Eksodos
[Episode]
Why, my child, what is it you have said? When I have lost you?The aposiopesis may be supplied by forbear to mourn.
Iphigenia
You wll not lose me; I am saved and you renowned, as far as I can make you.
1440
Clytemnestra
How so? Must I not mourn your death?
Iphigenia
By no means, for I shall have no tomb heaped over me.
Clytemnestra
What then? It is death, not the tomb, that is rightly mourned.
Iphigenia
The altar of the goddess, Zeus’s daughter, will be my tomb.
Clytemnestra
Well, my child, I will let you persuade me, for you speak well.
1445
Iphigenia
Yes, as one who prospers and does Hellas service.
Clytemnestra
What message shall I carry to your sisters?
Iphigenia
Do not put mourning raiment on them either.
Clytemnestra
But is there no fond message I can give the maidens from you?
Iphigenia
Yes, my farewell words; and promise me to rear Orestes to manhood.
1450
Clytemnestra
Press him to your bosom; it is your last look.
Iphigenia
O you that are most dear to me! you have helped your friends as you had means.
Clytemnestra
Is there anything I can do in Argos to please you?
Iphigenia
Yes, do not hate my father, your own husband.
Clytemnestra
Fearful are the trials through which he has to go because of you.
1455
Iphigenia
It was against his will he ruined me for the sake of Hellas.
Clytemnestra
Ah! but he employed base treachery, unworthy of Atreus.
Iphigenia
Who will escort me from here, before my hair is torn?
