University of Virginia Library

SCENE IX.

Orestes, Electra, Pylades, &c.
ORESTES.
Now it is done: and lo, the sun again
Emerges from the gloom. Softly around
Breaks forth a-joyous universal hail;
Why then, Electra and Pylades dear,
Stand ye so mute, and look on me so strange?
Come, my sweet sister, let me lead thee hence.
We are two orphans, and in all the world,
Were never woeful orphans more forlorn.

ELECTRA.
Horrible sight! thy breast is foul with blood;
Thy mother's blood!—Release me awful man.

ORESTES.
What, my Pylades! where's thy gratulation?
Give me thy hand.

PYLADES.
Oh! what is this?

ORESTES.
My dagger!
Hence! blushing weapon.—Oh! could but the sight,
So soon, a sworn and sacred friendship sever!
Take her, Pylades, she has clung to thee.
'Tis I, 'tis I alone, that am the orphan.
But fare ye well; me no fond link detáins;
I have the world's spacious range before.
Cast out in childhood from my mother's breast,
Fate from the birth, has destin'd me to be
This general denizen; then why should I,
At your amaz'd and chilling looks repine.
Friends! why is this? They shake their heads and sigh;
And, to the temple, gaze, with sad enchantment.
What see they there?—Pylades, save me! save me!
See! see! where o'er my bleeding mother's corse,
The snake-hair'd furies of perdition stand.
They come, they come, in flaming rage upon me!
Ha! Here too! Others! Whither shall I fly?