Page:Sophocles (Collins).djvu/193

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ELECTRA.
181

dictive murder, losing its aspect, is idealised and hallowed into a religious sacrifice."[1]

In an ancient epigram, a statue of Bacchus (the patron god of the drama) is supposed to shadow and protect the tomb of Sophocles. This statue holds in its hands a mask, representing a woman's face of perfect beauty. "Whose face is that?" asks a passer-by. "The face of Antigone," is the answer; "or, if you prefer it, that of Electra. You can make your choice, for both are masterpieces."

  1. Lord Lytton's Athens, ii. 568.

END OF SOPHOCLES.

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