Epeisodion 3
Iphigenia
They were driven in pursuit from all of Hellas.
1175
Thoas
Is it for this that you bring the statue outside?
Iphigenia
Yes, to the holy air, to remove it from slaughter.
Thoas
How did you know the blood-pollution of the strangers?
Iphigenia
I questioned them, because the image of the goddess had turned back.
Thoas
Hellas has brought you up to be clever; how well you understood this.
1180
Iphigenia
And yet they dangled a sweet lure for my heart.
Thoas
Reporting to you some charm of news from Argos?
Iphigenia
That Orestes, my only brother, is happy.
Thoas
So that you might save them, for the delight of their messages.
Iphigenia
And that my father is alive and doing well.
1185
Thoas
But you turned to the goddess, with reason.
Iphigenia
Yes, for I hate all Hellas, which has ruined me.
Thoas
Tell me, what shall we do with the strangers?
Iphigenia
We must reverence the law as it stands.
Thoas
But the libations and your sword are not at work?
1190
Iphigenia
First I want to wash them, with holy purification.
Thoas
In fountain waters, or the drops of the sea?
Iphigenia
The sea washes away all men’s evils.
Thoas
They would certainly be holier victims for the goddess.
