Had been partaker with me in his blood?
Speak all thou wilt: boldly set forth thy plea
To prove thy father did not justly die. 1050
Electra.
Justice thy plea!—thy "justice"[1] were our shame!
The wife should yield in all things to her lord,
So she be wise. If any think not so,
With her mine argument hath nought to do.
Bethink thee, mother, of thy latest words, 1055
Vouchsafing me free speech to answer thee.
Klytemnestra.
Again I say it; and I draw not back.
Electra.
Yea, mother, but wilt hear—and punish then?
Klytemnestra.
Nay: I grant grace of license to thy mood.
Electra.
Then will I speak. My prelude this shall be:— 1060
O mother, that thou hadst a better heart!
That beauty wins you worthy meed of praise,
Helen's and thine: true sisters twain were ye!
Ay, wantons both, unworthy Kastor's name!
- ↑ Her assumption (1035–1045) of the justice of the principle that woman has equal rights with man. All Greeks would have scouted it, and their adoption of it would but have made them the laughing-stock of the then civilized world.
