The Iphigenia in Tauris of Euripides Part 8

Yes: that is the name.

PYLADES.

Ye G.o.ds above!

IPHIGENIA.

Why callest thou on G.o.d For words of mine?

PYLADES.

'Tis nothing. 'Twas a road My thoughts had turned. Speak on.--No need for us To question; we shall hear things marvellous.

IPHIGENIA.

Tell him that Artemis my soul did save, I wot not how, and to the altar gave A fawn instead; the which my father slew, Not seeing, deeming that the sword he drew Struck me. But she had borne me far away And left me in this land.--I charge thee, say So much. It all is written on the scroll.

PYLADES.

An easy charge thou layest on my soul, A glad oath on thine own. I wait no more, But here fulfil the service that I swore.

Orestes, take this tablet which I bear To thine own hand, thy sister's messenger.

ORESTES.

I take it, but I reck not of its scrip Nor message. Too much joy is at my lip.

Sister! Beloved! Wildered though I be, My arms believe not, yet they crave for thee.

Now, filled with wonder, give me my delight!

[he goes to embrace her. she stands speechless.]

LEADER.

Stranger, forbear! No living man hath right To touch that robe. The G.o.ddess were defiled!

ORESTES.

O Sister mine, O my dead father's child, Agamemnon's child; take me and have no fear, Beyond all dreams 'tis I thy brother here.

IPHIGENIA.

My brother? Thou? ... Peace! Mock at me no more.

Argos is bright with him and Nauplia's sh.o.r.e.

ORESTES.

Unhappy one! Thou hast no brother there.

IPHIGENIA.

Orestes ... thou? Whom Clytemnestra bare?

ORESTES.

To Atreus' firstborn son, thy sire and mine.

IPHIGENIA.

Thou sayst it: Oh, give me some proof, some sign!

ORESTES.

What sign thou wilt. Ask anything from home.

IPHIGENIA.

Nay, thou speak: 'tis from thee the sign should come.

ORESTES.

That will I.--First, old tales Electra told.

Thou knowest how Pelops' princes warred of old?

IPHIGENIA.

I know: the Golden Lamb that wrought their doom.

ORESTES.

Thine own hand wove that story on the loom...

IPHIGENIA.

How sweet! Thou movest near old memories.

ORESTES.

With a great Sun back beaten in the skies.

IPHIGENIA.

Fine linen threads I used. The memories come.

ORESTES.

And mother gave thee shrift-water from home For Aulis ...

IPHIGENIA.

I remember. Not so fair A day did drink that water!

ORESTES.

And thine hair They brought us for thy dying gift, and gave To mother.

IPHIGENIA.

Yes: for record on the grave I sent it, where this head should never lie.

ORESTES.

Another token, seen of mine own eye.

The ancient lance that leapt in Pelops' hand, To win his bride, the virgin of the land, And smite Oenomaus, in thy chamber hid ...

IPHIGENIA (falling into his arms).

Beloved! Oh, no other, for indeed Beloved art thou! In mine arms at last, Orestes far away.

ORESTES.

And thou in mine, the evil dreaming past, Back from the dead this day!

Yet through the joy tears, tears and sorrow loud Are o'er mine eyes and thine eyes, like a cloud.

IPHIGENIA.

Is this the babe I knew, The little babe, light lifted like a bird?

O heart of mine, too blest for any word, What shall I say or do?

Beyond all wonders, beyond stories heard, This joy is here and true.