ELECTRA
The hopes I had and those I might have had.
In such a case what room is there, my friends,
For patience, what for piety? In sooth
Those in ill plight are driven to evil ways.
Chorus
Stay, tell me, is Aegisthus nigh at hand,
While thus thou speakest, or is he from home?
Electra
From home, of course! Think you, were he within,
I should thus venture forth? He is now afield.
Chorus
More freely then may I converse with thee,
If this is so.
Electra
It is; ask what thou wilt.
Chorus
’Tis of thy brother I would question thee.
Comes he, or tarries yet? I fain would know.
Electra
He says “I come,” but does not what he says.
Chorus
A man thinks twice with some great work in hand.
Electra
I thought not twice when I delivered him.
Chorus
Take heart, he is loyal and will not fail his friends.
Electra
I trust him, else I had not lived so long.
Chorus
No more for this time; at the doors I see
Chrysothemis, thy sister, of one sire
