EnterACHILLES。
　　ACHILLES
　　WhereinthesetentsisAchaea’sgeneral？WhichofhisservantswillannouncetohimthatAchilles，thesonofPeleus，isathisgatesseekinghim？ForthisdelayattheEuripusisnotthesameforallofus；therebesome，forinstance，who，thoughstillunwed，havelefttheirhousesdesolateandareidlinghereuponthebeach，whileothersaremarriedandhavechildren；sostrangethelongingforthisexpeditionthathasfallenontheirheartsbyHeaven’swill。MyownjustpleamustIdeclare，andwhosoelsehathanywishwillspeakforhimself。ThoughIhaveleftPharsaliaandPeleus，stillIlingerherebyreasonoftheselightbreezesattheEuripus，restrainingmyMyrmidons，whiletheyareeverinstantwithmesaying，"Whydowetarry，Achilles？howmuchlongermustwecountthedaystothestartforIlium？dosomething，ifthouartsominded；elseleadhomethymen，andwaitnotforthetardyactionoftheseAtridae。"
　　EnterCLYTAEMNESTRA。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Hailtothee，sonoftheNereidgoddess！Iheardthyvoicefromwithinthetentandthereforecameforth。
　　ACHILLES
　　Omodestyrevered！whocanthisladybewhomIbehold，sorichlydoweredwithbeauty’sgifts？
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Nowonderthouknowestmenot，seeingIamonethouhastneverbeforeseteyeson；Ipraisethyreverentaddresstomodesty。
　　ACHILLES
　　Whoartthou，andwhereforeartthoucometothemusteringoftheDanai-thou，awoman，toafencedcampofmen？
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　ThedaughterofLedaI；mynameClytaemnestra；andmyhusbandkingAgamemnon。
　　ACHILLES
　　Wellandshortlyansweredonallimportantpoints！butitillbefitsthatIshouldstandtalkingtowomen。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Stay；whyseektofly？Givemethyhand，apreludetoahappymarriage。
　　ACHILLES
　　Whatisitthousayest？Igivetheemyhand？WereItolayafingerwhereIhavenoright，Icouldne’ermeetAgamemnon’seye。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Thebestofrightshastthou，seeingitismychildthouwiltwed，Osonofthesea-goddess，whomNereusbegat。
　　ACHILLES
　　Whatweddingdostthouspeakof？wordsfailme，lady；canthywitshavegoneastrayandartthouinventingthis？
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Allmenarenaturallyshyinthepresenceofnewrelations，whentheseremindthemoftheirwedding。
　　ACHILLES
　　Lady，Ihaveneverwooeddaughterofthine，norhavethesonsofAtreusevermentionedmarriagetome。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Whatcanitmean？thyturnnowtomarvelatmywords，forthinearepassingstrangetome。
　　ACHILLES
　　Hazardaguess；thatwecanbothdointhismatter；foritmaybewearebothcorrectinourstatements。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　What！haveIsufferedsuchindignity？ThemarriageIamcourtinghasnoreality，itseems；Iamashamedofit。
　　ACHILLES
　　Someoneperhapshasmadeamockoftheeandme；paynoheedthereto；makelightofit。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Farewell；Icannolongerfacetheewithunfalteringeyes，afterbeingmadealiarandsufferingthisindignity。
　　ACHILLES
　　’Tis"farewell"tooIbidthee，lady；andnowIgowithinthetenttoseekthyhusband。
　　ATTENDANT（Callingthroughthetent-door）
　　StrangeroftheraceofAeacus，stayawhile！Hothere！theeI
　　mean，Ogoddess-born，andthee，daughterofLeda。
　　ACHILLES
　　Whoisitcallingthroughthehalf-openeddoor？whatfearhisvoicebetrays！
　　ATTENDANT
　　AslaveamI；ofthatIamnotproud，forfortunepermitsitnot。
　　ACHILLES
　　Whoseslaveartthou？notmine；formineandAgamemnon’sgoodsareseparate。
　　ATTENDANT
　　Ibelongtothisladywhostandsbeforethetent，agifttoherfromTyndareusherfather。
　　ACHILLES
　　Iamwaiting；tellme，ifthouartdesirous，whythouhaststayedme。
　　ATTENDANT
　　Areyereallyallalonehereatthedoor？
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Tousalonewiltthouaddressthyself；comeforthfromtheking’stent。
　　ATTENDANT（Comingout）
　　OFortuneandmyownforesight，preservewhomIdesire！
　　ACHILLES
　　Thatspeechwillsavethem-inthefuture；ithasacertainpompousair。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Delaynotforthesakeoftouchingmyrighthand，ifthereisaughtthatthouwouldstsaytome。
　　ATTENDANT
　　Well，thouknowestmycharacterandmydevotiontotheeandthychildren。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Iknowthouhastgrownoldintheserviceofmyhouse。
　　ATTENDANT
　　LikewisethouknowestitwasinthydowrykingAgamemnonreceivedme。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Yes，thoucamesttoArgoswithme，andhastbeenminethislongtimepast。
　　ATTENDANT
　　True；andthoughIbeartheeallgoodwill，Ilikenotthylordsowell。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Come，come，unfoldwhate’erthouhasttosay。
　　ATTENDANT
　　Herfather，hethatbegather，isonthepointofslayingthydaughterwithhisownhand。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　How？Outuponthystory，olddotard！thouartmad。
　　ATTENDANT
　　Severingwithaswordthehaplessmaid’swhitethroat。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Ah，woeisme！Ismyhusbandhaplymad？
　　ATTENDANT
　　Nay；sane，exceptwherethouandthydaughterareconcerned；thereheismad。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Whatishisreason？whatvengefulfiendimpelshim？
　　ATTENDANT
　　Oracles-atleastsoCalchassays，inorderthatthehostmaystartCLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Whither？Woeisme，andwoeisthee，thyfather’sdestinedvictim！
　　ATTENDANT
　　TothehallsofDardanus，thatMenelausmayrecoverHelen。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　SoHelen’sreturnthenwasfatedtoaffectIphigenia？
　　ATTENDANT
　　Thouknowestall；herfatherisabouttoofferthychildtoArtemis。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Butthatmarriage-whatpretexthaditforbringingmefromhome？
　　ATTENDANT
　　Aninducementtotheetobringthydaughtercheerfully，towedhertoAchilles。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Onadeadlyerrandartthoucome，mydaughter，boththou，andI，thymother。
　　ATTENDANT
　　Piteousthelotofbothofyou-andfearfulAgamemnon’sventure。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Alas！Iamundone；myeyescannolongerstemtheirtears。
　　ATTENDANT
　　Whatmorenaturalthantoweepthelossofthychildren？
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Whence，oldman，dostsaythouhadstthisnews？
　　ATTENDANT
　　Ihadstartedtocarrytheealetterreferringtotheformerwriting。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Forbiddingorcombiningtourgemybringingthechildtoherdeath？
　　ATTENDANT
　　Nay，forbiddingit，forthylordwastheninhissobersenses。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Howcomesitthen，ifthouwertreallybringingmealetter，thatthoudostnotnowdeliverintomyhands？
　　ATTENDANT
　　Menelaussnatcheditfromme-hewhocausedthistrouble。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Dostthouhearthat，sonofPeleus，theNereid’schild？
　　ACHILLES
　　Ihavebeenlisteningtothetaleofthysufferings，andIamindignanttothinkIwasusedasatool。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Theywillslaymychild；theyhavetrickedherwiththymarriage。
　　ACHILLES
　　LiketheeIblamethylord，nordoIviewitwithmereindifference。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　NolongerwillIletshamepreventmykneelingtothee，amortaltoonegoddess-born；whydoIaffectreserve？whoseinterestsshouldI
　　consultbeforemychild’s？（ThrowingherselfbeforeACHILLES）
　　Oh！helpme，goddess-born，inmysoredistress，andherthatwascalledthybride-invain，’tistrue，yetcalledshewas。FortheeitwasIwreathedherheadandledherforthasiftomarriage，butnowitistoslaughterIambringingher。Ontheewillcomereproachbecausethoudidstnothelpher；forthoughnotweddedtoher，yetwertthouthelovinghusbandofmyhaplessmaidinnameatanyrate。
　　Bythybeard，righthand，andmothertooIdoimplorethee；forthynameitwasthatworkedmyruin，andthouartboundtostandbythat。ExceptthykneesIhavenoaltarwhereuntotofly；andnotafriendstandsatmyside。ThouhastheardthecruelabandonedschemeofAgamemnon；andI，awoman，amcome，asthouseest，toacampoflawlesssailor-folk，boldinevil’scause，thoughusefulwhentheylist；whereforeifthouboldlystretchforththinearminmybehalf，oursafetyisassured；butifthouwithholdit，wearelost。
　　CHORUS
　　Awondrousthingismotherhood，carryingwithitapotentspell，whereinallshare，sothatfortheirchildren’ssaketheywillendureaffliction。
　　ACHILLES
　　Myproudspiritisstirredtorangealoft，butithaslearnttogrieveinmisfortuneandrejoiceinhighprosperitywithequalmoderation。Forthesearethemenwhocancountonorderingalltheirlifearightbywisdom’srules。True，therearecaseswhere’tispleasantnottobetoowise，butthereareothers，wheresomestoreofwisdomhelps。BroughtupingodlyChiron’shallsmyself，I
　　learnttokeepasingleheart；andprovidedtheAtridaeleadaright，I
　　willobeythem；butwhentheyceasetherefrom，nomorewillIobey。
　　Nay，buthereandinTroyIwillshowthefreedomofmynature，and，asfarasinmelies，dohonourtoAreswithmyspear。Thee，lady，whohastsufferedsocruellyfromthynearestanddearest，willI，byeveryeffortinayoungman’spower，setright，investingtheewiththatamountofpity，andnevershallthydaughter，afterbeingoncecalledmybride，diebyherfather’shand；forIwillnotlendmyselftothyhusband’ssubtletricks；no！foritwillbemynamethatkillsthychild，althoughitwieldethnotthesteel。Thyownhusbandistheactualcause，butIshallnolongerbeguiltless，if，becauseofmeandmymarriage，thismaidenperishes，shethathathsufferedpastenduranceandbeenthevictimofaffrontsmoststrangelyundeserved。SoamImadethepoorestwretchinArgos；Iathingofnaught，andMenelauscountingforaman！NosonofPeleusI，buttheissueofavengefulfiend，ifmynameshallservethyhusbandforthemurder。Nay！byNereus，whobegatmymotherThetis，inhishomeamidtheflowingwaves，nevershallkingAgamemnontouchthydaughter，no！noteventothelayingofafinger-tipuponherrobe；elsewillSipylus，thatfrontiertownofbarbarism，thecradleofthosechieftains’line，behenceforthacityindeed，whilePhthia’snamewillnowherefindmention。Calchas，theseer，shallruebeginningthesacrificewithhisbarley-mealandlustralwater。Why，whatisaseer？Amanwhowithlucktellsthetruthsometimes，withfrequentfalsehoods，butwhenhisluckdesertshim，collapsesthenandthere。
　　ItisnottosecureabridethatIhavespokenthus-therebemaidsunnumberedeagertohavemylove-no！butkingAgamemnonhasputaninsultonme；heshouldhaveaskedmyleavetousemynameasameanstocatchthechild，foritwasIchieflywhoinducedClytaemnestratobetrothherdaughtertome；verilyIhadyieldedthistoHellas，ifthatwaswhereourgoingtoIliumbrokedown；Iwouldneverhaverefusedtofurthermyfellowsoldiers’commoninterest。
　　But，asitis，Iamasnaughtintheeyesofthosechieftains，andlittletheyreckoftreatingmewellorill。Myswordshallsoonknowifanyoneistosnatchthydaughterfromme，forthenwillI
　　makeitreekwiththebloodystainsofslaughter，ereitreachPhrygia。Calmthyselfthen；asagodinhismightIappearedtothee，withoutbeingso，butsuchwillIshowmyselfforallthat。
　　CHORUS
　　SonofPeleus，thywordsarealikeworthyoftheeandthatsea-borndeity，theholygoddess。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Ah！wouldIcouldfindwordstoutterthypraisewithoutexcess，andyetnotlosethegraciousnessthereofbystintingit；forwhenthegoodarepraised，theyhaveafeeling，asitwere，ofhatredforthosewhointheirpraiseexceedthemean。ButIamashamedofintrudingataleofwoe，sincemyafflictiontouchesmyselfaloneandthouartnotaffectedbytroublesofmine；butstillitlookswellforthemanofworthtoassisttheunfortunate，evenwhenheisnotconnectedwiththem。Whereforepityus，foroursufferingscryforpity；inthefirstplace，Ihaveharbouredanidlehopeinthinkingtohavetheewedmydaughter；andnext，perhaps，theslayingofmychildwillbetotheeanevilomeninthywooinghereafter，againstwhichthoumustguardthyself。Thywordsweregood，bothfirstandlast；forifthouwillitso，mydaughterwillbesaved。Wilthaveherclaspthykneesinsuppliantwise？’Tisnomaid’spart；yetifitseemgoodtothee，whycomesheshallwiththemodestlookoffree-bornmaid；butifI
　　shallobtaintheself-sameendfromtheewithoutkercoming，thenletherabidewithin，forthereisdignityinherreserve；stillreservemustonlygoasfarasthecaseallows。
　　ACHILLES
　　Bringnotthouthydaughteroutformetosee，lady，norletusincurthereproachoftheignorant；foranarmy，whengatheredtogetherwithoutdomesticdutiestoemployit，lovestheevilgossipofmalicioustongues。Afterall，shouldyesupplicateme，yewillattainalikeresultasifIhadne’erbeensupplicated；forIammyselfengagedinamightystruggletoridyouofyourtroubles。Onethingbesurethouhastheard；Iwillnottellalie；ifIdothatoridlymockthee，mayIdie，butliveifIpreservethemaid。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Blesstheeforeversuccouringthedistressed！
　　ACHILLES
　　Hearkenthentome，thatthemattermaysucceed。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Whatisthyproposal？forheartheeImust。
　　ACHILLES
　　Letusoncemoreurgeherfathertoabetterframeofmind。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Heissomethingofacoward，andfearsthearmytoomuch。
　　ACHILLES
　　Stillargumento’erthrowethargument。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Coldhopeindeed；buttellmewhatImustdo。
　　ACHILLES
　　Entreathimfirstnottoslayhischildren，andifheisstubborn，cometome。Firifheconsentstothyrequest，myinterventionneedgonofurther，sincethisconsentinsuresthysafety。Itooshallshowmyselfinabetterlighttomyfriend，andthearmywillnotblameme，ifIarrangethematterbyreasonratherthanforce；while，shouldthingsturnoutwell，theresultwillprovesatisfactorybothtotheeandthyfriends，evenwithoutmyinterference。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Howsensiblythouspeakest！Imustactasseemethbesttothee；
　　butshouldIfailofmyobject，whereamItoseetheeagain？
　　whithermustIturnmywretchedstepsandfindtheereadytochampionmydistress？
　　ACHILLES
　　Iamkeepingwatchtoguardthee，whereoccasioncalls，thatnoneseetheepassingthroughthehostofDanaiwiththatscaredlook。
　　Shamenotthyfather’shouse；forTyndareusdeservethnottobeillspokenof，beingamightymaninHellas。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　’Tisevenso。Commandme；Imustplaytheslavetothee。Iftherearegods，thouforthyrighteousdealingwiltfindthemfavourable；iftherearenone，whatneedtotoil？
　　ExeuntACHILLESandCLYTAEMNESTRA。
　　CHORUS
　　Whatwedding-hymnwasthatwhichraiseditsstrainstothesoundofLibyanflutes，tothemusicofthedancer’slyre，andthenoteofthepipeofreeds？
　　’TwasinthedayPieria’sfair-tressedchoircameo’ertheslopesofPeliontothemarriage-feastofPeleus，beatingthegroundwithprintofgoldensandalsatthebanquetofthegods，andhymningindulcetstrainsthepraiseofThetisandthesonofAeacus，o’ertheCentaurs’hill，downthroughthewoodsofPelion。
　　TherewastheDardanianboy，PhrygianGanymede，whomZeusdelightstohonour，drawingoffthewinehemixedinthedepthsofgoldenbowls；while，alongthegleamingsand，thefiftydaughtersofNereusgracedthemarriagewiththeirdancing，circlinginamazyring。
　　Cametootherevel-routofCentaurs，mountedonhorses，tothefeastofthegodsandthemixing-bowlofBacchus，leaningonfir-trees，withwreathsofgreenfoliageroundtheirheads；andloudlycriedtheprophetChiron，skilledinartsinspiredbyPhoebus；
　　"DaughterofNereus，thoushaltbearason"-whosenamehegave-"adazzlinglighttoThessaly；forheshallcomewithanarmyofspearmentothefar-famedlandofPriam，tosetitinablaze，hisbodycasedinasuitofgoldenmailforgedbyHephaestus，agiftfromhisgoddess-mother，evenfromThetiswhoborehim。"
　　Thenshedthegodsablessingonthemarriageofthehigh-bornbride，whowasfirstofNereus’daughters，andontheweddingofPeleus。Butthee，willArgivescrown，wreathingthelovelytressesofthyhair，likeadappledmountainhindbroughtfromsomerockycaveoraheiferundefiled，andstainingwithbloodthyhumanthroat；
　　thoughthouwertneverrearedliketheseamidthepipingandwhistlingofherdsmen，butatthymother’sside，tobedeckedonedaybyherasthebrideofasonofInachus。Wherenowdoesthefaceofmodestyorvirtueavailaught？seeingthatgodlessnessholdssway，andvirtueisneglectedbymenandthrustbehindthem，lawlessnesso’erlawprevailing，andmortalsnolongermakingcommoncausetokeepthejealousyofgodsfromreachingthem。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA（Reappearingfromthetent）
　　Ihavecomefromthetenttolookoutformyhusband，whowentawayandleftitsshelterlongago；whilethatpoorchild，mydaughter，hearingofthedeathherfatherdesignsforher，isintears，utteringinmanykeysherpiteouslamentation。（CatchingsightofAGAMEMNON）ItSeemsIwasspeakingofonenotfaraway；forthereisAgamemnon，whowillsoonbedetectedinthecommissionofacrimeagainsthisownchild。
　　EnterAGAMEMNON。
　　AGAMEMNON
　　DaughterofLeda，’tisluckyIhavefoundtheeoutsidethetent，todiscusswiththeeinourdaughter’sabsencesubjectsnotsuitedfortheearsofmaidensontheeveofmarriage。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　What，pray，isdependentonthepresentcrisis？
　　AGAMEMNON
　　Sendthemaidenouttojoinherfather，forthelustralwaterstandsthereready，andbarley-mealtoscatterwiththehandonthecleansingflame，andheiferstobeslaininhonourofthegoddessArtemis，tousherinthemarriage，theirblackbloodspoutingfromthem。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Thoughfairthewordsthouusest，IknownothowIamtonamethydeedsintermsofpraise。
　　Comeforth，mydaughter；fullwellthouknowestwhatisinthyfather’smind；takethechildOrestes，thybrother，andbringhimwiththeeinthefoldsofthyrobe。
　　EnterIPHIGENIA。
　　Beholdcholdshecomes，inobediencetothysummons。Myselfwillspeaktherestalikeforherandme。
　　AGAMEMNON
　　Mychild，whyweepestthouandnolongerlookestcheerfully？whyartthoufixingthineeyesuponthegroundandholdingthyrobebeforethem？
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Alas！withwhichofmywoesshallIbegin？forImaytreatthemallasfirst，orputthemlastormidwayanywhere。
　　AGAMEMNON
　　Hownow？Ifindyouallalike，confusionandalarmineveryeye。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Myhusband，answerfranklythequestionsIaskthee。
　　AGAMEMNON
　　Thereisnonecessitytoorderme；Iamwillingtobequestioned。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Dostthoumeantoslaythychildandmine？
　　AGAMEMNON（Starting）
　　Ha！theseareheartlesswords，unwarrantedsuspicions！
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Peace！answermethatquestionfirst。
　　AGAMEMNON
　　Putafairquestionandthoushalthaveafairanswer。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Ihavenootherquestionstoput；givemenootheranswers。
　　AGAMEMNON
　　Ofaterevered，Odestiny，andfortunemine！
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Aye，andmineandthismaid’stoo；thethreeshareonebadfortune。
　　AGAMEMNON
　　WhomhaveIinjured？
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Dostthouaskmethisquestion？Athoughtlikethatitselfamountstothoughtlessness。
　　AGAMEMNON
　　Ruined！mysecretout！
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Iknowall；Ihaveheardwhatthouartbentondoingtome。Thyverysilenceandthosefrequentgroansareaconfession；tirenotthyselfbytellingit。
　　AGAMEMNON
　　Lo！Iamsilent；for，ifItelltheeafalsehood，needsmustIaddeffronterytomisfortune。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Well，listen；forIwillnowunfoldmymeaningandnolongeremploydarkriddles。Inthefirstplace-toreproachtheefirstwiththis-itwasnotofmyownfreewillbutbyforcethatthoudidsttakeandwedme，afterslayingTantalus，myformerhusband，anddashingmybabeonthegroundalive，whenthouhadsttornhimfrommybreastwithbrutalviolence。Then，whenthosetwosonsofZeus，whowerelikewisemybrothers，cameflashingonhorsebacktowarwiththee，Tyndareus，myagedsire，rescuedtheebecauseofthysuppliantprayers，andthouinturnhadstmetowife。Oncereconciledtotheeuponthisfooting，thouwiltbearmewitnessIhavebeenablamelesswifetotheeandthyfamily，chasteinlove，anhonourtothyhouse，thatsothycominginmightbewithjoyandthygoingoutwithgladness。And’tisseldomamansecuresawifelikethis，thoughthegettingofaworthlesswomanisnorarity。
　　Besidesthreedaughters，ofoneofwhomthouartheartlesslydeprivingme，Iamthemotherofthissonofthine。Ifanyoneaskstheethyreasonforslayingher，tellme，whatwiltthousay？ormustsayitforthee？"ItisthatMenelausmayrecoverHelen。"Anhonourableexchange，indeed，topayawickedwoman’spriceinchildren’slives！’Tisbuyingwhatwemostdetestwithwhatweholdmostdear。Again，ifthougoforthwiththehost，leavingmeinthyhalls，andartlongabsentatTroy，whatwillmyfeelingsbeathome，dostthink？whenIbeholdeachvacantchairandherchambernowdeserted，andthensitdownaloneintears，makingceaselesslamentationforher，"Ah！mychild，hethatbegattheehathslaintheehimself，heandnooneelse，norwasitbyanother’shand……tothyhome，afterleavingsuchapricetobepaid；foritneedsnowbutatriflingpretextformeandthedaughtersremainingtogivetheethereceptionitisrightthoushouldstreceive。Iadjuretheebythegods，compelmenottosinagainstthee，norsinthyself。Goto；
　　supposethousacrificethechild；whatprayerwiltthouutter，when’tisdone？whatwilltheblessingbethatthouwiltinvokeuponthyselfasthouartslayingourdaughter？anillreturningmaybe，seeingthedisgracethatspeedsthygoingforth。IsitrightthatI
　　shouldprayforanylucktoattendthee？Surelyweshoulddeemthegodsdevoidofsense，ifweharbouredakindlyfeelingtowardsmurderers。ShaltthouembracethychildrenonthycomingbacktoArgos？Nay，thouhastnoright。Willanychildofthinge’erfacethee，ifthouhavesurrenderedoneofthemtodeath？Hasthiseverenteredintothycalculations，ordoesthyonedutyconsistincarryingasceptreaboutandmarchingattheheadofanarmy？whenthoumightesthavemadethisfairproposalamongtheArgives；"Isityourwish，Achaeans，tosailforPhrygia’sshores？Whythen，castlotswhosedaughterhastodie。"Forthatwouldhavebeenafaircoursefortheetopursue，insteadofpickingoutthyownchildforthevictimandpresentinghertotheDanai；orMenelaus，inasmuchasitwashisconcern，shouldhaveslainHermioneforhermother。Asitis，I，whostillamtruetothee，mustlosemychild；whileshe，whowentastray，willreturnwithherdaughter，andliveinhappinessatSparta。IfI
　　amwronginaughtherein，answerme；butifmywordshavebeenfairlyurged，donotstillslaythychild，whoisminetoo，andthouwiltbewise。
　　CHORUS
　　HearkentoherAgamemnon，fortojoininsavingthychildren’slivesissurelyanobledeed；nonewouldgainsaythis。
　　IPHIGENIA
　　HadItheeloquenceofOrpheus，myfather，tomovetherocksbychantedspellstofollowme，ortocharmbyspeakingwhomIwould，I
　　hadresortedtoit。Butasitis，I’llbringmytears-theonlyartI
　　know；forthatImightattempt。Andaboutthyknees，insuppliantwise，Itwinemylimbstheselimbsthywifeherebore。Destroymenotbeforemytime，forsweetistolookuponthelight，andforcemenottovisitscenesbelow。Iwasthefirsttocalltheefather，thouthefirsttocallmechild；thefirstwasItosituponthykneeandgiveandtakethefondcaress。Andthiswaswhatthouthenwouldstsay，"ShallIseethee，mychild，livingahappyprosperouslifeinahusband’shomeoneday，inamannerworthyofmyself？"AndI
　　inmyturnwouldask，asIhungaboutthybeard，wheretoInowamclinging，"HowshallIseethee？ShallIbegivingtheeagladreceptioninmyhalls，father，inthyoldage，repayingallthyanxiouscareinrearingme？
　　Irememberallwesaid，’tisthouwhohastforgottenandnowwouldsttakemylife。ByPelops，Ientreattheespareme，bythyfatherAtreusandmymotherhere，whosuffersnowasecondtimethepangsshefeltbeforewhenbearingme！WhathaveItodowiththemarriageofParisandHelen？whyishiscomingtoprovemyruin，father？Lookuponme；oneglance，onekissbestow，thatthisatleastImaycarrytomydeathasamemorialofthee，thoughthouheednotmypleading。
　　（HoldingupthebabetoORESTES）Feebleallythoughthouart，brother，tothylovedones，yetaddthytearstomineandentreatourfatherforthysister’slife；eveninbabesthereisanaturalsenseofill。Ofather，seethisspeechlesssupplicationmadetothee；
　　pityme；havemercyonmytenderyears！Yea，bythybeardwetwofondheartsimplorethypity，theoneababe，afull-grownmaidtheother。Bysummingallmypleasinone，IwillprevailinwhatIsay。
　　Togazeuponyonlightisman’smostcherishedgift；thatlifebelowisnothingness，andwhosolongsfordeathismad。Betterlivealifeofwoethandieadeathofglory！
　　CHORUS
　　Ah，wretchedHelen！AwfulthestrugglethathascometothesonsofAtreusandtheirchildren，thankstotheeandthosemarriagesofthine。
　　AGAMEMNON
　　Whilelovingmyownchildren，Iyetunderstandwhatshouldmovemypityandwhatshouldnot；Iwereamadmanelse。’Tisterribleformetobringmyselftothis，norlessterribleisittorefuse，daughter；forImustfarethesame。Yeseethevastnessofvonnavalhost，andthenumbersofbronzecladwarriorsfromHellas，whocanneithermaketheirwaytoIlium’stowersnorrazethefar-famedcitadelofTroy，unlessIoffertheeaccordingtothewordofCalchastheseer。SomemaddesirepossessesthehostofHellastosailforthwithtothelandofthebarbarians，andputastoptotherapeofwivesfromHellas，andtheywillslaymydaughtersinArgosaswellasyouandme，ifIdisregardthegoddess’sbehests。ItisnotMenelauswhohathenslavedmetohim，child，norhaveIfollowedwishofhis；
　　nay，’tisHellas，forwhomImustsacrificetheewhetherIwillorno；
　　tothisnecessityIbowmyhead；forherfreedommustbepreserved，asfarasanyhelpofthine，daughter，orminecango；normustthey，whoarethesonsHellas，bepillagedoftheirwivesbybarbarianrobbery。
　　AGAMEMNONrushesfromthestage，CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　MychildYestrangerladies！
　　Woeismeforthisthydeath！Thyfatherflies，surrenderingtheetoHades。
　　IPHIGENIA
　　Woeisme，Omothermine！forthesamestrainhathfallentobothofusinourfortune。Nomoreformethelightofday！nomorethebeamsofyondersun！Woeforthatsnow-beatgleninPhrygiaandthehillsofIda，wherePriamonceexposedatenderbabe，tornfromhismother’sarmstomeetadeadlydoom，e’enParis，calledthechildofIdainthePhrygians’town。WouldPriamne’erhadsettledhim，theherdsmanrearedamidtheherds，besidethatwatercrystal-clear，wherearefountainsoftheNymphsandtheirmeadowrichwithbloomingflowers，wherehyacinthsandrose-budsblowforgoddessestogather！HitheronedaycamePallasandCyprisofthesubtleheart，HeratooandHermesmessengerofZeus-Cypris，proudofthelongingshecauses；Pallasofherprowess；andHeraofherroyalmarriagewithkingZeus-todecideahatefulstrifeabouttheirbeauty；
　　butitismydeath，maidens-fraught，’tistrue，withglorytotheDanai-thatArtemishasreceivedasanoffering，beforetheybeginthevoyagetoIlium。
　　Omother，mother！hethatbegatmetothislifeofsorrowhasgoneandleftmeallalone。Ah！woeisme！abitter，bittersightformewasHelen，evilHelen！tomenowdoomedtobleedanddie，slaughteredbyanimpioussire。
　　IwouldthisAulishadneverreceivedinitshavensherethesternsoftheirbronze-beakedships，thefleetwhichwasspeedingthemtoTroy；andwouldthatZeushadneverbreathedontheEuripusawindtostoptheexpedition，tempering，ashedoth，adifferentbreezetodifferentmen，sothatsomehavejoyinsettingsail，andsorrowsome，andothershardconstraint，tomakesomestartandothersstayandothersfurltheirsails！Fulloftroublethen，itseems，istheraceofmortals，fulloftroubleverily；and’tiseverFate’sdecreethatmanshouldfinddistress。
　　Woe！woetothee，thouchildofTyndareus，forthesufferingandanguishsore，whichthouartcausingtheDanai！
　　CHORUS
　　Ipitytheeforthycruelfate-afateIwouldthoune’erhadstmet！
　　IPHIGENIA
　　Omotherthatbareme！Iseeathrongofmenapproaching。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Itisthegoddess-bornthouseest，child，forwhomthoucamesthither。
　　IPHIGENIA（Callingintothetent）
　　Openthetent-doortome，servants，thatImayhidemyself。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Whyseektofly，mychild？
　　IPHIGENIA
　　IamashamedtofaceAchilles。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Wherefore？
　　IPHIGENIA
　　Thelucklessendingtoourmarriagecausesmetofeelabashed。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Notimeforaffectationnowinfaceofwhathaschanced。Staythen；reservewilldonogood，ifonlywecan-
　　EnterACHILLES。
　　ACHILLES
　　DaughterofLeda，ladyofsorrows！
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Nomisnomerthat。
　　ACHILLES
　　AfearfulcryisheardamongtheArgives。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Whatisit？tellme。
　　ACHILLES
　　Itconcernsthychild。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Anevilomenforthywords。
　　ACHILLES
　　Theysayhersacrificeisnecessary。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Andistherenoonetosayawordagainstthem？
　　ACHILLES
　　IndeedIwasinsomedangermyselffromthetumult。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Indangerofwhat？kindsir。
　　ACHILLES
　　Ofbeingstoned。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Surelynotfortryingtosavemydaughter？
　　ACHILLES
　　Theveryreason。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Whowouldhavedaredtolayafingeronthee？
　　ACHILLES
　　ThemenofHellas，oneandall。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　WerenotthyMyrmidonwarriorsatthyside？
　　ACHILLES
　　Theywerethefirstwhoturnedagainstme。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Mychild！wearelost，undone，itseems。
　　ACHILLES
　　Theytauntedmeasthemanwhommarriagehadenslaved。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Andwhatdidstthouanswerthem？
　　ACHILLES
　　IcravedthelifeofherImeanttowed-
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Justlyso。
　　ACHILLES
　　Thewifeherfatherpromisedme。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Aye，andsenttofetchfromArgos。
　　ACHILLES
　　ButIwasovercomebyclamorouscries。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Trulythemobisadiremischief。
　　ACHILLES
　　ButIwillhelptheeforallthat。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Wiltthoureallyfightthemsingle-handed？
　　ACHILLES
　　Dostseethesewarriorshere，carryingmyarms？
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Blesstheeforthykindintent！
　　ACHILLES
　　Well，Ishallbeblessed。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Thenmychildwillnotbeslaughterednow？
　　ACHILLES
　　No，notwithmyconsentatanyrate。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Butwillanyofthemcometolayhandsonthemaid？
　　ACHILLES
　　Thousandsofthem，withOdysseusattheirhead。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　ThesonofSisyphus？
　　ACHILLES
　　Theverysame。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Actingforhimselforbythearmy’sorder？
　　ACHILLES
　　Bytheirchoice-andhisown。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Anevilchoiceindeed，tostainhishandsinblood！
　　ACHILLES
　　ButIwillholdhimback。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Willheseizeandbearherhenceagainstherwill？
　　ACHILLES
　　Aye，byhergoldenhairnodoubt。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　WhatmustIdo，whenitcomestothat？
　　ACHILLES
　　Keepholdofthydaughter。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Besurethatsheshallnotbeslain，asfarasthatcanhelpher。
　　ACHILLES
　　Believeme，itwillcometothis。
　　IPHIGENIA
　　Mother，hearmewhileIspeak，forIseethatthouartwrothwiththyhusbandtonopurpose；’tishardforustopersistinimpossibilities。Ourthanksareduetothisstrangerforhisreadyhelp；butthoumustalsoseetoitthatheisnotreproachedbythearmy，leavingusnobetteroffandhimselfinvolvedintrouble。
　　Listen，mother；hearwhatthoughtshavepassedacrossmymind。Iamresolvedtodie；andthisIfainwoulddowithhonour，dismissingfrommewhatismean。Towardsthisnow，mother，turnthythoughts，andwithmeweighhowwellIspeak；tomethewholeofmightyHellaslooks；
　　onmethepassageo’ertheseadepends；onmethesackofTroy；andinmypoweritliestocheckhenceforthbarbarianraidsonhappyHellas，ifeverinthedaystocometheyseektoseizeherdaughters，whenoncetheyhaveatonedbydeathfortheviolationofHelen’smarriagebyParis。Allthisdeliverancewillmydeathinsure，andmyfameforsettingHellasfreewillbeahappyone。
　　Besides，Ihavenorightatalltoclingtoofondlytomylife；forthoudidstnotbearmeformyselfalone，butasapublicblessingtoallHellas。What！shallcountlesswarriors，armedwithshields，thosemyriadssittingattheoar，findcouragetoattackthefoeanddieforHellas，becausetheirfatherlandiswronged，andmyonelifepreventallthis？Whatkindofjusticeisthat？couldIfindawordinanswer？Nowturnwetothatotherpoint。ItisnotrightthatthismanshouldenterthelistswithallArgosorbeslainfoxawoman’ssake。Betterasinglemanshouldseethelightthantenthousandwomen。IfArtemisismindedtotakethisbody，amI，aweakmortal，tothwartthegoddess？Nay，thatwereimpossible。ToHellasIresignit；offerthissacrificeandmakeanutterendofTroy。Thisismyenduringmonument；marriage，motherhood，andfame-alltheseisittome。Anditisbutright，mother，thatHellenesshouldrulebarbarians，butnotbarbariansHellenes，thosebeingslaves，whilethesearefree。
　　CHORUS
　　Thouplayestanoblepart，maiden；butsicklyarethewhimsofFateandthegoddess。
　　ACHILLES
　　DaughterofAgamemnonIsomegodwasbentonblessingme，couldIbuthavewontheeformywife。IntheeIreckonHellashappy，andtheeinHellas；forthisthatthouhastsaidisgoodandworthyofthyfatherland；sincethou，abandoningastrifewithheavenlypowers，whicharetoostrongforthee，hasfairlyweighedadvantagesandneeds。ButnowthatIhavelookedintothynoblenature，Ifeelstillmoreafonddesiretowintheeformybride。Looktoit；forI
　　wouldfainservetheeandreceivetheeinmyhalls；andwitnessThetis，howIgrievetothinkIshallnotsavethylifebydoingbattlewiththeDanai。Reflect，Isay；adreadfulillisdeath。
　　IPHIGENIA
　　ThisIsay，withoutregardtoanyone。EnoughthatthedaughterofTyndareusiscausingwarsandbloodshedbyherbeauty；thenbenotslainthyself，sirstranger，norseektoslayanotheronmyaccount；butletme，ifIcan，saveHellas。
　　ACHILLES
　　Heroicspirit！Icansaynomoretothis，sincethouartsominded；forthineisanobleresolve；whyshouldnotoneavowthetruth？YetwillIspeak，forthouwilthaplychangethymind；thatthoumaystknowthenwhatmyofferis，Iwillgoandplacethesearmsofminenearthealtar，resolvednottopermitthydeathbuttopreventit；forbraveasthouart，atsightoftheknifeheldatthythroat，thouwiltsoonavailthyselfofwhatIsaid。SoIwillnotlettheeperishthroughanythoughtlessnessofthine，butwillgotothetempleofthegoddesswiththesearmsandawaitthyarrivalthere。
　　ExitACHILLES。
　　IPHIGENIA
　　Mother，whysosilent，thineeyeswetwithtears？
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Ihavereason，woeisme！tobesadatheart。
　　IPHIGENIA
　　Forbear；makemenotacoward；hereinonethingobeyme。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Saywhatitis，mychild，foratmyhandsthoushaltne’ersufferinjury。
　　IPHIGENIA
　　Cutnotoffthetressesofthyhairforme，norclothethyselfinsablegarb。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Why，mychild，Whatisitthouhastsaid？ShallI，whenIlosethee-
　　IPHIGENIA
　　"Lose"me，thoudostnot；Iamsavedandthourenowned，asfarasIcanmakethee。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Howso？MustInotmournthydeath？
　　IPHIGENIA
　　Bynomeans，forIshallhavenotombheapedo’erme。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　What，isnottheactofdyingheldtoimplyburial？
　　IPHIGENIA
　　Thealtarofthegoddess，Zeus’sdaughter，willbemytomb。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Well，mychild，Iwilllettheepersuademe，forthousayestwell。
　　IPHIGENIA
　　Aye，asonewhoprosperethanddoethHellasservice。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　WhatmessageshallIcarrytothysisters？
　　IPHIGENIA
　　Putnotmourningraimentonthemeither。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　ButistherenofondmessageIcangivethemaidensfromthee？
　　IPHIGENIA
　　Yes，myfarewellwords；andpromisemetorearthisbabeOrestestomanhood。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Presshimtothybosom；’tisthylastlook。
　　IPHIGENIA
　　Othouthatartmostdeartome！thouhasthelpedthyfriendsasthouhadstmeans。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　IsthereanythingIcandotopleasuretheeinArgos？
　　IPHIGENIA
　　Yes，hatenotmyfather，thyownhusband。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Fearfularethetrialsthroughwhichhehastogobecauseofthee。
　　IPHIGENIA
　　ItwasagainsthiswillheruinedmeforthesakeofHellas。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Ah！butbeemployedbasetreachery，unworthyofAtreus。
　　IPHIGENIA
　　Whowillescortmehence，beforemyhairistorn？
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Iwillgowiththee。
　　IPHIGENIA
　　No，notthou；thousay’stnotwell。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Iwill，clingingtothyrobes。
　　IPHIGENIA
　　Bepersuadedbyme，mother，stayhere；forthisisthebetterwayalikeformeandthee；butletoneoftheseattendantsofmyfatherconductmetothemeadowofArtemis，whereIshallbesacrificed。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Artgonefromme，mychild？
　　IPHIGENIA
　　Aye，andwithnochanceofeverreturning。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Leavingthymother？
　　IPHIGENIA
　　Yes，asthouseest，undeservedly。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Hold！leavemenot！
　　IPHIGENIA
　　Icannotlettheeshedatear。（ExitCLYTAEMNESTRA。TotheCHORUS）
　　Beityours，maidens，tohymninjoyousstrainsArtemis，thechildofZeus，formyhardlot；andlettheorderforasolemnhushgoforthtotheDanai。Beginthesacrificewiththebaskets，letthefireblazeforthepurifyingmealofsprinkling，andmyfatherpacefromlefttorightaboutthealtar；forIcometobestowonHellassafetycrownedwithvictory。Leadmehence，methedestroyerofIlium’stownandthePhrygians；givemewreathstocastaboutme；bringthemhither；herearemytressestocrown；bringlustralwatertoo。DancetoArtemis，queenArtemistheblest，aroundherfaneandaltar；forbythebloodofmysacrificeIwillblotouttheoracle，ifitneedsmustbe。
　　Omother，ladyrevered！fortheeshallmytearsbeshed，andnow；forattheholyritesImaynotweep。
　　Singwithme，maidens，singthepraisesofArtemis，whosetemplefacesChalcis，whereangryspearmenmadlychafe，hereinthenarrowhavensofAulis，becauseofme。
　　OPelasgia，landofmybirth，andMycenae，myhome！
　　CHORUS
　　IsitonPerseus’citadelthoucallest，thattownCyclopeanworkmenbuildIPHIGENIA
　　TobealighttoHellasdidstthourearme，andsoIsaynotNotodeath。
　　CHORUS
　　Thouartright；nofearthatfamewille’erdesertthee！
　　IPHIGENIA
　　Hailtothee，brightlampofdayandlightofZeus！Adifferentlife，differentlotishenceforthmine。FarewellIbidthee，lightbeloved！
　　ExitIPHIGENIA。
　　CHORUS
　　Beholdthemaidenonherway，thedestroyerofIlium’stownanditsPhrygians，withgarlandstwinedaboutherhead，anddropsoflustralwateronher，soontobesprinklewithhergushingbloodthealtarofamurderousgoddess，whattimehershapelyneckissevered。
　　Fortheefairstreamsofafather’spouringandlustralwatersareinstore，fortheeAchaea’shostiswaiting，eagertoreachthecitadelofIlium。ButletuscelebrateArtemis，thedaughterofZeus，queenamongthegods，asifuponsomehappychance。
　　Oladyrevered，delightinginhumansacrifice，sendonitswaytoPhrygia’slandthehostoftheHellenes，toTroy’sabodesofguile，andgrantthatAgamemnonmaywreathehisheadwithdeathlessfame，acrownoffairestgloryforthespearmenofHellas。
　　EnterMESSENGER。
　　MESSENGER
　　Comeforth，OClytaemnestra，daughterofTyndareus，fromthetent，tohearmynews。
　　EnterCLYTAEMNESTRA。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Iheardthyvoiceandamcomeinsaddismayandfearfuldread，notsurebutwhatthouhastarrivedwithtidingsofsomefreshtroubleformebesidesthepresentwoe。
　　MESSENGER
　　Nay，ratherwouldIunfoldtotheeastorystrangeandmarvellousaboutthychild。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Delaynot，then，butspeakatonce。
　　MESSENGER
　　Dearmistress，thoushaltlearnallclearly；fromtheoutsetwillItellit，unlessmymemoryfailmesomewhatandconfusemytongueinitsaccount。AssoonaswereachedthegroveofArtemis，thechildofZeus，andthemeadowsgaywithflowers，wheretheAchaeantroopsweregathered，bringingthydaughterwithus，forthwiththeArgivehostbeganassembling；butwhenkingAgamemnonsawthemaidenonherwaytothegrovetobesacrificed，hegaveonegroan，and，turningawayhisface，letthetearsburstfromhiseyes，asheheldhisrobebeforethem。Butthemaid，standingclosebyhimthatbegother，spakeonthiswise，"Omyfather，hereamItodothybidding；
　　freelyIofferthisbodyofmineformycountryandallHellas，thatyemayleadmetothealtarofthegoddessandsacrificeme，sincethisisHeaven’sordinance。GoodluckbeyoursforanyhelpthatI
　　afford！andmayyeobtainthevictor’sgiftandcomeagaintothelandofyourfathers。SothenletnoneoftheArgiveslayhandsonme，forIwillbravelyyieldmyneckwithoutaword。"
　　Shespake；andeachmanmarvelled，asheheardthemaiden’sbrave，unflinchingspeech。ButinthemidstupstoodTalthybius-forhisthisdutywas-andbadethehostrefrainfromwordordeed；andCalchas，theseer，drawingasharpswordfromoutitsscabbardlaiditinabasketofbeatengold，crowningthemaiden’sheadthewhile。ThenthesonofPeleus，takingthebasketandwithitlustralwaterinhishand，ranroundthealtarofthegoddessutteringthesewords，"OArtemis，thouchildofZeus，slayerofwildbeasts，thatwheelestthydazzlinglightamidthegloom，acceptthissacrifice，whichwe，thehostoftheAchaeansandkingAgamemnonwithus，offertothee，evenpurebloodfromabeauteousmaiden’sneck；andgrantussafesailingforourshipsandthesackofTroy’stowersbyourspears。"
　　MeantimethesonsofAtreusandallthehoststoodlookingontheground，whilethepriest，seizinghisknife，offeredupaprayerandwascloselyscanningthemaiden’sthroattoseewhereheshouldstrike。’Twasnoslightsorrowfilledmyheart，asIstoodbywithbowedhead；whenlo！asuddenmiracle！Eachoneofusdistinctlyheardthesoundofablow，butnonesawthespotwherethemaidenvanished。Loudlythepriestcriedout，andallthehosttookupthecryatthesightofamarvelallunlookedfor，duetosomegod’sagency，andpassingallbelief，although’twasseen；forthereuponthegroundlayahindofsizeimmenseandpassingfairtosec，gaspingoutherlife，withwhosebloodthealtarofthegoddesswasthoroughlybedewed。WhereonspakeCalchasthus-hisjoythoucanstimagine-"YecaptainsofthisleaguedAchaeanhost，doyeseethisvictim，whichthegoddesshassetbeforeheraltar，amountainroaminghind？Thisismorewelcometoherbyfarthanthemaid，thatshemaynotdefileheraltarbysheddingnobleblood。GladlyhassheaccepteditandisgrantingusaprosperousvoyageforourattackonIlium。Whereforetakeheart，sailors，eachmanofyou，andawaytoyourships，forto-daymustweleavethehollowbaysofAulisandcrosstheAegeanmain。"
　　Then，whenthesacrificewaswhollyburnttoashesintheblazingflame，heofferedsuchprayersasweremeet，thatthearmymightwinreturn；butmeAgamemnonsendstotelltheethis，andsaywhatHeaven-sentluckishis，andhowhehathsecuredundyingfamethroughoutthelengthofHellas。NowIwastheremyselfandspeakasaneye-witness；withoutadoubtthychildflewawaytothegods。A
　　trucethentothysorrowing，andceasetobewrothwiththyhusband；
　　forGod’swayswithmanarenotwhatweexpect，andthosewhomheloves，hekeepethsafe；yea，forthisdayhathseenthydaughterdeadandbroughttolifeagain。
　　ExitMESSENGER。
　　CHORUS
　　Whatjoytohearthesetidingsfromthemessenger！Hetellstheethychildislivingstill，amongthegods。
　　CLYTAEMNESTRA
　　Whichofthegods，mychild，hathstolenthee？HowamItoaddressthee？HowcanIbesurethatthisisnotanidletaletoldtocheerme，tomakemeceasemypiteouslamentationforthee？
　　CHORUS
　　Lo！kingAgamemnonapproaches，toconfirmthisstoryforthee。
　　EnterAGAMEMNON。
　　AGAMEMNON
　　Happymaywebecounted，lady，asfarasconcernsourdaughter；
　　forshehathfellowshipwithgodsinverysooth。Butthoumusttakethistenderbabeandstartforhome，forthehostislookingnowtosail。Faretheewell！’tislongereIshallgreettheeonmyreturnfromTroy；mayitbewellwiththee！
　　CHORUS
　　SonofAtreus，startforPhrygia’slandwithjoyandsoreturn，Ipray，aftertakingfromTroyherfairestspoils。
　　ExeuntOMNES。