Orestes: Had he returned alone in safety, he were more to be envied;
for if he is bringing his wife with him, he is bringing a load of
evil.
Electra: Tyndareus begat a race of daughters notorious for the shame
they earned, infamous throughout Hellas.
Orestes: Be thou then different from that evil brood, for well thou
mayest, and that not only in profession, but also in heart.
Electra: Ah! brother, thine eye is growing wild, and in a moment art
thou passing from thy recent saneness back to frenzy.
Orestes: (starting up wildly) Mother, I implore thee! let not loose
on me those maidens with their bloodshot eyes and snaky hair. Ha!
see, see where they approach to leap upon me!
Electra: Lie still, poor sufferer, on thy couch; thine eye sees none
of the things which thy fancy paints so clear.
Studies
