Page:Electra of Euripides (Murray 1913).djvu/97

That rang from Phoebus in his mood.
Electra.And what should Phoebus seek with me,
Or all God's oracles that be,
That I must bear my mother's blood?

Castor.Thy hand was as thy brother's hand,
Thy doom shall be as his. One stain,
From dim forefathers on the twain
Lighting, hath sapped your hearts as sand.

Orestes.After so long, sister, to see
(who has never raised his head, nor spoken to the Gods).And hold thee, and then part, then part,
By all that chained thee to my heart
Forsaken, and forsaking thee!

Castor.Husband and house are hers. She bears
No bitter judgment, save to go
Exiled from Argos.
Electra.And what wo
What tears are like an exile's tears?

Orestes.Exiled and more am I; impure,
A murderer in a stranger's hand!
Castor.Fear not. There dwells in Pallas' land
All holiness. Till then endure!
[Orestes and Electra embrace.

Orestes.Aye, closer; clasp my body well,
And let thy sorrow loose, and shed,
As o'er the grave of one new dead,
Dead evermore, thy last farewell!
[A sound of weeping.