40
EURIPIDES
Old Man.
Out on the pastures where his horses stray.
Orestes.
What did he there so far?—A gleam of day
Crosseth our darkness.
Old Man.
'Twas a feast, methought,
Of worship to the wild-wood nymphs he wrought.
Orestes.
The watchers of men's birth? Is there a son
New born to him, or doth he pray for one
That cometh? [Movement of Electra.
Old Man.
More I know not; he had there
A wreathèd ox, as for some weighty prayer.
Orestes.
What force was with him? Not his serfs alone?
Old Man.
No Argive lord was there; none but his own
Household.
Orestes.
Not any that might know my race,
Or guess?
Old Man.
Thralls, thralls; who ne'er have seen thy face.
