ELECTRA
Electra
’Tis as I thought: before thy answer came
I knew full well thou wouldst refuse thine aid.
Unaided then and by myself I’ll do it,
For done it must be, though I work alone.
Chrysothemis
Ah well-a-way!
Would thou hadst been so minded on that day
Our father died! What couldst thou not have wrought!
Electra
My temper was the same, my mind less ripe.
Chrysothemis
Study to keep the same mind all thy days.
Electra
This counsel means refusal of thine aid.
Chrysothemis
Yes, for misfortune dogs such enterprise.
Electra
I praise thy prudence, hate thy cowardice.
Chrysothemis
E’en when thou shalt commend me, I will bear
Thy commendation no less patiently.
Electra
That trial thou wilt ne’er endure from me.
Chrysothemis
Who lives will see; time yet may prove thee wrong.
Electra
Begone! in thee there is no power to aid.
Chrysothemis
Not so; in thee there is no will to learn.
Electra
Go to thy mother; tell it all to her.
