The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume I Part 29

Priestess, with speed conclude the sacrifice!

Impatiently the king and people wait.

IPHIGENIA

I had perform'd my duty and thy will, Had not an unforeseen impediment The execution of my purpose thwarted.

ARKAS

 

What is it that obstructs the king's commands?

IPHIGENIA

Chance, which from mortals will not brook control.

ARKAS

Possess me with the reason, that with speed I may inform the king, who hath decreed The death of both.

IPHIGENIA

The G.o.ds have not decreed it.

The elder of these men doth bear the guilt Of kindred murder; on his steps attend The dread Erinnys. In the inner fane They seized upon their prey, polluting thus The holy sanctuary. I hasten now, Together with my virgin-train, to bathe The G.o.ddess' image in the sea, and there With solemn rites its purity restore.

Let none presume our silent march to follow!

ARKAS

This hindrance to the monarch I'll announce Commence not thou the rite till he permit.

IPHIGENIA

The priestess interferes alone in this.

ARKAS

An incident so strange the king should know.

IPHIGENIA

Here, nor his counsel nor command avails.

ARKAS

Oft are the great consulted out of form.

IPHIGENIA

Do not insist on what I must refuse.

ARKAS

A needful and a just demand refuse not.

IPHIGENIA

I yield, if thou delay not.

ARKAS

I with speed Will bear these tidings to the camp, and soon Acquaint thee, priestess, with the king's reply.

There is a message I would gladly bear him; 'Twould quickly banish all perplexity Thou didst not heed thy faithful friend's advice.

IPHIGENIA

I willingly have done whate'er I could.

ARKAS

E'en now 'tis not too late to change thy purpose.

IPHIGENIA

To do so is, alas, beyond our power.

ARKAS

What thou wouldst shun, thou deem'st impossible.

IPHIGENIA

Thy wish doth make thee deem it possible.

ARKAS

Wilt thou so calmly venture everything?

IPHIGENIA

My fate I have committed to the G.o.ds.

ARKAS

The G.o.ds are wont to save by human means.

IPHIGENIA

By their appointment everything is done.

ARKAS