ELECTRA
Electra
But who would barter speech for silence now,
Who could be dumb,
Now that beyond all thought and hope
I’ve seen thee come?
Orestes
That sight was then vouchsafed thee when the gods
First monished me to turn my steps towards home.
Electra
If a god guided thee
To seek our halls, this boon
Surpasses all before, I see
The hand of heaven.
Orestes
To check thy gladness I am loth, and yet
This ecstasy of joy—it makes me fear.
Electra
O after many a weary year
Restored to glad my eyes,
Seeing my utter misery, forbear—
Orestes
What is thy prayer?
Electra
Forbear to rob me of the light,
The presence of thy face.
Orestes
If any dared essay it, I were wrath.
Electra
Dost thou consent?
Orestes
How could I otherwise?
229
