Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1896) v2.djvu/245

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ELECTRA.
189

Chorus.

Of many an ill to Hellas and thine house
Was Helen, sister of thy mother, cause.

Orestes and Pylades approach.

Electra.

Woe's me, friends!—needs must I break off my moan! 215
Lo, yonder strangers ambushed nigh the house
Out of their hiding-place are rising up!
With flying feet—thou down the path, and I
Into the house,—flee we from evil men!


Orestes (intercepting her).

Tarry, thou hapless one: fear not mine hand. 220


Electra.

Phœbus, I pray thee that I be not slain!


Orestes (extending his hand to hers).

God grant I slay some more my foes than thee!


Electra.

Hence!—touch not whom beseems thee not to touch!


Orestes.

None is there whom with better right I touch.


Electra.

Why sword in hand waylay me by mine house? 225


Orestes.

Tarry and hear: my words shall soon be thine.