Ores. Take courage, we will act . . . .
Elec. Now speed thy plans. [Pushing him off.
Ores. I then am gone. [Exeunt Orestes and Pylades.
Elec. What meets us next is mine.
Chor. 'Twere good to speak to this man in his ear
But few words, very gently, that he rush1440
Into the hidden struggle of his doom.
Enter Ægisthos.
Ægis. Who knows of you where they, from Phokis come,
May now be found, who bring, they tell me, news
That our Orestes has breathed out his last,
In wreck of chariot-storm? Thee, [To Electra,] thee, I ask—
Yes, thee, still wont to be of old so brave.
As I suppose it touches thee the most,
So thou, knowing most, may'st tell me what I seek.
Elec. I know. How else? Could I then stand aloof
From that dear chance of those who most are mine?
Ægis. Where are the strangers, then? Tell this to me.1450
Elec. Within; for they have found a loving hostess.
Ægis. And did they say distinctly he was dead?
Elec. Ah no! They showed him, not in words alone.
Ægis. And is he here, that we may see him plain?
Elec. 'Tis here, a most unwelcome sight to see.
Ægis. Against thy wont thou giv'st me joy indeed.
Elec. Thou may'st rejoice, if this be ground of joy.
Ægis. I bid you hush, and open wide the gates,
That all of Argos and Mykenæ see.
So, if there be that once were lifted up,
With hopes they had, vain hopes they fixed on him,1460
Now seeing him dead, they may receive my curb,
And, finding me their master, sense may gain,
