University of Virginia Library

SCENE THE THIRD.

Electra, Clytemnestra, Ægisthus.
Elec.
Orestes dragg'd to death? What do I see?
Oh mother, suffer'st thou thy only son
Thus to be haled to punishment?

Cly.
My son?

Ægis.
Orestes? In my power? In Argos? yonder?
Orestes? Unexpected joy!—What ho! ...

Cly.
My son!

Elec.
Alas! what have I said?

Ægis.
Oh run;
Bring back these youths directly to my presence:
Make haste; fly, fly: oh joy!

Elec.
And I've betray'd him?

Cly.
My son! If first thou do not murder me,
Fear, monster, fear ...

Ægis.
In Argos, in my palace,
Perfidious lady, dost thou introduce,
And thus conceal, my mortal enemy?

Elec.
They were unknown to her, as well as thee:
Mine was the stratagem.

Ægis.
And my revenge
Shall fall on both.

Cly.
No; take my life alone;
But spare my children ...

Ægis.
Th'infamous remains
Of Agamemnon? From excess of joy
Scarce can my breast contain my swelling heart.
One blow to-day exterminates them all ...
But see, the traitors hitherward advance.
Oh most propitious day!