I care not for such honour as thou hast.
Nor wouldst thou care if thou wert wise. But now,
Having the noblest of all men for sire,
Be called thy mother’s offspring; so shall most
Discern thine infamy and traitorous mind
To thy dead father and thy dearest kin.
Ch. No anger, we entreat. Both have said well,
If each would learn of other, and so do.
Chr. For my part, women, use hath seasoned me
To her discourse. Nor had I spoken of this,
Had I not heard a horror coming on
That will restrain her from her endless moan.
El. Come speak it forth, this terror! I will yield,
If thou canst tell me worse than I endure.
Chr. I’ll tell thee all I know. If thou persist
In these thy wailings, they will send thee far
From thine own land, and close thee from the day,
Where in a rock-hewn chamber thou may’st chant
Thine evil orisons in darkness drear.
Think of it, while there ’s leisure to reflect;
Or if thou suffer, henceforth blame me not.
El. And have they so determined on my life?
Chr. ’Tis certain; when Aegisthus comes again.
El. If that be all, let him return with speed!
Chr. Unhappy! why this curse upon thyself?
El. If this be their intent, why, let him come!
Chr. To work such harm on thee! What thought is this?
El. Far from mine eye to banish all your brood.
Chr. Art not more tender of the life thou hast?
El. Fair, to a marvel, is my life, I trow!
Chr. It would be, couldst thou be advised for good.
El. Never advise me to forsake my kin.
Chr. I do not: only to give place to power.
El. Thine be such flattery. ’Tis not my way.
Chr. Sure, to be wrecked by rashness is not well.
El. Let me be wrecked in ’venging my own sire.
Chr. I trust his pardon for my helplessness.
El. Such talk hath commendation from the vile.
Chr. Wilt thou not listen? Wilt thou ne’er be ruled?
