Or. Could any be more painful to behold?
El. This, that I share the dwelling of the murderers.1190
Or. Whose murderers? Where lies the guilt at which thou hintest?
El. My father's;—and then I am their slave perforce.
Or. Who is it that subjects thee to this constraint?
El. A mother—in name, but no mother in her deeds.
Or. How doth she oppress thee? With violence or with hardship?
El. With violence, and hardships, and all manner of ill.
Or. And is there none to succour, or to hinder?
El. None. I had one; and thou hast shown me his ashes.
Or. Hapless girl, how this sight hath stirred my pity!
El. Know, then, that thou art the first who ever pitied me.1200
Or. No other visitor hath ever shared thy pain.
El. Surely thou art not some unknown kinsman?
Or. I would answer, if these were friends who hear us.
El. Oh, they are friends; thou canst speak without mistrust.
Or. Give up this urn, then, and thou shalt be told all.
El. Nay, I beseech thee be not so cruel to me, sir!
