Without coercion.
Elec. Yea, my task indeed
Is done; for I at last have wisdom gained,
To work with those more mighty.
Orestes and Pylades standing by the
dead body of Clytemnestra, covered
with a sheet and a veil over the face.
Ægis. Lo, I see,
Ο Zeus, a form that lies there, fallen low,
Not without wrath of Heaven (should that word stir
Heaven's jealousy, I wish it all unsaid.)
Withdraw the veil which hides the face, that I
To kindred blood may pay the meed of tears.
Ores. Do thou uplift it. 'Tis thy task, not mine,1470
To look on this, and kindly words to speak.
Ægis. Thou giv'st good counsel, and I list to thee:
And thou, if yet she tarries in the house,
Call Clytemnestra.
Ores. [As Ægisthos lifts the veil.] Here she lies before thee!
Seek her not elsewhere.
Ægis. Oh, what sight is this!
Ores. Whom fearest thou? Who is 't thou dost not know?
Ægis. Into whose snares, whose closely-tangled mesh,
Have I, poor victim, fallen?
Ores. See'st not yet
That thou did'st greet the living as the dead?
Ægis. Ah me! I catch thy words. It needs must be
This is Orestes who now speaks to me.1480
Ores. Wert thou then tricked, who dost divine so well?
Ægis. I then am lost, woe 's me! yet let me speak
One little word.
