Epeisodion 3
[Episode]
If I seem to delay too long—
Thoas
What limit of the delay should I keep in mind?
Iphigenia
Do not wonder at it.
1220
Thoas
Carry out the rites of the goddess well, since you have leisure.
1220
Iphigenia
May this purification fall out as I wish!
Thoas
I pray along with you.
Iphigenia
I see the strangers coming out of the temple now, and the ornaments of the goddess and the new-born lambs, because I will wash blood-pollution away with blood, and the flash of torches and all the rest that
I have set out as purification for the strangers and the goddess.
1225
I proclaim to the citizens to keep away from this pollution, if any guard of the temple is purifying his hands for the gods, or if anyone is coming to form a marriage alliance, or is weighted down by childbirth— begone, stand away, so that this defilement does not fall on anyone.
(Aside.) O lady, maiden daughter of of Leto and Zeus, if I cleanse the stain of murder from these men, and make the sacrifice where I ought to make it, you will dwell in a pure home, and we will be fortunate. I do not speak the rest, but I indicate it to those who know more, the gods and you, goddess. Exit Iphigenia.
1230
