Electra: Dead, dead, O mother mine! and thou hast slain a father and
these the children of thy womb; for we are dead or as the dead. Yes,
thou art in thy grave, and more than half my life is spent in weeping
and wailing and midnight lamentations; oh, look on me! a maid unwed,
unblest with babes, I drag out a joyless existence as if for ever.
Leader of the Chorus: My daughter Electra, from thy near station there
see whether thy brother hath not passed away without thy knowing it;
for I like not his utter prostration.
Orestes: (awaking refreshed) Sweet charm of sleep! saviour in sickness!
how dear to me thy coming was! how needed! All hail, majestic power,
oblivion of woe! How wise this goddess is, how earnestly invoked by
every suffering soul! (Addressing Electra) Whence came I hither?
How is it I am here? for I have lost all previous recollection and
remember nothing.
Electra: Dearest brother, how glad I was to see thee fall asleep!
Wouldst have me take thee in my arms and lift thy body?
Studies
