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Title:IphigeniainTauris

Author:JohannWolfgangvonGoethe

Translator:AnnaSwanwick

ReleaseDate:May18,2005[EBook#15850]

Language:English

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GOETHE'S

IphigeniaInTauris

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ANNASWANWICK

ARTHURHINDS&CO.4COOPERINSTITUTE,NEWYORKCITY

IPHIGENIAINTAURIS.

PERSONSOFTHEDRAMA.

IPHIGENIA. THOAS,KingoftheTaurians.ORESTES. PYLADES. ARKAS.

ACTTHEFIRST.

SCENEI.

AGrovebeforetheTempleofDiana.

IPHIGENIA.Beneathyourleafygloom,yewavingboughsOfthisold,shady,consecratedgrove,Asinthegoddess'silentsanctuary,Withthesameshudd'ringfeelingforthIstep,AswhenItroditfirst,noreverhereDothmyunquietspiritfeelathome.Longasthemightywill,towhichIbow,Hathkeptmehereconceal'd,still,asatfirst,Ifeelmyselfastranger.FortheseaDothseverme,alas!fromthoseIlove,AnddaybydayupontheshoreIstand,MysoulstillseekingforthelandofGreece.Buttomysighs,thehollow-soundingwavesBring,savetheirownhoarsemurmurs,noreply.Alasforhim!whofriendlessandalone,Remotefromparentsandfrombrethrendwells;FromhimgriefsnatcheseverycomingjoyEreitdothreachhislip.HisrestlessthoughtsRevertforevertohisfather'shalls,Wherefirsttohimtheradiantsununclos'dThegatesofheav'n;wherecloser,daybyday,Brothersandsisters,leagu'dinpastimesweet,Aroundeachothertwin'dthebondsoflove.Iwillnotjudgethecounselofthegods;Yet,truly,woman'slotdothmeritpity.Manrulesalikeathomeandinthefield,Norisinforeignclimeswithoutresource;Possessiongladdenshim,himconquestcrowns,Andhimanhonourabledeathawaits.

Howcircumscrib'diswoman'sdestiny!Obediencetoaharsh,imperiouslord,Herduty,andhercomfort;sadherfate,Whomhostilefortunedrivestolandsremote:ThusI,bynobleThoas,amdetain'd,Boundwithaheavy,thoughasacredchain.Oh!withwhatshame,Diana,IconfessThatwithrepugnanceIperformtheseritesForthee,divineprotectress!untowhomIwouldinfreedomdedicatemylife.Inthee,Diana,Ihavealwayshop'd,AndstillIhopeinthee,whodidstinfoldWithintheholyshelterofthinearmTheoutcastdaughterofthemightyking.DaughterofJove!hastthoufromruin'dTroyLedbackintriumphtohisnativelandThemightyman,whomthoudidstsoreafflict,Hisdaughter'slifeinsacrificedemanding,—Hastthouforhim,thegodlikeAgamemnon,Whotothinealtarledhisdarlingchild,Preserv'dhiswife,Electra,andhisson.Hisdearesttreasures?—thenatlengthrestoreThysuppliantalsotoherfriendsandhome,Andsaveher,asthouoncefromdeathdidstsave,Sonow,fromlivinghere,aseconddeath.

SCENEII.IPHIGENIA. ARKAS.

ARKAS.Thekinghathsentmehither,andcommandsTohailDiana'spriestess.Thistheday,Onwhichfornewandwonderfulsuccess,Taurishergoddessthanks.ThekingandhostDrawnear,—Icometoheraldtheirapproach.

IPHIGENIA.

Weareprepar'dtogivethemworthygreeting;OurgoddessdothbeholdwithgraciouseyeThewelcomesacrificefromThoas'hand.

ARKAS.Oh,priestess,thatthineeyemoremildlybeam'd,—Thoumuch-rever'done,—thatIfoundthyglance,Oconsecratedmaid,morecalm,morebright,Toallahappyomen!Stilldothgrief,Withgloommysterious,shroudthyinnermind;Still,still,throughmanyayearwewaitinvainForoneconfidingutt'rancefromthybreast.LongasI'veknowntheeinthisholyplace,Thatlookofthinehathevermademeshudder;And,aswithironbands,thysoulremainsLock'dinthedeeprecessesofthybreast.

IPHIGENIA.Asdothbecometheexileandtheorphan.

ARKAS.Dostthouthenhereseemexil'dandanorphan?

IPHIGENIA.Canforeignscenesourfatherlandreplace?

ARKAS.Thyfatherlandisforeignnowtothee.

IPHIGENIA.Henceisitthatmybleedingheartne'erheals.Inearlyyouth,whenfirstmysoul,inlove,Heldfather,mother,brethrenfondlytwin'd,Agroupoftendergerms,inunionsweet,Wespranginbeautyfromtheparentstem,Andheavenwardgrew.AnunrelentingcurseThenseiz'dandsever'dmefromthoseIlov'd,Andwrench'dwithirongraspthebeauteousbands.

Itvanish'dthen,thefairestcharmofyouth,Thesimplegladnessoflife'searlydawn;Thoughsav'd,Iwasashadowofmyself,Andlife'sfreshjoyancebloom'dinmenomore.

ARKAS.Ifthusthoueverdostlamentthyfate,Imustaccusetheeofingratitude.

IPHIGENIA.Thankshaveyouever.

ARKAS.Notthehonestthanks

Whichpromptthehearttoofficesoflove;Thejoyousglance,revealingtothehostAgratefulspirit,withitslotcontent.WhentheeadeepmysteriousdestinyBroughttothissacredfane,longyearsago.Togreetthee,asatreasuresentfromheaven,Withreverenceandaffection,Thoascame.Benignandfriendlywasthisshoretothee,Whichhadbeforeeachstranger'sheartappall'd,For,tillthycoming,nonee'ertrodourrealmButfell,accordingtoanancientrite,AbloodyvictimatDiana'sshrine.

IPHIGENIA.Freelytobreathealoneisnottolive.Say,isitlife,withinthisholyfane,LikeapoorghostarounditssepulchreTolingeroutmydays?OrcallyouthatAlifeofconscioushappinessandjoy,Wheneveryhour,dream'dlistlesslyaway,Leadstothosedarkandmelancholydays,WhichthesadtroopofthedepartedspendInself-forgetfulnessonLethe'sshore?Auselesslifeisbutanearlydeath;This,woman'slot,iseminentlymine.

ARKAS.Icanforgive,thoughImustneedsdeplore,ThenoblepridewhichunderratesitselfItrobstheeofthehappinessoflife.Andhastthou,sincethycominghere,donenought?Whocheer'dthegloomytemperoftheking?Whohathwithgentleeloquenceannull'd,Fromyeartoyear,theusageofoursires,Bywhich,avictimatDiana'sshrine,Eachstrangerperish'd,thusfromcertaindeathSendingsoofttherescuedcaptivehome?HathnotDiana,harbouringnorevengeForthissuspensionofherbloodyrites,Inrichestmeasureheardthygentleprayer?Onjoyouspinionso'ertheadvancinghost,Dothnottriumphantconquestproudlysoar?Andfeelsnoteveryoneahappierlot,SinceThoas,whosolonghathguidedusWithwisdomandwithvalour,sway'dbythee,Thejoyofmildbenignityapproves,WhichleadshimtorelaxtherigidclaimsOfmutesubmission?Callthyselfuseless!Thou,Thou,fromwhosebeingo'erathousandhearts,Ahealingbalsamflows?whentoarace.Towhomagodconsign'dthee,thoudostproveAfountainofperpetualhappiness,AndfromthisdireinhospitableshoreDosttothestrangergrantasafereturn?

IPHIGENIA.Thelittledonedothvanishtothemind,Whichforwardseeshowmuchremainstodo.

ARKAS.Himdostthoupraise,whounderrateshisdeeds?

IPHIGENIA.Whoestimateshisdeedsisjustlyblam'd.

ARKAS.Weblamealike,whoproudlydisregardTheirgenuinemerit,andwhovainlyprizeTheirspuriousworthtoohighly.Trustme,priestess,AndhearkentothecounselofamanWithhonestzealdevotedtothyservice:WhenThoascomesto-daytospeakwiththee,Lendtohispurpos'dwordsagraciousear.

IPHIGENIA.Thewell-intention'dcounseltroublesme:HisofferstudiouslyI'vesoughttoshun.

ARKAS.Thydutyandthyinterestcalmlyweigh.Sincethekinglosthisson,hetrustsbutfew,Northoseasformerly.Eachnoble'ssonHeviewswithjealouseyeashissuccessor;Hedreadsasolitary,helplessage,Orrashrebellion,oruntimelydeath.AScythianstudiesnottherulesofspeech,Andleastofalltheking.HewhoisusedToactandtocommand,knowsnottheart,Fromfar,withsubtletact,toguidediscourseThroughmanywindingstoitsdestin'dgoal.DonotembarrasshimwithshyreserveAndstudiedmisconception:graciously,Andwithsubmission,meettheroyalwish.

IPHIGENIA.ShallIthenspeedthedoomthatthreatensme?

ARKAS.Hisgraciousoffercanstthoucallathreat?

IPHIGENIA.'Tisthemostterribleofalltome.

ARKAS.

Forhisaffectiongranthimconfidence.

IPHIGENIA.Ifhewillfirstredeemmysoulfromfear.

ARKAS.Whydostthouhidefromhimthyorigin?

IPHIGENIA.Apriestesssecrecydothwellbecome.

ARKAS.Noughttoourmonarchshouldasecretbe;And,thoughhedothnotseektofathomthine,Hisnoblenaturefeels,ay,deeplyfeels,Thatstudiouslythouhid'stthyselffromhim.

IPHIGENIA.Displeasuredothheharbour'gainstme,then?

ARKAS.Almostitseemsso.True,hespeaksnotofthee.ButcasualwordshavetaughtmethatthewishTocalltheehishathfirmlyseiz'dhissoul;Oh,donotleavethemonarchtohimself!Lesthisdispleasure,rip'ninginhisbreast,Shouldworktheewoe,sowithrepentancethouToolatemyfaithfulcounselshaltrecall.

IPHIGENIA.How!doththemonarchpurposewhatnomanOfnoblemind,wholoveshishonestname,Whosebosomreverenceforthegodsrestrains,Wouldeverthinkof?WillheforceemployTotearmefromthisconsecratedfane?ThenwillIcallthegods,andchieflythee,Diana,goddessresolute,toaidme;Thyselfavirgin,thou'ltavirginshield,Andsuccourtothypriestessgladlyyield.

ARKAS.Betranquil!Passion,andyouth'sfierybloodImpelnotThoasrashlytocommitAdeedsolawless.Inhispresentmood,Ifearfromhimanotherharshresolve,Which(forhissoulissteadfastandunmov'd,)Hethenwillexecutewithoutdelay.ThereforeIpraythee,canstthougrantnomore,Atleastbegrateful—givethyconfidence.

IPHIGENIA.Ohtellmewhatisfurtherknowntothee.

ARKAS.Learnitfromhim.Iseethekingapproach;Thouhonour'sthim,andthyownheartwillprompttheeTomeethimkindlyandwithconfidence.Anoblemanbywoman'sgentlewordMayoftbeled.

IPHIGENIA,alone.IseenothowIcanFollowthecounselofmyfaithfulfriend.ButwillinglythedutyIperformOfgivingthanksforbenefitsreceiv'd,AndmuchIwishthattothekingmylipsWithtruthcouldutterwhatwouldpleasehisear.

SCENEIII.IPHIGENIA. THOAS.

IPHIGENIA.Herroyalgiftsthegoddessshoweronthee!Impartingconquest,wealth,andhighrenown,Dominion,andthewelfareofthyhouse,Withthefulfilmentofeachpiouswish,Thatthou,whoovernumbersrul'stsupreme,

Thyselfmay'stbesupremeinhappiness!

THOAS.ContentedwereIwithmypeople'spraise;MyconquestsothersmorethanIenjoy.Oh!behekingorsubject,he'smostblest,Whoinhishomefindshappinessandpeace.Thoushar'dstmysorrow,whenahostileswordTorefrommysidemylast,mydearestson;Longasfiercevengeanceoccupiedmyheart,Ididnotfeelmydwelling'sdrearyvoid;Butnow,returninghome,myrageappeas'd,Myfoesdefeated,andmysonaveng'd,Ifindtherenothinglefttocomfortme.Thegladobedience,whichIusedtoseeKindlingineveryeye,issmother'dnowIndiscontentandgloom;each,pond'ring,weighsThechangeswhichafuturedaymaybring,Andservesthechildlessking,becausecompell'd.To-dayIcomewithinthissacredfane,WhichIhaveoftenenter'dtoimploreAndthankthegodsforconquest.InmybreastIbearanoldandfondly-cherish'dwish.Towhichmethinksthoucanstnotbeastranger;Thee,maid,ablessingtomyselfandrealm,Ihope,asbride,tocarrytomyhome.

IPHIGENIA.Toogreatthineoffer,king,tooneunknown;Abash'dthefugitivebeforetheestands,Whoonthisshoresoughtonlywhatthougav'st,Safetyandpeace.

THOAS.Thusstilltoshroudthyself

Fromme,asfromthelowest,intheveilOfmysterywhichwrapp'dthycominghere,Wouldinnocountrybedeem'djustorright.Strangersthisshoreappall'd;'twassoordain'd

Alikebylawandsternnecessity.Fromtheealone—akindlywelcom'dguest,Whohastenjoy'deachhallow'dprivilege,Andspentthydaysinfreedomunrestrain'd—FromtheeIhop'dthatconfidencetogainWhicheveryfaithfulhostmayjustlyclaim.

IPHIGENIA.IfIconceal'd,Oking,myname,myrace,'Twasfearthatpromptedme,andnotmistrust.Fordidstthouknowwhostandsbeforetheenow,Andwhataccursedheadthyarmprotects,Ashudd'ringhorrorwouldpossessthyheart;And,farfromwishingmetosharethythrone,Thou,erethetimeappointed,fromthyrealmWouldstbanishmeperchance,andthrustmeforth,BeforeagladreunionwithmyfriendsAndperiodtomywand'ringsisordain'd,Tomeetthatsorrow,whichineveryclime,Withcold,inhospitable,fearfulhand,Awaitstheoutcast,exil'dfromhishome.

THOAS.Whate'errespectingtheethegodsdecree,Whate'ertheirdoomfortheeandforthyhouse,Sincethouhastdweltamongstus,andenjoy'dTheprivilegethepiousstrangerclaims,Tomehathfail'dnoblessingsentfromHeaven;Andtopersuademe,thatprotectingtheeIshieldaguiltyhead,werehardindeed.

IPHIGENIA.Thybounty,nottheguest,drawsblessingsdown.

THOAS.Thekindnessshownthewickedisnotblest.Endthenthysilence,priestess;notunjustIshewhodothdemandit.InmyhandsThegoddessplac'dthee;thouhastbeentome

Assacredastoher,andherbehestShallforthefuturealsobemylaw.IfthoucansthopeinsafetytoreturnBacktothykindred,Irenouncemyclaims:Butisthyhomewardpathforeverclos'd—Ordoththyraceinhopelessexilerove,Orlieextinguish'dbysomemightywoe—ThenmayIclaimtheebymorelawsthanone.Speakopenly,thouknow'stIkeepmyword.

IPHIGENIA.ItsancientbandsreluctantlymytongueDothloose,along-hidsecrettodivulge;Foronceimparted,itresumesnomoreThesafeasylumoftheinmostheart,Butthenceforth,asthepowersabovedecree,Dothworkitsministryofwealorwoe.Attend!IissuefromtheTitan'srace.

THOAS.Awordmomentouscalmlyhastthouspoken.Himnam'stthouancestorwhomalltheworldKnowsasasometimefavouriteofthegods?IsitthatTantalus,whomJovehimselfDrewtohiscouncilandhissocialboard?Onwhoseexperienc'dwords,withwisdomfraught,Asonthelanguageofanoracle,E'engodsdelightedhung?

IPHIGENIA.'Tisevenhe;

ButgodsshouldnotholdintercoursewithmenAswiththemselves.Tooweakthehumanrace,Nottogrowdizzyonunwontedheights.Ignoblewashenot,andnobetrayer;TobetheThunderer'sslave,hewastoogreat:Tobehisfriendandcomrade,—butaman.Hiscrimewashuman,andtheirdoomsevere;Forpoetssing,thattreacheryandpride

DidfromJove'stablehurlhimheadlongdown,TogrovelinthedepthsofTartarus.Alas,andhiswholeracetheirhatepursues.

THOAS.Beartheytheirownguilt,ortheirancestors'?

IPHIGENIA.TheTitan'smightybreastandnervousframeWashisdescendant'scertainheritage;ButroundtheirbrowJoveforg'dabandofbrass.Wisdomandpatience,prudenceandrestraint,Hefromtheirgloomy,fearfuleyeconceal'd;Inthemeachpassiongrewtosavagerage,Andheadlongrush'duncheck'd.TheTitan'sson,Thestrong-will'dPelops,wonhisbeauteousbride,Hippodamia,childofŒnomaus,Throughtreacheryandmurder;sheerelongBorehimtwochildren,AtreusandThyestes;WithenvytheybeheldthegrowingloveTheirfathercherish'dforafirst-bornsonSprungfromanotherunion.Boundbyhate,Insecrettheycontrivetheirbrother'sdeath.Thesire,thecrimeimputingtohiswife,Withsavagefuryclaim'dfromherhischild,Andsheinterrordiddestroyherself—

THOAS.Thou'rtsilent?Pausenotinthynarrative!Donotrepentthyconfidence—sayon!

IPHIGENIA.HowblestishewhohisprogenitorsWithprideremembers,tothelist'nertellsThestoryoftheirgreatness,oftheirdeeds,And,silentlyrejoicing,seeshimselfLink'dtothisgoodlychain!ForthesamestockBearsnotthemonsterandthedemigod:Aline,orgoodorevil,ushersin

Thegloryortheterroroftheworld.—AfterthedeathofPelops,histwosonsRul'do'erthecitywithdividedsway.Butsuchanunioncouldnotlongendure.Hisbrother'shonourfirstThyesteswounds.InvengeanceAtreusdrovehimfromtherealm.Thyestes,planninghorrors,longbeforeHadstealthilyprocur'dhisbrother'sson,Whomheinsecretnurtur'dashisown.Revengeandfuryinhisbreasthepour'd,Thentotheroyalcitysenthimforth,Thatinhisunclehemightslayhissire,Themeditatedmurderwasdisclos'd,Andbythekingmostcruellyaveng'd,Whoslaughter'd,ashethought,hisbrother'sson.Toolatehelearn'dwhosedyingtorturesmetHisdrunkengaze;andseekingtoassuageTheinsatiatevengeancethatpossess'dhissoul,Heplann'dadeedunheardof.Heassum'dAfriendlytone,seem'dreconcil'd,appeas'd.Andlur'dhisbrother,withhischildrentwain,Backtohiskingdom;theseheseiz'dandslew;Thenplac'dtheloathsomeandabhorrentfoodAthisfirstmealbeforetheunconscioussire.AndwhenThyesteshadhishungerstill'dWithhisownflesh,asadnessseiz'dhissoul;Heforhischildrenask'd,—theirsteps,theirvoice,Fanciedheheardalreadyatthedoor;AndAtreus,grinningwithmaliciousjoy,Threwinthemembersoftheslaughter'dboys.—Shudd'ring,Oking,thoudostavertthyface:Sodidthesunhisradiantvisagehide,Andswervehischariotfromtheeternalpath.These,monarch,arethypriestess'ancestors,Andmanyadreadfulfateofmortaldoom,Andmanyadeedofthebewilder'dbrain,Darknightdothcoverwithhersablewing,Orshroudingloomytwilight.

THOAS.Hiddenthere

Letthemabide.Atrucetohorrornow,Andtellmebywhatmiraclethousprang'stFromracesosavage.

IPHIGENIA.Atreus'eldestson

WasAgamemnon;he,Oking,mysire:ButImaysaywithtruth,that,fromachild,InhimthemodelofaperfectmanIwitness'dever.ClytemnestraboreTohim,myself,thefirstlingoftheirlove,Electrathen.Peacefulthemonarchrul'd,AndtothehouseofTantaluswasgivenAlong-withheldrepose.AsonaloneWaswantingtocompletemyparent'sbliss;Scarcewasthiswishfulfill'd,andyoungOrestes,Thehousehold'sdarling,withhissistersgrew,Whennewmisfortunesvex'dourancienthouse.Toyouhathcometherumourofthewar,Which,toavengethefairestwoman'swrongs,TheforceunitedoftheGreciankingsRoundIlion'swallsencamp'd.WhetherthetownWashumbl'd,andachiev'dtheirgreatrevengeIhavenotheard.MyfatherledthehostInAulisvainlyforafavouringgaleTheywaited;for,enrag'dagainsttheirchief,Dianastay'dtheirprogress,andrequir'd,ThroughCalchas'voice,themonarch'seldestdaughter.Theylur'dmewithmymothertothecamp,AndatDiana'saltardoom'dthishead.—Shewasappeas'd,shedidnotwishmyblood,Andwraptmeinasoftprotectingcloud;WithinthistemplefromthedreamofdeathIwaken'dfirst.Yes,Imyselfamshe;Iphigenia,—IwhospeaktotheeAmAtreus'grandchild,Agamemnon'schild,AndgreatDiana'sconsecratedpriestess.

THOAS.IyieldnohigherhonourorregardTotheking'sdaughterthanthemaidunknown;OncemoremyfirstproposalIrepeat;Come,followme,andsharewhatIpossess.

IPHIGENIA.HowdareIventuresuchastep,Oking?HathnotthegoddesswhoprotectedmeAlonearighttomydevotedhead?'Twasshewhochoseformethissanctuary,Wheresheperchancereservesmeformysire,Bymyapparentdeathenoughchastis'd,Tobethejoyandsolaceofhisage.Perchancemygladreturnisnear;andhowIfI,unmindfulofherpurposes,Hadhereattach'dmyselfagainstherwill?Iask'dasignal,didshewishmystay.

THOAS.Thesignalisthatstillthoutarriesthere.Seeknotevasivelysuchvainpretexts.Notmanywordsareneededtorefuse,Bytherefus'dthenoaloneisheard.

IPHIGENIA.Minearenotwordsmeantonlytodeceive;Ihavetotheemyinmostheartreveal'd.Anddothnoinwardvoicesuggesttothee,HowIwithyearningsoulmustpinetoseeMyfather,mother,andmylong-losthome?Ohletthyvesselsbearmethither,king!Thatintheancienthalls,wheresorrowstillInaccentslowdothfondlybreathemyname,Joy,asinwelcomeofanew-bornchild,Mayroundthecolumnstwinethefairestwreath.Thouwouldsttomeandminenewlifeimpart.

THOAS.

Thengo!thepromptingsofthyheartobey;Despisethevoiceofreasonandgoodcounsel.Bequitethewoman,sway'dbyeachdesire,Thatbridlelessimpelshertoandfro.Whenpassionragesfiercelyinherbreast,NosacredtiewithholdsherfromthewretchWhowouldallurehertoforsakeforhimAhusband'sorafather'sguardianarms;Extinctwithinherheartitsfieryglow,ThegoldentongueofeloquenceinvainWithwordsoftruthandpowerassailsherear.

IPHIGENIA.Remembernow,Oking,thynoblewords!Mytrustandcandourwiltthouthusrepay?Thouseem'dst,methought,prepar'dtohearthetruth.

THOAS.Forthisunlook'd-foranswernotprepar'd.Yet'twastobeexpected;knewInotThat'twaswithwomanIhadnowtodeal?

IPHIGENIA.Upbraidnotthus,Oking,ourfeeblesex!Thoughnotindignitytomatchwithyours,Theweaponswomanwieldsarenotignoble.Andtrustme,Thoas,inthyhappinessIhaveadeeperinsightthanthyself.Thouthinkest,ignorantalikeofboth,Acloserunionwouldaugmentourbliss;Inspir'dwithconfidenceandhonestzealThoustronglyurgestmetoyieldconsent;AndhereIthankthegods,whogivemestrengthToshunadoomunratifiedbythem.

THOAS.'Tisnotagod,'tisthineownheartthatspeaks.

IPHIGENIA.

'Tisthroughtheheartalonetheyspeaktous.

THOAS.TohearthemhaveInotanequalright?

IPHIGENIA.Theragingtempestdrownsthestill,smallvoice.

THOAS.Thisvoicenodoubtthepriestesshearsalone.

IPHIGENIA.Beforeallothersshouldtheprinceattendit.

THOAS.Thysacredoffice,andancestralrightToJove'sowntable,placetheewiththegodsIncloserunionthananearth-bornsavage.

IPHIGENIA.ThusmustInowtheconfidenceatoneThyselfextortedfromme!

THOAS.I'maman,

Andbetter'tisweendthisconference.Hearthenmylastresolve.BepriestessstillOfthegreatgoddesswhoselectedthee;Andmayshepardonme,thatIfromher,Unjustlyandwithsecretself-reproach,Herancientsacrificesolongwithheld.Fromoldentimesnostrangernear'dourshoreButfellavictimathersacredshrine.Butthou,withkindaffection(whichattimesSeem'dlikeagentledaughter'stenderlove,Attimesassum'dtomyenraptur'dheartThemodestinclinationofabride),Didstsointhralme,aswithmagicbonds,ThatIforgotmyduty.ThoudidstrockMysensesinadream:Ididnothear

Mypeople'smurmurs:nowtheycryaloud,Ascribingmypoorson'suntimelydeathTothismyguilt.NolongerforthysakeWillIopposethewishesofthecrowd,Whourgentlydemandthesacrifice.

IPHIGENIA.FormineownsakeIne'erdesireditfromthee.WhotothegodsascribeathirstforbloodDomisconceivetheirnature,andimputeTothemtheirowninhumandarkdesires.DidnotDianasnatchmefromthepriest,Preferringmypoorservicetomydeath?

THOAS.'Tisnotforus,onreason'sshiftinggrounds,Lightlytoguideandconstrueritesdivine.Performthyduty;I'llaccomplishmine.Twostrangers,whomincavernsoftheshoreWefoundconceal'd,andwhosearrivalhereBodestomyrealmnogood,areinmypower.WiththemthygoddessmayoncemoreresumeHerancient,pious,long-suspendedrites!Isendthemhere,—thydutynotunknown.[Exit.

IPHIGENIA,alone.Graciousprotectress!thouhastcloudsToshelterinnocencedistress'd,AndgenialgalesfromFate'srudegrasp,Safelytowafthero'erthesea,O'erthewideearth'sremotestrealms,Where'eritseemethgoodtothee.Wiseartthou,—thineall-seeingeyeThefutureandthepastsurveys,Anddothonallthychildrenrest,E'enasthypureandguardianlightKeepso'ertheearthitssilentwatch,Thebeautyandthelifeofnight.OGoddess!keepmyhandsfromblood!

Blessingitneverbrings,norpeace;AndstillinevilhourstheformOfthechance-murder'dmanappearsTofilltheunwillingmurderer'ssoulWithhorribleandgloomyfears.ForfondlytheImmortalsviewMan'swidely-scatter'd,simplerace;Andthepoormortal'stransientlifeGladlyprolong,thathemayraiseAwhiletotheireternalheavensHissympatheticjoyousgaze.

ACTTHESECOND.

SCENEI.ORESTES. PYLADES.

ORESTES.Itisthepathofdeaththatnowwetread:Ateverystepmysoulgrowsmoreserene.WhenIimplor'dApollotoremoveThegrislybandofFuriesfrommyside,Heseem'd,withhope-inspiring,godlikewords,TopromiseaidandsafetyinthefaneOfhislov'dsister,whoo'erTaurisrules.Thusthepropheticwordfulfilsitself,Thatwithmylifeshallterminatemywoe.Howeasy'tisforme,whoseheartiscrush'd,Whosesenseisdeaden'dbyahanddivine,Thustorenouncethebeauteouslightofday!AndmustthesonofAtreusnotentwineThewreathofconquestroundhisdyingbrow—MustI,asmyforefathers,asmysire,Bleedlikeavictim,—anignobledeath—Sobeit!Betteratthealtarhere,Thaninanookobscure,wherekindredhandsHavespreadassassination'swilynet.Yieldmethisbriefrepose,infernalPowers!Ye,who,likeloosen'dhounds,stillscenttheblood,Which,tricklingfrommyfeet,betraysmypath.Leaveme!erelongIcometoyoubelow.Noryou,norI,shouldviewthelightofday.ThesoftgreencarpetofthebeauteousearthIsnoarenaforunhallow'dfiends.BelowIseekyou,whereanequalfateBindsallinmurky,never-endingnight.

Theeonly,thee,myPylades,myfriend,Theguiltlesspartnerofmycrimeandcurse,TheeamIloath,beforethytime,totakeToyondercheerlessshore!ThylifeordeathAloneawakensinmehopeorfear.

PYLADES.Likethee,Orestes,Iamnotprepar'dDownwardstowandertoyonrealmofshade.Ipurposestill,throughtheentangl'dpaths,Whichseemastheywouldleadtoblackestnight,Againtoguideourupwardwaytolife.OfdeathIthinknot;IobserveandmarkWhetherthegodsmaynotperchancepresentMeansandfitmomentforajoyfulflight.Dreadedornot,thestrokeofdeathmustcome;Andthoughthepriestessstoodwithhanduprais'd,Prepar'dtocutourconsecratedlocks,Oursafetystillshouldbemyonlythought:Upliftthysoulabovethisweakdespair;Despondingdoubtsbuthastenonourperil.Apollopledg'dtoushissacredword,Thatinhissister'sholyfanefortheeWerecomfort,aid,andgladreturnprepar'd.ThewordsofHeavenarenotequivocal,Asindespairthepooroppress'donethinks.

ORESTES.

ThemysticweboflifemymotherspreadAroundmyinfanthead,andsoIgrew,Animageofmysire;andmymutelookWasayeabitterandakeenreproofToherandbaseÆgisthus.Oh,howoft,WhensilentlywithinourgloomyhallElectrasat,andmus'dbesidethefire,HaveIwithanguish'dspiritclimb'dherknee,Andwatch'dherbittertearswithsadamaze!Thenwouldshetellmeofournoblesire:HowmuchIlong'dtoseehim—bewithhim!MyselfatTroyonemomentfondlywish'd,Mysire'sreturn,thenext.Thedayarrived—

PYLADES.Oh,ofthatawfulhourletfiendsofhellHoldnightlyconverse!OfatimemorefairMaytheremembranceanimateourheartsTofreshheroicdeeds.ThegodsrequireOnthiswideearththeserviceofthegood,Toworktheirpleasure.Stilltheycountonthee;Forinthyfather'straintheysenttheenot,WhenhetoOrcuswentunwillingdown.

ORESTES.WouldIhadseiz'dtheborderofhisrobe.Andfollow'dhim!

PYLADES.Theykindlycar'dforme

Whoheredetain'dthee;forifthouhadstdiedIknownotwhathadthenbecomeofme;SinceIwiththee,andforthysakealone,Havefrommychildhoodliv'd,andwishtolive.

ORESTES.Donotremindmeofthosetranquildays,Whenmethyhomeasafeasylumgave;Withfondsolicitudethynoblesire

Thehalf-nipp'd,tenderflow'retgentlyrear'd;Whilethouafriendandplaymatealwaysgay,LiketoalightandbrilliantbutterflyAroundaduskyflower,didstaroundmeStillwithnewlifethymerrygambolsplay,Andbreathethyjoyousspiritinmysoul,Until,mycaresforgetting,IwiththeeWaslur'dtosnatchtheeagerjoysofyouth.

PYLADES.MyverylifebeganwhentheeIlov'd.

ORESTES.Say,thenthywoesbegan,andthouspeak'sttruly.Thisisthesharpestsorrowofmylot,That,likeaplague-infectedwretch,IbearDeathanddestructionhidwithinmybreast;That,whereItread,e'enonthehealthiestspot,ErelongthebloomingfacesroundbetrayThewrithingfeaturesofaling'ringdeath.

PYLADES.Werethybreathvenom,IhadbeenthefirstTodiethatdeath,Orestes.AmInot,Asever,fullofcourageandofjoy?Andloveandcouragearethespirit'swingsWaftingtonobleactions.

ORESTES.Nobleactions?

Timewas,whenfancypaintedsuchbeforeus!Whenoft,thegamepursuing,onweroam'dO'erhillandvalley;hopingthaterelongWithclubandweaponarm'd,wesomighttrackTherobbertohisden,ormonsterhuge.Andthenattwilight,bytheglassysea,Wepeacefulsat,reclin'dagainsteachotherThewavescamedancingtoourveryfeet.Andallbeforeuslaythewide,wideworld.

Thenonasuddenonewouldseizehissword,Andfuturedeedsshonerounduslikethestars,Whichgemm'dincountlessthrongsthevaultofnight.

PYLADES.Endless,myfriend,theprojectswhichthesoulBurnstoaccomplish.WewouldeverydeedAtonceperformasgrandlyasitshowsAfterlongages,whenfromlandtolandThepoet'sswellingsonghathroll'diton.Itsoundssolovelywhatourfathersdid,When,inthesilenteveningshadereclin'd,Wedrinkitinwithmusic'smeltingtones;Andwhatwedois,astheirdeedstothem,Toilsomeandincomplete!Thuswepursuewhatalwaysfliesbefore;Wedisregardthepathinwhichwetread,Scarceseearoundthefootstepsofoursires,Orheedthetraceoftheircareeronearth.Weeverhastenontochasetheirshades,Whichgodlike,atadistancefarremote,Ongoldencloudsreclin'd,themountainscrown.ThemanIprizenotwhoesteemshimselfJustasthepeople'sbreathmaychancetoraisehim.Butthou,Orestes,tothegodsgivethanks,Thattheyhavedonesomuchthroughtheealready.

ORESTES.Whentheyordainamantonobledeeds,Toshieldfromdirecalamityhisfriends,Extendhisempire,orprotectitsbounds,Orputtoflightitsancientenemies,Lethimbegrateful!FortohimagodImpartsthefirst,thesweetestjoyoflife.Mehavetheydoom'dtobeaslaughterer,Tobeanhonour'dmother'smurderer,Andshamefullyadeedofshameavenging.Methroughtheirowndecreetheyhaveo'erwhelm'd.Trustme,theraceofTantalusisdoom'd;

Normayhislastdescendantleavetheearth,Orcrown'dwithhonourorunstain'dbycrime.

PYLADES.ThegodsavengenotonthesonthedeedsDonebythefather.Each,orgoodorbad,Ofhisownactionsreapstheduereward.Theparents'blessing,nottheircurse,descends.

ORESTES.Methinkstheirblessingdidnotleadushere.

PYLADES.Itwasatleastthemightygods'decree.

ORESTES.Thenisittheirdecreewhichdothdestroyus.

PYLADES.Performwhattheycommand,andwaittheevent.DothouApollo'ssisterbearfromhence,ThattheyatDelphimayuniteddwell,Rever'dandhonour'dbyanoblerace:Thee,forthisdeed,theheav'nlypairwillviewWithgraciouseye,andfromthehatefulgraspOftheinfernalPowerswillrescuethee.E'ennownonedaresintrudewithinthisgrove.

ORESTES.SoshallIdieatleastapeacefuldeath.

PYLADES.Farotheraremythoughts,andnotunskill'dHaveIthefutureandthepastcombin'dInquietmeditation.Long,perchance,Hathripen'dinthecounselofthegodsThegreatevent.Dianawish'dtoleaveThissavageregionfoulwithhumanblood.Wewereselectedforthehighemprize;Tousitisassign'd,andstrangelythus

Weareconductedtothethresholdhere.

ORESTES.Myfriend,withwondrousskillthoulink'stthywishWiththepredestin'dpurposeofthegods.

PYLADES.Ofwhatavailisprudence,ifitfailHeedfultomarkthepurposesofHeaven?Anobleman,whomuchhathsinn'd,somegodDothsummontoadangerousenterprize,Whichtoachieveappearsimpossible.Theheroconquers,andatoningservesMortalsandgods,whothenceforthhonourhim.

ORESTES.AmIforedoom'dtoactionandtolife,Wouldthatagodfrommydistemper'dbrainMightchasethisdizzyfever,whichimpelsMyrestlessstepsalongaslipp'rypath,Stain'dwithamother'sblood,todirefuldeath;Andpitying,drythefountain,whencetheblood,Foreverspoutingfromamother'swounds,Eternallydefilesme!

PYLADES.Waitinpeace!

Thoudostincreasetheevil,anddosttakeTheofficeoftheFuriesonthyself.Letmecontrive,—bestill!AndwhenatlengthThetimeforactionclaimsourpowerscombin'd,ThenwillIsummonthee,andonwe'llstride,Withcautiousboldnesstoachievetheevent.

ORESTES.IhearUlyssesspeak!

PYLADES.Nay,mockmenot.

EachmustselecttheheroafterwhomToclimbthesteepanddifficultascentOfhighOlympus.AndtomeitseemsThathimnorstratagemnorartdefileWhoconsecrateshimselftonobledeeds.

ORESTES.Imostesteemthebraveanduprightman.

PYLADES.AndthereforehaveInotdesir'dthycounsel.Onestepista'enalready:fromourguardsIhaveextortedthisintelligence.AstrangeandgodlikewomannowrestrainsTheexecutionofthatbloodylaw:Incense,andprayer,andanunsulliedheart,Thesearethegiftssheofferstothegods.Herfameiswidelyspread,anditisthoughtThatfromtheraceofAmazonshesprings,Andhitherfledsomegreatcalamity.

ORESTES.Hergentlesway,itseems,lostallitspowerAttheapproachofonesocriminal,Whomthedirecurseenshroudsingloomynight.Ourdoomtoseal,thepiousthirstforbloodAgainunchainstheancientcruelrite:Themonarch'ssavagewilldecreesourdeath;Awomancannotsavewhenhecondemns.

PYLADES.That'tisawomanisagroundforhope!Aman,theverybest,withcrueltyAtlengthmaysofamiliarizehismind,Hischaracterthroughcustomsotransform,ThatheshallcometomakehimselfalawOfwhatatfirsthisverysoulabhorr'd.ButwomandothretainthestampofmindShefirstassum'd.Onherwemaydepend

Ingoodorevilwithmorecertainty.Shecomes;leaveusalone.IdarenottellAtonceournames,norunreserv'dconfideOurfortunestoher.Nowretireawhile,Andereshespeakswiththeewe'llmeetagain.

SCENEII.IPHIGENIA. PYLADES.

IPHIGENIA.Whenceartthou?Stranger,speak!TomethybearingStampstheeofGrecian,notofScythianrace.

(Sheunbindshischains.)ThefreedomthatIgiveisdangerous:Thegodsavertthedoomthatthreatensyou!

PYLADES.Deliciousmusic!dearlywelcometonesOfourownlanguageinaforeignland!WithjoymycaptiveeyeoncemorebeholdsTheazuremountainsofmynativecoast.Oh,letthisjoythatItooamaGreekConvincethee,priestess!HowIneedthineaid,AmomentIforget,myspiritwraptIncontemplationofsofairavision.Iffate'sdreadmandatedothnotsealthylips.Fromwhichofourillustriousraces,say,Dostthouthygodlikeoriginderive?

IPHIGENIA.Apriestess,bytheGoddess'selfordain'dAndconsecratedtoo,dothspeakwiththee.Letthatsuffice:buttellme,whoartthou,Andwhatunbless'do'errulingdestinyHathhitherledtheewiththyfriend?

PYLADES.Thewoe,

Whosehatefulpresenceeverdogsoursteps,Icanwitheaserelate.Oh,wouldthatthouCouldstwithlikeease,divineone,shedonusOnerayofcheeringhope!WearefromCrete,Adrastus'sons,andI,theyoungestborn,NamedCephalus;myeldestbrother,he,Laodamus.BetweenustwoayouthOfsavagetempergrew,whooftdisturb'dThejoyandconcordofouryouthfulsports.LongasourfatherledhispowersatTroy,Passiveourmother'smandateweobey'd;Butwhen,enrich'dwithbooty,hereturn'd,Andshortlyafterdied,acontestfierceForthesuccessionandtheirfather'swealth,Partedthebrothers.Itheeldestjoined;Heslewthesecond;andtheFurieshenceForkindredmurderdoghisrestlesssteps.ButtothissavageshoretheDelphiangodHathsentus,cheer'dbyhope,commandingusWithinhissister'stempletoawaitTheblessedhandofaid.Wehavebeenta'en,Broughthither,andnowstandforsacrifice.Mytaleistold.

IPHIGENIA.Tellme,isTroyo'erthrown?

Assuremeofitsfall.

PYLADES.Itliesinruins.

Butoh,ensuredeliverancetous!Hasten,Ipray,thepromis'daidofheav'n.Pitymybrother,sayakindlyword;ButIimplorethee,sparehimwhenthouspeakest.TooeasilyhisinnermindistornByjoy,orgrief,orcruelmemory.Afeverishmadnessoftdothseizeonhim,

Yieldinghisspirit,beautifulandfree,Apreytofuries.

IPHIGENIA.Greatasisthywoe,

Forgetit,Iconjurethee,forawhile,TillIamsatisfied.

PYLADES.Thestatelytown,

WhichtenlongyearswithstoodtheGrecianhost,Nowliesinruins,ne'ertoriseagain;Yetmanyahero'sgravewilloftrecallOursadremembrancetothatbarbarousshore;ThereliesAchillesandhisnoblefriend.

IPHIGENIA.Andareye,godlikeforms,reduc'dtodust!

PYLADES.NorPalamede,norAjax,ereagainThedaylightoftheirnativelandbehold.

IPHIGENIA.Hespeaksnotofmyfather,dothnotnameHimwiththefallen.Hemayyetsurvive!Imaybeholdhim!stillhopeon,myheart!

PYLADES.Yethappyarethethousandswhoreceiv'dTheirbitterdeath-blowfromahostilehand!Forterrorwild,andendmosttragical,Somehostile,angry,deityprepar'd,Insteadoftriumph,forthehome-returning.Dohumanvoicesneverreachthisshore?Farastheirsoundextends,theybearthefameOfdeedsunparallel'd.AndisthewoeWhichfillsMycene'shallswithceaselesssighsTotheeasecretstill?—Andknow'stthounot

ThatClytemnestra,withÆgisthus'aid,Herroyalconsortartfullyensnar'd,Andmurder'donthedayofhisreturn?—Themonarch'shousethouhonourest!IperceiveThyheavingbosomvainlydothcontendWithtidingsfraughtwithsuchunlook'd-forwoeArtthouthedaughterofafriend?orbornWithinthecircuitofMycene'swalls?Donotconcealit,noravengeonmeThatherethehorridcrimeIfirstannounc'd.

IPHIGENIA.Proceed,andtellmehowthedeedwasdone.

PYLADES.Thedayofhisreturn,asfromthebathArosethemonarch,tranquilandrefresh'd.Hisrobedemandingfromhisconsort'shand,Atangl'dgarment,complicatewithfolds.Sheo'erhisshouldersflungandnoblehead;Andwhen,asfromanet,hevainlystroveToextricatehimself,thetraitor,baseÆgisthus,smotehim,andenvelop'dthusGreatAgamemnonsoughttheshadesbelow.

IPHIGENIA.Andwhatrewardreceiv'dthebaseaccomplice?

PYLADES.Aqueenandkingdomhepossess'dalready.

IPHIGENIA.Basepassionprompted,then,thedeedofshame?

PYLADES.Andfeelings,cherish'dlong,ofdeeprevenge.

IPHIGENIA.HowhadthemonarchinjuredClytemnestra?

PYLADES.Bysuchadreadfuldeed,thatifonearthAughtcouldexculpatemurder,itwerethis.ToAulisheallur'dher,whenthefleetWithunpropitiouswindsthegoddessstay'd;Andthere,avictimatDiana'sshrine,Themonarch,forthewelfareoftheGreeks,Hereldestdaughterdoom'd.Andthis,'tissaid,Plantedsuchdeepabhorrenceinherheart,ThattoÆgisthussheresign'dherself,Androundherhusbandflungthewebofdeath.

IPHIGENIA(veilingherself).Itisenough!Thouwiltagainbeholdme.

PYLADES,alone.Thefortuneofthisroyalhouse,itseems,Dothmoveherdeeply.Whosoe'ershebe,Shemustherselfhaveknownthemonarchwell;—Forourgoodfortune,fromanoblehouse,Shehathbeensoldtobondage.Peace,myheart!AndletussteerourcoursewithprudentzealTowardthestarofhopewhichgleamsuponus.

ACTTHETHIRD.

SCENEI.IPHIGENIA. ORESTES.

IPHIGENIA.Unhappyman,IonlyloosethybondsIntokenofastillsevererdoom.Thefreedomwhichthesanctuaryimparts,Likethelastlife-gleamo'erthedyingface,Butheraldsdeath.Icannot,darenotsayYourdoomishopeless;for,withmurd'roushand,CouldIinflictthefatalblowmyself?AndwhileIhereampriestessofDiana,None,behewhohemay,daretouchyourheads.Buttheincensedking,shouldIrefuseCompliancewiththeriteshimselfenjoin'd,WillchooseanothervirginfrommytrainAsmysuccessor.Then,alas!withnought,Saveardentwishes,canIsuccouryou,Muchhonour'dcountryman!Thehumblestslave,Whohadbutnear'doursacredhouseholdhearth,Isdearlywelcomeinaforeignland;Howwithproportion'djoyandblessing,then,ShallIreceivethemanwhodothrecallTheimageoftheheroes,whomIlearn'dTohonourfrommyparents,andwhocheersMyinmostheartwithflatt'ringgleamsofhope!

ORESTES.DoesprudentforethoughtprompttheetoconcealThynameandrace?ormayIhopetoknowWho,likeaheavenlyvision,meetsmethus?

IPHIGENIA.Yes,thoushaltknowme.NowconcludethetaleOfwhichthybrotheronlytoldmehalf:Relatetheirend,whocominghomefromTroy,OntheirownthresholdmetadoomsevereAndmostunlook'dfor.I,thoughbutachildWhenfirstconductedhither,wellrecallThetimidglanceofwonderwhichIcastOnthoseheroicforms.Whentheywentforth,itseem'dasthoughOlympusfromherwombHadcasttheheroesofaby-goneworld,TofrightenIlion;and,abovethemall,GreatAgamemnontower'dpre-eminent!Ohtellme!Felltheheroinhishome,ThoughClytemnestra'sandÆgisthus'wiles?

ORESTES.Hefell!

IPHIGENIA.UnblestMycene!Thusthesons

OfTantalus,withbarbaroushands,havesownCurseuponcurse;and,astheshakenweedScattersaroundathousandpoison-seeds,Sotheyassassinsceaselessgenerate,Theirchildren'schildrenruthlesstodestroy.—Nowtelltheremnantofthybrother'stale,Whichhorrordarklyhidfrommebefore.Howdidthelastdescendantoftherace,—Thegentlechild,towhomtheGodsassign'dTheofficeofavenger,—howdidheEscapethatdayofblood?DidequalfateAroundOrestesthrowAvernus'net?Say,washesaved?andishestillalive?AndlivesElectra,too?

ORESTES.Theybothsurvive.

IPHIGENIA.GoldenApollo,lendthychoicestbeams!LaythemanofferingatthethroneofJove!ForIampooranddumb.

ORESTES.Ifsocialbonds

Ortiesmorecloseconnecttheewiththishouse,Asthisthyjoyevinces,reinthyheart;ForinsupportablethesuddenplungeFromhappinesstosorrow'sgloomydepth.Asyetthouonlyknow'stthehero'sdeath.

IPHIGENIA.Andisnotthisintelligenceenough?

ORESTES.Halfofthehorroryetremainsuntold.

IPHIGENIA.ElectraandOrestesbothsurvive,WhathaveIthentofear?

ORESTES.Andfear'stthounoughtForClytemnestra?

IPHIGENIA.Her,norhopenorfear

Havepowertosave.

ORESTES.Shetothelandofhope

Hathbidfarewell.

IPHIGENIA.Didherrepentanthand

Shedherownblood?

ORESTES.

Notso;yetherownbloodInflicteddeath.

IPHIGENIA.Speaklessambiguously.

UncertaintyaroundmyanxiousheadHerdusky,thousand-folded,pinionwaves.

ORESTES.HavethenthepowersaboveselectedmeTobetheheraldofadreadfuldeed,Which,inthedrearandsoundlessrealmsofnight,Ifainwouldhideforever?'GainstmywillThygentlevoiceconstrainsme;itdemands,Andshallreceive,ataleofdirestwoe.Electra,onthedaywhenfellhersire,Herbrotherfromimpendingdoomconceal'd;HimStrophius,hisfather'srelative,Withkindestcarereceiv'd,andrear'dthechildWithhisownson,namedPylades,whosoonAroundthestrangertwin'dthebondsoflove.Andastheygrew,withintheirinmostsoulsTheresprangtheburninglongingtorevengeThemonarch'sdeath.Unlookdfor,anddisguis'd,TheyreachMycene,feigningtohavebroughtThemournfultidingsofOrestes'death,Togetherwithhisashes.ThemthequeenGladlyreceives.Withinthehousetheyenter;OrestestoElectrashowshimself:Shefansthefiresofvengeanceintoflame,WhichinthesacredpresenceofamotherHadburn'dmoredimly.SilentlysheleadsHerbrothertothespotwherefelltheirsire;Whereluridblood-marks,ontheoft-wash'dfloor,Withpallidstreaks,anticipaterevenge.WithfieryeloquenceshepicturesforthEachcircumstanceofthatatrociousdeed,—Herownoppress'dandmiserablelife,Theprosperoustraitor'sinsolentdemeanour,

Theperilsthreat'ningAgamemnon'sraceFromherwhohadbecometheirstepmother;Theninhishandtheancientdaggerthrusts,WhichofteninthehouseofTantalusWithsavagefuryrag'd,—andbyhersonIsClytemnestraslain.

IPHIGENIA.Immortalpowers!

Whosepureandblestexistenceglidesaway'Midevershiftingclouds,mehaveyekeptSomanyyearssecludedfromtheworld,Retain'dmenearyourselves,consign'dtomeThechildliketasktofeedthesacredfire,Andtaughtmyspirit,likethehallow'dflame,Withnever-cloudedbrightnesstoaspireToyourpuremansions,—butatlengthtofeelWithkeenerwoethemiseryofmyhouse?Ohtellmeofthepoorunfortunate!SpeakofOrestes!

ORESTES.Wouldthatheweredead!

Forthfromhismother'sbloodherghostarose,AndtotheancientdaughtersofthenightCries,—"Lethimnotescape,—thematricide!Pursuethevictim,dedicatetoyou!"Theyhear,andglarearoundwithholloweyes,Likegreedyeagles.IntheirmurkydensTheystirthemselves,andfromthecornerscreepTheircomrades,direRemorseandpallidFear;BeforethemfumesamistofAcheron;Perplexinglyaroundthemurderer'sbrowTheeternalcontemplationofthepastRollsinitscloudycircles.OnceagainThegrislyband,commissionedtodestroy,Polluteearth'sbeautifulandheaven-sownfields,Fromwhichanancientcursehadbanish'dthem.Theirrapidfeetthefugitivepursue;

Theyonlypausetostartawilderfear.

IPHIGENIA.Unhappyone;thylotresembleshis,Thoufeel'stwhathe,poorfugitive,mustsuffer.

ORESTES.Whatsay'stthou?whypresumemyfatelikehis?

IPHIGENIA.Abrother'smurderweighsuponthysoul;Thyyoungerbrothertoldthemournfultale.

ORESTES.IcannotsufferthatthynoblesoulShouldbedeceiv'dbyerror.Richinguile,Andpractis'dindeceit,astrangermayAweboffalsehoodcunninglydeviseTosnareastranger;—betweenusbetruth.IamOrestes!andthisguiltyheadIsstoopingtothetomb,andcovetsdeath;Itwillbewelcomenowinanyshape.Whoe'erthouart,fortheeandformyfriendIwishdeliverance;—Idesireitnot.Thouseem'sttolingerhereagainstthywill;Contrivesomemeansofflight,andleavemehere:Mylifelesscorpsehurl'dheadlongfromtherock,Mybloodshallminglewiththedashingwaves,Andbringacurseuponthisbarbarousshore!ReturntogetherhometolovelyGreece,Withjoyanewexistencetocommence.

[ORESTESretires.IPHIGENIA.

AtlengthFulfilment,fairestchildofJove,Thoudostdescenduponmefromonhigh!Howvastthineimage!scarcemystrainingeyeCanreachthyhands,which,fill'dwithgoldenfruitAndwreathsofblessing,fromOlympus'height

Showertreasuresdown.AsbyhisbounteousgiftsWerecognizethemonarch(forwhatseemsTothousandsopulenceisnoughttohim),Soyou,yeheavenlyPowers,arealsoknownBybountylongwithheld,andwiselyplann'd.Yeonlyknowwhatthingsaregoodforus;Yeviewthefuture'swide-extendedrealm;WhilefromoureyeadimorstarryveilTheprospectshrouds.Calmlyyehearourprayers,Whenwelikechildrensueforgreaterspeed.Notimmatureyepluckheaven'sgoldenfruit;Andwoetohim,whowithimpatienthand,Hisdateofjoyforestalling,gathersdeath.Letnotthislong-awaitedhappiness,Whichyetmyhearthathscarcelyrealiz'd,Liketotheshadowofdepartedfriends,Glidevainlybywithtriplesorrowfraught!

ORESTES,returning.DostthouforPyladesandforthyselfImplorethegods,blendnotmynamewithyours;Thouwiltnotsavethewretchwhomthouwouldstjoin,Butwiltparticipatehiscurseandwoe.

IPHIGENIA.Mydestinyisfirmlyboundtothine.

ORESTES.No,saynotso;aloneandunattendedLetmedescendtoHades.ThoughthoushouldstInthineownveilenwraptheguiltyone.Thoucouldstnotshroudhimfromhiswakefulfoes;Ande'enthysacredpresence,heavenlymaid,Drivesthemaside,butscaresthemnotaway.WithbrazenimpiousfeettheydarenottreadWithintheprecinctsofthissacredgrove:Yetinthedistance,everandanon,Iheartheirhorridlaughter,likethehowlOffamish'dwolves,beneaththetreewherein

Thetravellerhides.Without,encamp'dtheylie,AndshouldIquitthisconsecratedgrove,Shakingtheirserpentlocks,theywouldarise,And,raisingcloudsofdustoneveryside,Ceaselesspursuetheirmiserableprey.

IPHIGENIA.Orestes,canstthouhearafriendlyword?

ORESTES.Reserveitforonefavour'dbythegods.

IPHIGENIA.Totheetheygiveanewthelightofhope.

ORESTES.ThroughcloudsandsmokeIseethefeeblegleamOfthedeath-streamwhichlightsmedowntohell.

IPHIGENIA.Hastthouonesisteronly,thyElectra?

ORESTES.Iknewbutone:yetherkinddestiny,Whichseem'dtoussoterrible,betimesRemovedaneldersisterfromthewoeThatdogstheraceofPelops.Cease,ohceaseThyquestions,maiden,northusleaguethyselfWiththeEumenides,whoblowaway,Withfiendishjoy,theashesfrommysoul,Lestthelastsparkofhorror'sfierybrandShouldbeextinguish'dthere.Mustthenthefire,Deliberatelykindl'dandsuppliedWithhellishsulphur,neverceasetosearMytortur'dbosom?

IPHIGENIA.IntheflameIthrow

Sweetincense.Letthegentlebreathoflove,Lowmurmuring,coolthybosom'sfieryglow.

Orestes,fondlylov'd,—canstthounothearme?HaththeterrificFuries'grislybandCompletelydriedthelife-bloodinthyveins?Creepsthere,asfromtheGorgon'sdirefulhead,Apetrifyingcharmthroughallthylimbs?Ifhollowvoices,fromamother'sblood,Calltheetohell,maynotasister'swordWithbenedictionpureascendtoheaven,Andsummonthencesomegraciouspowertoaidthee?

ORESTES.Shecalls!shecalls!—Thoutoodesir'stmydeath?Isthereafuryshroudedinthyform?Whoartthou,thatthyvoicethushorriblyCanharrowupmybosom'sinmostdepths?

IPHIGENIA.Thineinmostheartrevealsit.Iamshe,Iphigenia,—lookonme,Orestes!

ORESTES.Thou!

IPHIGENIA.Myownbrother!

ORESTES.Hence,away,begone!

Touchnottheselocks,Icounselthee;fromme,AsfromCreusa'sbridalrobe,proceedsAnunextinguishablefire.Depart!LikeHercules,anignominiousdeath,Unworthywretch,look'dinmyself,I'lldie.

IPHIGENIA.Thoushaltnotperish!WouldthatImighthearOnequietwordfromthee!dispelmydoubts,MakesuretheblissIhaveimplor'dsolong.Awheelofjoyandsorrowinmyheart

Ceaselessrevolves.WithshyreserveIturnFromoneunknown;butuntothee,mybrother,Myinmostheartresistlesslyimpelsme.

ORESTES.IsthisLyæus'temple?DoththeglowOfholyrageunbridl'dthuspossessThesacredpriestess?

IPHIGENIA.Hearme,oh,lookup!

Seehowmyheart,whichhathbeenclos'dsolong,Dothopentotheblissofseeingthee,Thedearesttreasurethattheworldcontains,—Offallingonthyneck,andfoldingtheeWithinmylongingarms,whichhavetillnowMettheembracesoftheemptywind.Donotrepulseme,—theeternalspring,WhosecrystalwatersfromParnassusflow,Boundsnotmoregailyonfromrocktorock,Downtothegoldenvale,thanfrommyheartThewatersofaffectionfreelygush,Androundmeformacirclingseaofbliss.Orestes!Oh,mybrother!

ORESTES.Lovelynymph!

Northycaresses,northyselfItrust;Dianaclaimsattendantsmoresevere,Anddothavengeherdesecratedfane.Removethycirclingarm!andifthouwiltSafetyandloveuponayouthbestow,Untomyfriend,moreworthythanmyself,Impartthygifts;amongyonrocksheroves;Goseekhim,guidehimhence,andheednotme.

IPHIGENIA.

Brother,commandthyself,andbetterknowThynew-foundsister,normisconstruethusHerpureandheav'nlyjoy.YeGods,removeFromhisfix'deyedelusion,lestthishourOfhighestblissshouldmakeustreblywretched!Ohsheishere,thineown,thylong-lostsister,WhomgreatDianafromthealtarsnatch'd,Andsafelyplac'dhereinhersacredfane.Acaptivethou,prepar'dforsacrifice,Andfindesthereasisterinthepriestess.

ORESTES.Accursedrace!NowmaythesunbeholdYourfinaldoom.IsnotElectrahere?Thatshewithusmayperish,norherlifeForheavierdoomanddeeperwoereserve.'Tiswell,—Ifollow,priestess!FratricideIsanoldcustomofourancienthouse;Andyou,yeGods,Ithank,thatyeresolveChildlesstorootmehence.TheeletmecounselToviewtoofondlyneithersunnorstars.Comefollowtothegloomyrealmsbelow!Asdragons,gender'dinthesulphurpool,Swalloweachotherwithvoraciousrage,Soouraccurs'dracedestroysitself.Childlessandguiltlesscomebelowwithme!There'spityinthylook!oh,gazenotso,—'TwaswithsuchlooksthatClytemnestrasoughtAnentrancetohersonOrestes'heart,Andyethisuprais'darmherbosompierc'd.Hismotherfell!—Appear,indignantshade!Withinthecirclestep,yefiendsofhell,Bepresentatthewelcomespectacle,Thelast,mosthorrible,thatyeprepare!Norhate,norvengeance,whetsthepoignardnow,Asisterisconstrain'dtodealtheblow.Weepnot!Thyguiltlesssoulisfreefromcrime.FromearliestinfancyInoughthavelov'd,AstheeIcouldhavelov'd,mysister.Come,

Theweaponraise,sparenot,thisbosomrend,Andmakeanoutletforitsboilingstreams!

(Hesinksexhausted.)IPHIGENIA.

AloneIcannotbearthisblissandwoe.Whereartthou,Pylades?ThineaidIneed.

(Iphigeniaretires.)

SCENEII.

ORESTES.Recoveringfromhisswoonandstandingup.

Giveyetanother!reachfromLethe'sstreamThelastrevivingdraughtofcoolrefreshment!SoonshallitswatersinmybosomstillLife'sfitfulfever;andmyspiritthenAdownoblivion'sstreamshallglidetoyou,Yespirits,shroudedineternalmist.WithtranquilpleasureinyourdeepreposeAwearysonofearthmaylavehissoul!—Whatwhisp'ringsoundspervadethedrearygrove?Whathollowmurmurshauntitstwilightgloom?—Theygatherroundtoviewthestrangerguest!Whoareyontroopinhighcommunionmet,Likeanassembl'dfamilyofprinces?Theyminglepeacefully,ofeveryage,Andeithersex,yetaretheirgodlikeformsCastinakindredmould.'Tisthey,'tisthey,Thefathersofmyrace!WithAtreus,InfriendlyconverseglidesThyestes'shade,Andchildrenplayfullyaroundthemsport.Istherenoenmityamongyounow?Andisrevengeextinguish'dwiththesun?Ithenamwelcome,andmayhopetojoinYoursolemncompany.Myfathers,hail!Orestes,lastdescendantofyourrace,

Salutesyou.Whatyesow'd,thathathhereap'dLadenwithcurseshedescendstoyou.Butburdensherearelighterfartobear.Receivehim,oh,receivehiminyourcircle!Thee,Atreus,Irevere,andthee,Thyestes:Hereallarefreefromenmityandhate.—Showmemyfather,whomIonlyonceInlifebeheld.—Artthoumyfather,thou,Mymotherleadingthusfamiliarly?DaresClytemnestrareachherhandtothee;ThenmayOrestesalsodrawnearher,Andsay,beholdthyson!—Myancestors,Beholdyourson,andbidhimwelcomehere,AmongthesonsofancientTantalus,Akindsaluteonearthwasmurder'swatchword,Andalltheirjoyscommencebeyondthegrave.Yewelcomeme!Yebidmejoinyourcircle!Oh,leadmetomyhonour'dancestor!Whereistheagedhero?thatImayBeholdthedear,thevenerablehead,Ofhim,whowiththegodsincouncilsat.Youseemtoshudderandtoturnaway?Whatmaythismean?Suffersthegodlikeman?Alas!themightygods,withruthlesshate,Tohisheroicbreast,withbrazenchains,Havecruelpangsindissolublybound.

SCENEIII.ORESTES. IPHIGENIA. PYLADES.

ORESTES.How!areyecomealready?Sister,welcome.Electrastillismissing:somekindgodWithgentlearrowsendherquicklyhither.Thee,mypoorfriend,Imustcompassionate!Comewithme,cometoPluto'sgloomythrone.Theretosaluteourhostslikestrangerguests.

IPHIGENIA.Celestialpair,whofromtherealmsaboveBynightanddaysheddownthebeauteouslightTocheermankind,butwhomaynotillumeDepartedspirits,saveamortalpair!Abrother'sandasister'sanguishpity!Forthou,Diana,lov'stthygentlebrotherBeyondwhatearthandheavencanoffertheeAnddost,withquietyearning,everturnThyvirginfacetohiseternallight.Letnotmyonlybrother,foundsolate,Raveinthedarknessofinsanity!Andisthywill,whenthoudidsthereconcealme,Atlengthfulfill'd,—would'stthoutomethroughhim,Tohimthroughme,thygraciousaidextend,—Oh,freehimfromthefettersofthiscurse,Lestvainlypasstheprecioushoursofsafety.

PYLADES.Dostthounotknowus,andthissacredgrove,Andthisblestlight,whichshinesnotonthedead?Dostthounotfeelthysisterandthyfriend,Whoholdtheelivingintheirfirmembrace?Graspus!wearenotshadows.Markmywords!Collectthyself,—eachmomentnowisprecious,Andourreturnhangsonaslenderthread,Which,asitseems,somegraciousfatedothspin.

ORESTEStoIPHIGENIA.Mysister,letmeforthefirsttimetaste,Withopenheart,purejoywithinthinearms!Yegods,whochargetheheavycloudswithdread,Andsternlygracioussendthelong-soughtrainWiththunderandtherushofmightywinds,Ahorriddelugeonthetremblingearth;Yetdissipateatlengthman'sdreadsuspense,Exchangingtimidwonder'sanxiousgazeForgratefullooksandjoyoussongsofpraise,Whenineachsparklingdropwhichgemstheleaves,

Apollo,thousand-fold,reflectshisbeam,AndIriscolourswithamagichandTheduskytextureofthepartingclouds;Oh,letmealsoinmysister'sarms,Andonthebosomofmyfriend,enjoyWithgratefulthankstheblissyenowbestowMyheartassuresmethatyourcursescease.ThedreadEumenidesatlengthretire,ThebrazengatesofTartarusIhearBehindthemclosingwithathund'ringclang.Aquick'ningodourfromtheearthascends,Invitingmetochase,uponitsplains,Thejoysoflifeanddeedsofhighemprise.

PYLADES.Losenotthemomentswhicharelimited!Thefavouringgale,whichswellsourpartingsail,MusttoOlympuswaftourperfectjoy.Quickcounselandresolvethetimedemands.

ACTTHEFOURTH.

SCENEI.

IPHIGENIA.WhenthePowersonhighdecreeForafeeblechildofearthDireperplexityandwoe,AndhisspiritdoomtopassWithtumultwildfromjoytogrief,Andbackagainfromgrieftojoy,Infearfulalternation;Theyinmercythenprovide,Intheprecinctsofhishome,Oruponthedistantshore,ThattohimmayneverfailReadyhelpinhoursofneed,Atranquil,faithfulfriend.Oh,bless,yeheavenlypowers,ourPylades,Andeveryprojectthathismindmayform!Incombathisthevigorousarmofyouth,Andinthecounselhistheeyeofage.Hissoulistranquil;inhisinnermindHeguardsasacred,undisturb'drepose,AndfromitssilentdepthsarichsupplyOfaidandcounseldrawsforthedistress'd.Hetoremefrommybrother,uponwhom,Withfondamaze,Igaz'dandgaz'dagain;Icouldnotrealizemyhappiness,Norloosehimfrommyarms,andheedednotThedanger'snearapproachthatthreatensus.Toexecutetheirprojectofescape,Theyhastentothesea,whereinabayTheircomradesinthevessellieconceal'dAndwaitasignal.Metheyhavesupplied

Withartfulanswers,shouldthemonarchsendTourgethesacrifice.Alas!IseeImustconsenttofollowlikeachild.Ihavenotlearn'ddeception,northeartTogainwithcraftywilesmypurposes.Detestedfalsehood!itdothnotrelieveThebreastlikewordsoftruth:itcomfortsnot,Butisatormentintheforger'sheart,And,likeanarrowwhichagoddirects,Fliesbackandwoundsthearcher.ThroughmyheartOnefeardothchaseanother;perhapswithrage,Againontheunconsecratedshore,TheFuries'grislybandmybrotherseize.Perchancetheyaresurpris'd?MethinksIhearThetreadofarmedmen.AmessengerIscomingfromtheking,withhastysteps.Howthrobsmyheart,howtroubl'dismysoulNowthatIseethecountenanceofone,WhomwithaworduntrueImustencounter!

SCENEII.IPHIGENIA. ARKAS.

ARKAS.Priestess,withspeedconcludethesacrifice,Impatientlythekingandpeoplewait.

IPHIGENIA.Ihadperform'dmydutyandthywill,HadnotanunforeseenimpedimentTheexecutionofmypurposethwarted.

ARKAS.Whatisitthatobstructstheking'scommands?

IPHIGENIA.Chance,whichfrommortalswillnotbrookcontrol.

ARKAS.Possessmewiththereason,thatwithspeedImayinformtheking,whohathdecreedThedeathofboth.

IPHIGENIA.Thegodshavenotdecreedit.

TheelderofthesemendothbeartheguiltOfkindredmurder;onhisstepsattendThedreadEumenides.Theyseiz'dtheirpreyWithintheinnerfane,pollutingthusTheholysanctuary.Ihastennow,Togetherwithmyvirgin-train,tobatheDiana'simageinthesea,andthereWithsolemnritesitspurityrestore.Letnonepresumeoursilentmarchtofollow!

ARKAS.ThishindrancetothemonarchI'llannounce:Donotcommencetheritetillhepermit.

IPHIGENIA.Thepriestessinterferesaloneinthis.

ARKAS.Anincidentsostrangethekingshouldknow.

IPHIGENIA.Here,norhiscounselnorcommandavails.

ARKAS.Oftarethegreatconsultedoutofform.

IPHIGENIA.DonotinsistonwhatImustrefuse.

ARKAS.Aneedfulandajustdemandrefusenot.

IPHIGENIA.

Iyield,ifthoudelaynot.

ARKAS.Iwithspeed

Willbearthesetidingstothecamp,andsoonAcquaintthee,priestess,withtheking'sreply.ThereisamessageIwouldgladlybearhim:'Twouldquicklybanishallperplexity:Thoudidstnotheedthyfaithfulfriend'sadvice.

IPHIGENIA.Iwillinglyhavedonewhate'erIcould.

ARKAS.E'ennow'tisnottoolatetochangethymind.

IPHIGENIA.Todosois,alas,beyondourpower.

ARKAS.Whatthouwouldstshun,thoudeem'stimpossible.

IPHIGENIA.Thywishdothmaketheedeemitpossible.

ARKAS.Wiltthousocalmlyventureeverything?

IPHIGENIA.MyfateIhavecommittedtothegods.

ARKAS.Thegodsarewonttosavebyhumanmeans.

IPHIGENIA.Bytheirappointmenteverythingisdone.

ARKAS.Believeme,alldothnowdependonthee.Theirritatedtemperoftheking

Alonecondemnsthesementobitterdeath.ThesoldiersfromthecruelsacrificeAndbloodyservicelonghavebeendisused;Nay,many,whomtheiradversefortunescastInforeignregions,therethemselveshavefeltHowgodliketotheexil'dwandererThefriendlycountenanceofmanappears.Donotdepriveusofthygentleaid!Witheasethoucanstthysacredtaskfulfil:Fornowheredothbenignity,whichcomesInhumanformfromheaven,soquicklygainAnempireo'ertheheart,aswherearace,Gloomyandsavage,fulloflifeandpower,Withoutexternalguidance,andoppress'dWithvagueforebodings,bearlife'sheavyload.

IPHIGENIA.Shakenotmyspirit,whichthoucanstnotbendAccordingtothywill.

ARKAS.Whilethereistime

Norlabournorpersuasionshallbespar'd.

IPHIGENIA.Thylabourbutoccasionspaintome;Bothareinvain;therefore,Ipray,depart.

ARKAS.Isummonpaintoaidme,'tisafriendWhocounselswisely.

IPHIGENIA.Thoughitshakesmysoul,

Itdothnotbanishthencemystrongrepugnance.

ARKAS.CanthenagentlesoulrepugnancefeelForbenefitsbestow'dbyonesonoble?

IPHIGENIA.Yes,whenthedonor,forthosebenefits,Insteadofgratitude,demandsmyself.

ARKAS.WhonoaffectionfeelsdothneverwantExcuses.TothekingI'llnowrelateAllthathashappen'd.Oh,thatinthysoulThouwouldstrevolvehisnobleconduct,priestess,Sincethyarrivaltothepresentday!

SCENEIII.

IPHIGENIA,alone.ThesewordsatanunseasonablehourProduceastrongrevulsioninmybreast;Iamalarm'd!—ForastherushingtideInrapidcurrentseddieso'ertherocksWhichlieamongthesandupontheshore;E'ensoastreamofjoyo'erwhelm'dmysoul.Igrasp'dwhathadappear'dimpossible.ItwasasthoughanothergentlecloudAroundmelay,toraisemefromtheearth,AndrockmyspiritinthesamesweetsleepWhichthekindgoddessshedaroundmybrow,Whattimehercirclingarmfromdangersnatch'dme.Mybrotherforciblyengross'dmyheart;Ilisten'donlytohisfriend'sadvice;Mysoulrush'deagerlytorescuethem,AndasthemarinerwithjoysurveysTheless'ningbreakersofadesertisle,SoTaurislaybehindme.ButthevoiceOffaithfulArkaswakesmefrommydream,RemindingmethatthosewhomIforsakeArealsomen.DeceitdothnowbecomeDoublydetested.Omysoul,bestill!Beginn'stthounowtotrembleandtodoubt?

Thylonelyshelteronthefirm-setearthMustthouabandon?and,embark'doncemore,Atrandomdriftupontumultuouswaves,Astrangertothyselfandtotheworld?

SCENEIV.IPHIGENIA. PYLADES.

PYLADES.Whereisshe?thatmywordswithspeedmaytellThejoyfultidingsofournearescape!

IPHIGENIA.Oppress'dwithgloomycare,ImuchrequireThecertaincomfortthoudostpromiseme.

PYLADES.Thybrotherisrestor'd!TherockypathsOfthisunconsecratedshorewetrodInfriendlyconverse,whilebehinduslay,Unmark'dbyus,theconsecratedgrove;AndeverwithincreasinggloryshoneThefireofyoutharoundhisnoblebrow.Courageandhopehisglowingeyeinspir'd;AndhisfreeheartexultedwiththejoyOfsavingthee,hissister,andhisfriend.

IPHIGENIA.Thegodsshowerblessingsonthee,Pylades!Andfromthoselipswhichbreathesuchwelcomenews,Bethesadnoteofanguishneverheard!

PYLADES.Ibringyetmore,—forFortune,likeaprince,Comesnotalone,butwellaccompanied.Ourfriendsandcomradeswehavealsofound.Withinabaytheyhadconceal'dtheship,

Andmournfulsatexpectant.TheybeheldThybrother,andajoyousshoutuprais'd,Imploringhimtohastethepartinghour.Eachhandimpatientlong'dtograsptheoar,Whilefromtheshoreagentlymurmuringbreeze,Perceiv'dbyall,unfurl'ditswingauspicious.Letusthenhasten;guidemetothefane,ThatImaytreadthesanctuary,andseizeWithsacredawetheobjectofourhopes.IcanunaidedonmyshoulderbearDiana'simage:howIlongtofeelThepreciousburden!

[Whilespeakingthelastwords,heapproachestheTemple,withoutperceivingthatheisnotfollowed by Iphigenia: at length he turns

round.]

Whythusling'ringstand.Whyartthousilent?whereforethusconfus'd?Dothsomenewobstacleopposeourbliss?Informme,hastthoutothekingannounc'dTheprudentmessageweagreedupon?

IPHIGENIA.Ihave,dearPylades;yetwiltthouchide.Thyveryaspectisamutereproach.Theroyalmessengerarriv'd,andI,Accordingtothycounsel,fram'dmyspeech.Heseem'dsurpris'd,andurgentlybesought,ThattothemonarchIshouldfirstannounceTheriteunusual,andattendhiswill.Inowawaitthemessenger'sreturn.

PYLADES.Dangeragaindothhovero'erourheads!Opriestess,whyneglecttoshroudthyselfWithintheveilofsacerdotalrites?

IPHIGENIA.Ineverhaveemploy'dthemasaveil.

PYLADES.Puresoul!thyscrupleswilldestroyalikeThyselfandus.WhydidInotforeseeSuchanemergency,andtutortheeThiscounselalsowiselytoelude?

IPHIGENIA.Chideonlyme,forminealonetheblame.YetotheranswercouldInotreturnTohim,whostronglyandwithreasonurg'dWhatmyownheartacknowledg'dtoberight.

PYLADES.Thedangerthickens;butletusbefirm,Norwithincautioushastebetrayourselves;Calmlyawaitthemessenger'sreturn,Andthenstandfast,whateverhisreply:FortheappointmentofsuchsacredritesDothtothepriestess,notthekingbelong.ShouldhedemandthestrangertobeholdWhoisbymadnessheavilyoppress'd,Evasivelypretend,thatinthefane,Securelyguarded,thouretain'stusboth.Thusyousecureustimetoflywithspeed,Bearingthesacredtreasurefromthisrace,Unworthyitspossession.PhœbussendsAuspiciousomens,andfulfilshisword,Erewethefirstconditionshaveperform'd.FreeisOrestes,fromthecurseabsolv'd!Oh,withthefreedone,totherockyisleWheredwellsthegod,waftus,propitiousgales!ThencetoMycene,thatshemayrevive;Thatfromtheashesoftheextinguish'dhearth,Thehouseholdgodsmayjoyouslyarise,Andbeauteousfireilluminetheirabode!Thyhandfromgoldencensersfirstshallstrew

Thefragrantincense.O'erthatthresholdthouShaltlifeandblessingonceagaindispense,Thecurseatone,andallthykindredgraceWiththefreshbloomofrenovatedlife.

IPHIGENIA.Asdoththeflowerrevolvetomeetthesun,Oncemoremyspirittosweetcomfortturns,Struckbythywords'invigoratingray.Howdearthecounselofapresentfriend,Lackingwhosegodlikepower,thelonelyoneInsilencedroops!for,lock'dwithinhisbreast,Slowlyareripen'dpurposeandresolve,Whichfriendship'sgenialwarmthhadsoonmatur'd.

PYLADES.Farewell!Ihastetore-assureourfriends,Whoanxiouslyawaitus:thenwithspeedIwillreturn,and,hidwithinthebrake,Attendthysignal.—Wherefore,allatonce,Dothanxiousthoughto'ercloudthybrowserene?

IPHIGENIA.Forgiveme!Aslightcloudsathwartthesun,Socaresandfearsfloatdarklingo'ermysoul.

PYLADES.Oh,banishfear!Withdangerithathform'dAclosealliance,—theyareconstantfriends.

IPHIGENIA.Itisanhonestscruple,whichforbidsThatIshouldcunninglydeceivetheking,Andplunderhimwhowasmysecondsire.

PYLADES.Himthoudostfly,whowouldhaveslainthybrother.

IPHIGENIA.Tome,atleast,hehathbeeneverkind.

PYLADES.WhatFatecommandsisnotingratitude.

IPHIGENIA.Alas!itstillremainsingratitude;Necessityalonecanjustifyit.

PYLADES.Thee,beforegodsandmenitjustifies.

IPHIGENIA.Butmyownheartisstillunsatisfied.

PYLADES.Scruplestoorigidareacloakforpride.

IPHIGENIA.Icannotargue,Icanonlyfeel.

PYLADES.Consciousofright,thoushouldstrespectthyself.

IPHIGENIA.Thenonlydoththeheartknowperfectease,Whennotastainpollutesit.

PYLADES.Inthisfane

Purehastthoukeptthyheart.LifeteachesusTobelessstrictwithothersandourselves;Thou'ltlearnthelessontoo.SowonderfulIshumannature,anditsvariedtiesAresoinvolv'dandcomplicate,thatnoneMayhopetokeephisinmostspiritpure,Andwalkwithoutperplexitythroughlife.Norarewecall'dupontojudgeourselves;Withcircumspectiontopursuehispath,Istheimmediatedutyofaman.Forseldomcanherightlyestimate,Orhispastconductorhispresentdeeds.

IPHIGENIA.Almostthoudostpersuademetoconsent.

PYLADES.Needstherepersuasionwhennochoiceisgranted?Tosavethyself,thybrother,andafriend,Onepathpresentsitself,andcanstthouaskIfweshallfollowit?

IPHIGENIA.Stillletmepause,

ForsuchinjusticethoucouldstnotthyselfCalmlyreturnforbenefitsreceiv'd.

PYLADES.Ifweshouldperish,bitterself-reproach,Forerunnerofdespair,willbethyportion.Itseemsthouartnotusedtosuffermuch,When,toescapesogreatcalamity,Thoucanstrefusetoutteronefalseword.

IPHIGENIA.Oh,thatIborewithinamanlyheart!Which,whenithathconceiv'daboldresolve,'Gainsteveryothervoicedothcloseitself.

PYLADES.Invainthoudostrefuse;withironhandNecessitycommands;hersterndecreeIslawsupreme,towhichthegodsthemselvesMustyieldsubmission.IndreadsilencerulesTheuncounsell'dsisterofeternalfate.Whatsheappointstheetoendure,—endure;Whattoperform,—perform.Therestthouknow'st.ErelongIwillreturn,andthenreceiveThesealofsafetyfromthysacredhand.

SCENEV.

IPHIGENIA,alone.Imustobeyhim,forIseemyfriendsBesetwithperil.YetmyownsadfateDothwithincreasinganguishmovemyheart.MayInolongerfeedthesilenthopeWhichinmysolitudeIfondlycherish'd?Shallthedirecurseeternallyendure?Andshallourfatedracene'erriseagainWithblessingscrown'd?—Allmortalthingsdecay!Thenoblestpowers,thepurestjoysoflifeAtlengthsubside:thenwhereforenotthecurse?AndhaveIvainlyhop'dthat,guardedhere,Secludedfromthefortunesofmyrace,I,withpureheartandhands,somefuturedayMightcleansethedeepdefilementofourhouse?ScarcewasmybrotherinmycirclingarmsFromragingmadnesssuddenlyrestor'd,Scarcehadtheship,longpray'dfor,near'dthestrand,Oncemoretowaftmetomynativeshores,Whenunrelentingfate,withironhand,Adoublecrimeenjoins;commandingmeTostealtheimage,sacredandrever'd,Confidedtomycare,andhimdeceiveTowhomIowemylifeanddestiny.Letnotabhorrencespringwithinmyheart!NortheoldTitan'shate,towardyou,yegods,Infixitsvulturetalonsinmybreast!Saveme,andsaveyourimageinmysoul!Anancientsongcomesbackuponmineear—Ihadforgottenit,andwillingly—TheParcæ'ssong,whichhorriblytheysang,Whattime,hurl'dheadlongfromhisgoldenseat,FellTantalus.TheywiththeirnoblefriendKeenanguishsuffer'd;savagewastheirbreastAndhorribletheirsong.Indaysgoneby,Whenwewerechildren,oftourancientnurseWouldsingittous,andImark'ditwell.

Oh,feartheimmortals,Yechildrenofmen!EternaldominionTheyholdintheirhands.Ando'ertheirwideempireWieldabsolutesway.WhomtheyhaveexaltedLethimfearthemmost!Aroundgoldentables,OncliffsandcloudsrestingTheseatsareprepar'd.Ifcontestariseth;Theguestsarehurl'dheadlong,Disgrac'danddishonour'd,Andfetter'dindarkness,Awaitwithvainlonging,Ajusterdecree.Butinfeastseverlasting,AroundthegoldtablesStilldwelltheimmortals.FrommountaintomountainTheystride;whileascendingFromfathomlesschasms,ThebreathoftheTitans,Halfstifl'dwithanguish,LikevolumesofincenseFumesuptotheskies.Fromracesill-fated,Theiraspectjoy-bringing,Oftturnthecelestials,AndshuninthechildrenTogazeonthefeaturesOncelov'dandstillspeakingOftheirmightysire.ThussternlytheFatessangImmur'dinhisdungeon.Thebanish'donelistens,ThesongoftheParcæ,Hischildren'sdoomponders,

Andbowethhishead.

ACTTHEFIFTH.

SCENEI.THOAS. ARKAS.

ARKAS.IownIamperplex'd,andscarcelyknow'Gainstwhomtopointtheshaftofmysuspicion,Whetherthepriestessaidsthecaptives'flight,Ortheythemselvesclandestinelycontriveit.'Tisrumour'dthattheshipwhichbroughtthemhereIslurkingsomewhereinabayconceal'd.Thisstranger'smadness,thesenewlustralrites,Thespeciouspretextfordelay,exciteMistrust,andcallaloudforvigilance.

THOAS.Summonthepriestesstoattendmehere!Thengowithspeed,andstrictlysearchtheshore,FromyonprojectinglandtoDian'sgrove:Forbeartoviolateitssacreddepths;Awatchfulambushset,attackandseize,Accordingtoyourwont,whome'eryefind.

[Arkasretires.

SCENEII.

THOAS,alone.Fierceangerragesinmyrivenbreast,Firstagainsther,whomIesteem'dsopure;Then'gainstmyself,whosefoolishlenityHathfashion'dherfortreason.Manissoon

Inur'dtoslavery,andquicklylearnsSubmission,whenoffreedomquitedepriv'd.IfshehadfalleninthesavagehandsOfmyrudesires,andhadtheirholyrageForbornetoslayher,gratefulforherlife,Shewouldhaverecogniz'dherdestiny.Haveshedbeforetheshrinethestranger'sblood,Anddutynam'dwhatwasnecessity.NowmyforbearanceinherbreastalluresAudaciouswishes.VainlyIhadhop'dTobindhertome;rathershecontrivesToshapeanindependentdestiny.Shewonmyheartthroughflattery;andnowThatIopposeher,seekstogainherendsByfraudandcunning,andmykindnessdeemsAworthlessandprescriptiveproperty.

SCENEIII.IPHIGENIA. THOAS.

IPHIGENIA.Mehastthousummon'd?whereforeartthouhere?

THOAS.Whereforedelaythesacrifice?informme.

IPHIGENIA.IhaveacquaintedArkaswiththereasons.

THOAS.FromtheeIwishtohearthemmoreatlarge.

IPHIGENIA.Thegoddessforreflectiongrantstheetime.

THOAS.Totheethistimeseemsalsoopportune.

IPHIGENIA.Iftothiscrueldeedthyheartissteel'd,Thoushouldstnotcome!AkingwhomeditatesAdeedinhuman,mayfindslavesenow,Willingforhiretobearonehalfthecurse,Andleavethemonarch'spresenceundefil'd.Enwraptingloomycloudsheforgesdeath,Whoseflamingarrowonhisvictim'sheadHishirelingshurl;whileheabovethestormRemainsuntroubl'd,animpassivegod.

THOAS.

Awildsong,priestess,issuedfromthylips.

IPHIGENIA.Nopriestess,king!butAgamemnon'sdaughter;Whileyetunknown,thoudidstrespectmywords:Aprincessnow,—andthink'stthoutocommandmeFromyouthIhavebeentutor'dtoobey,Myparentsfirst,andthenthedeity;Andthusobeying,everhathmysoulKnownsweetestfreedom.ButnorthennornowHaveIbeentaughtcompliancewiththevoiceAndsavagemandatesofaman.

THOAS.NotI,

Anancientlawdothclaimobediencefromthee.

IPHIGENIA.OurpassionseagerlycatchholdoflawsWhichtheycanwieldasweapons.ButtomeAnotherlaw,onefarmoreancient,speaks,Anddothcommandmetowithstandthee,king!Thatlawdeclaringsacredeverystranger.

THOAS.Thesemen,methinks,lieverynearthyheart.WhensympathywiththemcanleadtheethusToviolatediscretion'sprimallaw,Thatthoseinpowershouldneverbeprovok'd.

IPHIGENIA.Speakingorsilent,thoucanstalwaysknowWhatis,andevermustbe,inmyheart.Dothnotremembranceofacommondoom,Tosoftcompassionmeltthehardestheart?Howmuchmoremine!inthemIseemyself.Itremblingkneel'dbeforethealtaronce.AndsolemnlytheshadeofearlydeathEnviron'dme.Alofttheknifewasrais'd

Topiercemybosom,throbbingwithwarmlife;Adizzyhorroroverwhelm'dmysoul;Myeyesgrewdim;—Ifoundmyselfinsafety.Arewenotboundtorenderthedistress'dThegraciouskindnessfromthegodsreceiv'd?Thouknow'stweare,andyetwiltthoucompelme?

THOAS.Obeythineoffice,priestess,nottheking.

IPHIGENIA.Cease!northusseektocloakthesavageforceWhichtriumphso'erawoman'sfeebleness.Thoughwoman,Iambornasfreeasman.DidAgamemnon'ssonbeforetheestand,Andthourequiredstwhatbecamehimnot,HisarmandtrustyweaponwoulddefendHisbosom'sfreedom.IhaveonlywordsButitbecomesanoble-mindedmanTotreatwithduerespectthewordsofwoman.

THOAS.Imorerespectthemthanabrother'ssword.

IPHIGENIA.Uncertaineveristhechanceofarms,Noprudentwarriordothdespisehisfoe;Noryetdefenceless'gainstseverityHathnaturelefttheweak;shegiveshimcraftAndwilycunning:artfulhedelays,Evades,eludes,andfinallyescapes.Sucharmsarejustifiedbyviolence.

THOAS.Butcircumspectioncountervailsdeceit.

IPHIGENIA.Whichapurespiritdothabhortouse.

THOAS.

Donotincautiouslycondemnthyself.

IPHIGENIA.Oh,couldstthouseethestruggleofmysoul,CourageouslytowardthefirstattackOfanunhappydoom,whichthreatensme!DoIthenstandbeforetheeweaponless?Prayer,lovelyprayer,fairbranchinwoman'shand,Morepotentfarthaninstrumentsofwar,Thoudostthrustback.WhatnowremainsformeWherewithmyinbornfreedomtodefend?MustIimploreamiraclefromheaven?Istherenopowerwithinmyspirit'sdepths?

THOAS.ExtravagantthyinterestinthefateOfthesetwostrangers.Tellmewhotheyare,Forwhomthyheartisthussodeeplymov'd.

IPHIGENIA.Theyare—theyseematleast—IthinkthemGreeks.

THOAS.Thycountrymen;nodoubttheyhaverenew'dThepleasingpictureofreturn.

IPHIGENIA,afterapause.Dothman

Layundisputedclaimtonobledeeds?DothhealonetohisheroicbreastClasptheimpossible?Whatcallwegreat?Whatdeeds,thoughoftnarrated,stillupliftWithshudd'ringhorrorthenarrator'ssoul,Butthosewhich,withimprobablesuccess,Thevalianthaveattempted?ShallthemanWhoallalonestealsonhisfoesbynight,Andraginglikeanunexpectedfire,Destroystheslumberinghost,andpress'datlengthByrous'dopponentsorhisfoemen'ssteeds,

Retreatswithbooty—bealoneextoll'd?Orhewho,scorningsafety,boldlyroamsThroughwoodsanddrearywilds,toscourthelandOfthievesandrobbers?Isnoughtleftforus?Mustgentlewomanquiteforegohernature,—Forceagainstforceemploy,—likeAmazons,Usurptheswordfromman,andbloodilyRevengeoppression?InmyheartIfeelThestirringsofanobleenterprize;ButifIfail—severereproach,alas!Andbittermiserywillbemydoom.ThusonmykneesIsupplicatethegods.Oh,areyetruthful,asmensayyeare,Nowproveitbyyourcountenanceandaid;Honourthetruthinme!Attend,Oking!Asecretplotislaid;'tisvaintoaskTouchingthecaptives;theyaregone,andseekTheircomradeswhoawaitthemontheshore.Theeldest,—hewhommadnesslatelyseiz'd,Andwhoisnowrecover'd,—isOrestes,Mybrother,andtheotherPylades,Hisearlyfriendandfaithfulconfidant.FromDelphi,PhœbussentthemtothisshoreWithadivinecommandtostealawayTheimageofDiana,andtohimBearbackthesister,promisingforthisRedemptiontotheblood-stain'dmatricide.Ihavedeliver'dnowintothyhandsTheremnantsofthehouseofTantalus.Destroyus—ifthoucanst.

THOAS.Anddostthouthink

ThesavageScythianwillattendthevoiceOftruthandofhumanity,unheardBytheGreekAtreus?

IPHIGENIA.'Tisheardbyall,

Whate'ermaybetheirclime,withinwhosebreastFlowspureandfreethegushingstreamoflife.—Whatsilentpurposebroodswithinthysoul?Isitdestruction?Letmeperishfirst!Fornow,deliv'rancehopeless,IperceiveThedreadfulperilintowhichIhaveWithrashprecipitancyplung'dmyfriends.Alas!Isoonshallseethemboundbeforeme!HowtomybrothershallIsayfarewell?I,theunhappyauthorofhisdeath.Ne'ercanIgazeagaininhisdeareyes!

THOAS.Thetraitorshavecontriv'dacunningweb,Andcastitroundthee,who,secludedlong,Giv'stwillingcredencetothineowndesires.

IPHIGENIA.No,no!I'dpledgemylifethesemenaretrue.Andshouldstthoufindthemotherwise,Oking,Thenletthemperishboth,andcastmeforth,Thatonsomerock-girtisland'sdrearyshoreImayatonemyfolly.Aretheytrue,AndisthismanindeedmydearOrestes,Mybrother,longimplor'd,—releaseusboth,Ando'erusstretchthekindprotectingarm,Whichlonghathshelter'dme.MynoblesireFellthroughhisconsort'sguilt,—shebyherson;OnhimalonethehopeofAtreus'raceDothnowrepose.Oh,withpureheartandhandsLetmedeparttoexpiateourhouse.Yes,thouwiltkeepthypromise;thoudidstswear,Thatwereasafereturnprovidedme,Ishouldbefreetogo.Thehouriscome.Akingdothnevergrantlikecommonmen,Merelytogainarespitefrompetition;Norpromisewhathehopeswillne'erbeclaim'd.ThenfirsthefeelshisdignitycompleteWhenhecanmakethelong-expectinghappy.

THOAS.Asfireopposeswater,anddothseekWithhissingragetoovercomeitsfoe,Sodothmyangerstriveagainstthywords.

IPHIGENIA.Letmercy,liketheconsecratedflameOfsilentsacrifice,encircl'droundWithsongsofgratitude,andjoy,andpraise,Abovethetumultgentlyrisetoheaven.

THOAS.Howoftenhaththisvoiceassuag'dmysoul!

IPHIGENIA.Extendthyhandtomeinsignofpeace.

THOAS.Largethydemandwithinsoshortatime.

IPHIGENIA.Beneficencedothnoreflectionneed.

THOAS.'Tisneededoft,forevilspringsfromgood.

IPHIGENIA.'Tisdoubtwhichgooddothofttoevilturn.Considernot:actasthyfeelingspromptthee.

SCENEIV.ORESTES(armed). IPHIGENIA. THOAS.

ORESTES,addressinghisfollowers.Redoubleyourexertions!holdthemback!Fewmomentswillsuffice;retainyourground,AndkeepapassageopentotheshipFormeandformysister.

ToIPHIGENIA,withoutperceivingTHOAS.Comewithspeed!

Wearebetray'd,—brieftimeremainsforflight.

THOAS.NoneinmypresencewithimpunityHisnakedweaponwears.

IPHIGENIA.Donotprofane

Diana'ssanctuarywithrageandblood.Commandyourpeopletoforbearawhile,Andlistentothepriestess,tothesister.

ORESTES.Say,whoishethatthreatensus?

IPHIGENIA.Inhim

Reveretheking,whowasmysecondfather.Forgiveme,brother,thatmychildlikeheartHathplac'dourfatethuswhollyinhishands.Ihavebetray'dyourmeditatedflight,Andthusfromtreacheryredeem'dmysoul.

ORESTES.Willhepermitourpeaceablereturn?

IPHIGENIA.Thygleamingswordforbidsmetoreply.

ORESTES,sheathinghissword.Thenspeak!thouseestIlistentothywords.

SCENEV.ORESTES. IPHIGENIA. THOAS.

EnterPYLADES,soonafterhimARKAS,bothwithdrawnswords.

PYLADES.Donotdelay!ourfriendsareputtingforthTheirfinalstrength,andyieldingstepbystep,Areslowlydrivenbackwardtothesea.—AconferenceofprincesfindIhere?Isthisthesacredpersonoftheking?

ARKAS.Calmly,asdothbecomethee,thoudoststand,Oking,surroundedbythineenemies.Soontheirtemerityshallbechastis'd;Theiryieldingfollowersfly.—theirshipisours.Speakbuttheword,anditiswraptinflames.

THOAS.Go,andcommandmypeopletoforbear!Letnoneannoythefoewhileweconfer.(Arkasretires.)

ORESTES.Iwillinglyconsent.Go,Pylades!Collecttheremnantofourfriends,andwaitTheappointedissueofourenterprize.

(Pyladesretires.)

SCENEVI.IPHIGENIA. THOAS. ORESTES.

IPHIGENIA.Believemycaresereyebegintospeak.Ifearcontention,ifthouwiltnothearThevoiceofequity,Oking,—ifthouWiltnot,mybrother,curbthyheadstrongyouth.

THOAS.I,asbecomestheelder,checkmyrage.Nowanswerme:howdostthouprovethyselfThepriestess'brother,Agamemnon'sson?

ORESTES.BeholdtheswordwithwhichtheheroslewThevaliantTrojans.FromhismurdererItooktheweapon,andimplor'dtheGodsTograntmeAgamemnon'smightyarm,Success,andvalour,withadeathmorenoble.Selectoneoftheleadersofthyhost,Andplacethebestasmyopponenthere.Where'eronearththesonsofheroesdwell,Thisboonistothestrangerne'errefus'd.

THOAS.ThisprivilegehathancientcustomhereTostrangersne'eraccorded.

ORESTES.Thenfromus

Commencethenovelcustom!AwholeraceInimitationsoonwillconsecrateItsmonarch'snobleactionintolaw.Norletmeonlyforourliberty,—Letme,astranger,forallstrangersfight.IfIshouldfall,mydoombealsotheirs;Butifkindfortunecrownmewithsuccess,Letnonee'ertreadthisshore,andfailtomeetThebeamingeyeofsympathyandlove,Orunconsol'ddepart!

THOAS.Thoudostnotseem

Unworthyofthyboastedancestry.GreatisthenumberofthevaliantmenWhowaituponme;butIwillmyself,Althoughadvanc'dinyears,opposethefoe,Andamprepar'dtotrythechanceofarms.

IPHIGENIA.No,no!suchbloodyproofsarenotrequir'd.Unhandthyweapon,king!mylotconsider;

Rashcombatoftimmortalizesman;Ifheshouldfall,heisrenown'dinsong;ButafteragesreckonnotthetearsWhichceaselesstheforsakenwomansheds;AndpoetstellnotofthethousandnightsConsum'dinweeping,andthedrearydays,Whereinheranguish'tsoul,apreytogrief,Dothvainlyyearntocallherlov'doneback.Fearwarn'dmetobewarelestrobber'swilesMightluremefromthissanctuary,andthenBetraymeintobondage.AnxiouslyIquestion'dthem,eachcircumstanceexplor'd,Demandedsigns,andnowmyheart'sassur'd.Seehere,themarkasofthreestarsimpress'dOnhisrighthand,whichonhisnataldayWerebythepriestdeclar'dtoindicateSomedreadfuldeedbyhimtobeperform'd.Andthenthisscar,whichdothhiseyebrowcleave,Redoublesmyconviction.Whenachild,Electra,rashandinconsiderate,Suchwashernature,loos'dhimfromherarms.Hefellagainstatripos.Oh,'tishe!—ShallIadducethelikenesstohissire,Orthedeepraptureofmyinmostheart,Infurthertokenofassurance,king?

THOAS.E'enthoughthywordshadbanish'deverydoubt,AndIhadcurb'dtheangerinmybreast,Stillmustourarmsdecide.Iseenopeace.Theirpurpose,asthoudidstthyselfconfess,WastodeprivemeofDiana'simage.AndthinkyethatI'lllookcontentedon?TheGreeksarewonttocastalongingeyeUponthetreasuresofbarbarians,Agoldenfleece,goodsteeds,ordaughtersfair;Butforceandguilenotalwayshaveavail'dToleadthem,withtheirbooty,safelyhome.

ORESTES.Theimageshallnotbeacauseofstrife!WenowperceivetheerrorwhichtheGod,Ourjourneyherecommanding,likeaveil,Threwo'erourminds.HiscounselIimplor'd,TofreemefromtheFuries'grislyband.Heanswer'd,"BacktoGreecethesisterbring,WhointhesanctuaryonTauris'shoreUnwillinglyabides;soendsthecurse!"ToPhœbus'sisterweappliedthewords,Andhereferr'dtothee!Thebondssevere,Whichheldtheefromus,holyone,arerent,Andthouartoursoncemore.Atthyblesttouch,Ifeltmyselfrestor'd.Withinthinearms,Madnessoncemorearoundmecoil'ditsfolds,Crushingthemarrowinmyframe,andthenForever,likeaserpent,fledtohell.Throughthee,thedaylightgladdensmeanew.ThecounseloftheGoddessnowshinesforthInallitsbeautyandbeneficence.Liketoasacredimage,untowhichAnoracleimmutablyhathboundAcity'swelfare,theeDianatook,Protectressofourhouse,andguardedhereWithinthisholystillness,tobecomeAblessingtothybrotherandthyrace.Nowwheneachpassagetoescapeseemsclos'd,Andsafetyhopeless,thoudostgiveusall.Oking,inclinethinehearttothoughtsofpeace!Letherfulfilhermission,andcompleteTheconsecrationofourfather'shouse.Metotheirpurifiedaboderestore,Andplaceuponmybrowtheancientcrown!Requitetheblessingwhichherpresencebroughtthee,Andletmenowmynearerrightenjoy!Cunningandforce,theproudestboastofman,Fadeinthelustreofherperfecttruth;NorunrequitedwillanoblemindLeaveconfidence,sochildlikeandsopure.

IPHIGENIA.Thinkonthypromise;letthyheartbemov'dBywhatatrueandhonesttonguehathspoken!Lookonus,king!anopportunityForsuchanobledeednotoftoccurs.Refusethoucanstnot,—givethyquickconsent.

THOAS.Thengo!

IPHIGENIA.Notso,myking!Icannotpart

Withoutthyblessing,orinangerfromthee.Banishusnot!thesacredrightofguestsStillletusclaim:sonoteternallyShallwebesever'd.Honour'dandbelov'dAsmineownfatherwas,artthoubyme:Andthisimpressioninmysoulremains.Shoulde'enthemeanestpeasantofthylandBringtomyearthetonesIheardfromtheeOrshouldIonthehumblestseethygarb,Iwillwithjoyreceivehimasagod,Preparehiscouchmyself,besideourhearthInvitehimtoaseat,andonlyaskTouchingthyfateandthee.Oh,maythegodsTotheethemeritedrewardimpartOfallthykindnessandbenignity!Farewell!Oh,donotturnaway,butgiveOnekindlywordofpartinginreturn!Soshallthewindmoregentlyswelloursails,Andfromoureyeswithsoften'danguishflowThetearsofseparation.Faretheewell!Andgraciouslyextendtomethyhand,Inpledgeofancientfriendship.

THOAS,extendinghishand.Faretheewell!

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