Stasimon 2
[Episode]
Will you or some other bear the image in your hands?
Iphigenia
I shall; it is holy for me alone to touch it.
1045
Orestes
But Pylades here—how will he be assigned to our labor?
Iphigenia
His hands, it will be said, are stained like yours with blood-pollution.
Orestes
Will you do all this secretly from the king, or with his knowledge?
Iphigenia
I shall persuade him; I could not hide it from him.
Orestes
Well then, my ship, with its quick stroke of oars, is at hand.
1050
Iphigenia
You must indeed take care of the rest, so that it goes well.
Orestes
We need only one thing more, that these women conceal our plans; you approach them and find persuasive words. A woman has power over pity.
The rest, perhaps—. May all turn out well!
1055
Iphigenia
My dearest friends, I look to you; I am in your hands, whether I am to succeed, or come to nothing and lose my country, and my dear brother and dearest sister.
And first of all, I begin my speech with this: we are women, and have hearts naturally formed to love each other, and keep our common interests most secure. Be silent for us and assist us in our flight. It is good to have trustworthy speech.
1060
You see how one fortune holds us three, most dear to each other, either to return to our native land, or to die. If I am saved, I will bring you safe to Hellas, so that you may share my fortune. By your right hand, I entreat you, and you, and you; (addressing different members of the Chorus.) you by your dear face,
1065
by your knees, by all that is dearest to you in your home: father, mother, child, if you have children. What do you reply? Who agrees with us, or is not willing to do this—speak! For if you do not acquiesce in my words, both I and my unhappy brother must die.
1070
Chorus Leader
Have courage, dear mistress, only see to your safety; I will be silent on all that you have charged me with—great Zeus be my witness.
1075
Iphigenia
Bless you for your words, may you be happy! It is your work now, and yours, To Orestes and Pylades to enter the temple;
for soon the ruler of this land will come, inquiring if the sacrifice of the strangers has been carried out.
1080
Lady Artemis, you who saved me from my father’s slaughtering hand by the clefts of Aulis, save me now also, and these men; or through you Loxias’
prophetic voice will no longer be held true by mortals But leave this barbarian land for Athens with good will; it is not fitting for you to dwell here, when you could have so fortunate a city. Exeunt Iphigenia, Orestes, and Pylades.
1085
[Choral 1]
Halcyon bird, you that sing your fate as a lament
