Electra: O human nature, what a grievous curse thou art in this world!
and what salvation, too, to those who have a goodly heritage therein!
Did ye mark how she cut off her hair only at the ends, careful to
preserve its beauty? 'Tis the same woman as of old. May Heaven's hate
pursue thee! for thou hast proved the ruin of me and my poor brother
and all Hellas.
Alack! here are my friends once more, coming to unite their plaintive
dirge with mine; they will soon put an end to my brother's peaceful
sleep and cause my tears to flow when I see his frenzied fit. (The
Chorus of Argive Maidens enters quietly. The following lines between
Electra and the Chorus are chanted responsively.) Good friends, step
softly; not a sound; not a whisper! for though this kindness is well-meant,
rouse him and I shall rue it.
Chorus: Hush! hush! let your footsteps fall lightly! not a sound!
not whisper!
Electra: Further, further from his couch! I beseech ye.
Studies
