ELEKTRA
(An interior court formed by the rear of the palace and the servants' quarters.—The maids are grouped around the well, which is at the left side of the stage, near front.—Among them is The Surveillante.)
First Maid (lifting her jug).
Elektra, where is she?
Second Maid.
'Tis now the hour when
Her father's name she shouts aloud,
The walls re-echoing her noise.
(Elektra rushes from a gallery hidden in shadow.—All turn towards her.—Elektra, her arm raised before her face, springs backwards, like an animal regaining its burrow.)
First Maid.
Did you see?
Oh, how she looks at us!
Second Maid.
Like a wild cat, no less.
Third Maid.
I saw her there yesterday, moaning…
First Maid.
At sunset there she always kneels and moans.
Third Maid.
We both approached her,
Perhaps too closely.
First Maid.
She dislikes to be watched.
Third Maid.
Yes, we came too near;
Breathing like a cat towards us:
"Shoo! flies," she cried, "Shoo!"
Fourth Maid.
"Shoo! flies, shoo!"
Third Maid.
"Far from my plains begone!"
And with her broom menaced us.
Fourth Maid.
"Shoo! flies, shoo!"
Third Maid.
"Come not here to mock my tears,
Suck not the foam from my bitter mouth."
Fourth Maid.
"Go, hide yourself," she cried to us:
"Eat meat, and drink but little,
Go to bed—begone!"
But she…
Third Maid.
I would soon…
Fourth Maid.
Know how to answer her!
Third Maid.
"But when you are hungry,"
I told her, "you also eat!"
She sprang at me, her eyes ablaze,
Her fingers clawing, and she shouted:
"'Tis a vulture whom I nourished!"
4
