Epeisodion 1
Electra
It is strange, indeed, that you, the daughter of our father from whom you grew, should forget him and instead show concern for your mother! All your admonitions to me have been taught by her; you speak no word of your own.
So now take your choice: be imprudent, or be prudent, but forgetful of your friends. You have just said that if could you find the strength, you would show your hatred of them; yet, when I am doing my utmost to avenge our father,
345
you do not work with me, but seek to deflect your sister from her deed.Does this not add cowardice to our miseries? Therefore instruct me, or rather learn from me what gain there might be for me if I ended my lamentation. Am I not now alive? Miserably so, I know, but well enough for me.
350
And I hurt them, and thereby affix an honorable tribute to the dead, in case those in that world can enjoy it and feel gratitude. But you, who tell me of your hatred, hate in word alone, while by your behavior you unite with the murderers of our father. I, however, would never yield to them, not even if
355
one of them were to bring to me the gifts in which you now glory. Let yours be the richly-spread table and superabundant lifestyle. As for me, let my sustenance be only that I do not wound my own conscience—I do not covet such privilege as yours and
360
neither would you, if you had self-control. But now, when you could be called the child
of the noblest father among men, be called instead your mother’s daughter, for
in this way your corruptness will be evident to the greatest number as you
betray your dead father and your true friends.
365
Chorus
Away with anger, for the gods’ sake! There is
advantage for both of you in what is urged, if you, Electra, would learn to implement her advice, and she, again, yours.
370
Chrysothemis
For my part, friends, I am not at all unaccustomed to her insults, nor would I have mentioned this, if I had not heard that the greatest disaster is now rushing down on her,
one which will restrain her from her long mourning.
375
Electra
Come then, name this terror! If you can tell me of anything worse than my present condition, I would resist no more.
Chrysothemis
I will tell you all that I know. If you will not cease from your mourning, they intend
to send you where you will never look upon the sun’s brilliance, but passing your life in
a covered chamber beyond this land’s borders you will make hymns of your
calamity. Think on this, and do not blame me later, when you suffer. Now is the
time to think wisely.
380
Electra
Have they in fact decided to do this to me?
385
Chrysothemis
They certainly have, as soon as Aegisthus comes home.
Electra
Then for this, may he arrive quickly!
Chrysothemis
Troubled girl, what curse are you laying on yourself?
Electra
That he may come, if he plans to do any of what you said.
Chrysothemis
So that you may suffer? In what way? Where are your wits?
390
Electra
So that I may fly as far as possible from you all.
Chrysothemis
Have you no care for the life you lead now?
Electra
oh, yes, my life is so wondrously fine.
Chrysothemis
It would be, if only you learned good sense.
Electra
Do not teach me to betray my friends.
395
Chrysothemis
I do not, but to bend before the strong.
Electra
Keep your flattery to yourself; it is not in my character.
Chrysothemis
Regardless, it brings no honor to fall through senselessness.
Electra
I will fall, if need be, while honoring my father.
Chrysothemis
But our father, I know, pardons me for this.
400
Electra
It is for cowards to commend such sentiments.
