution away with blood, and the flash of torches and all the rest that
I have set out as purification for the strangers and the goddess.
1225
I proclaim to the citizens to keep away from this pollution, if any guard of the temple is purifying his hands for the gods, or if anyone is coming to form a marriage alliance, or is weighted down by childbirth— begone, stand away, so that this defilement does not fall on anyone.
(Aside.) O lady, maiden daughter of of Leto and Zeus, if I cleanse the stain of murder from these men, and make the sacrifice where I ought to make it, you will dwell in a pure home, and we will be fortunate. I do not speak the rest, but I indicate it to those who know more, the gods and you, goddess. Exit Iphigenia.
1230
