Are this land's deeds, accept the sacrifice
Her laws give openly, although it be
Accurst in Hellene eyes.
Enter Iphigeneia.
Iphigeneia.
First, that the Goddess' rites be duly done
Must I take heed. Unbind the strangers' hands,
That, being hallowed, they be chained no more;
Then, pass within the temple, and prepare470
What needs for present use, what custom bids.
Sighs.[Exeunt attendants.
Who was your mother, she which gave you birth?—
Your sire?—your sister who?—if such there be,
Of what fair brethren shall she be bereaved,
Brotherless now! . . . . Who knoweth upon whom475
Such fates shall fall? Heaven's dealings follow ways
Past finding out, and none foreseeth ill.
Fate draws us ever on to the unknown! . . . .
Whence, O whence come ye, strangers evil-starred?
O'er what long paths to this land have ye sailed?480
Long, long from home shall ye in Hades be.
Orestes.
Why make this moan, and with the ills to come
Afflict us, woman, whosoe'er thou art?
Not wise I count him, who, when doomed to death,
By lamentation would its terrors quell,485
Nor him who wails for Hades looming nigh,
Hopeless of help. Fie maketh evils twain
Of one: he stands of foolishness convict,
And dies no less. E'en let fate take her course.
For us make thou no moan: the altar-rites490
Which this land useth have we learnt, and know.
