Epeisodion 1
Electra
of all women, she would never at all have tried to pour these ill-willed offerings to the man she killed. Consider whether you believe that the dead in his tomb will welcome this tribute with affection towards her, by whose hand he died dishonored and was mutilated
440
like an enemy? She, who, as if to wash herself clean, wiped off the bloodstains on his
head? Surely you do not believe that your bringing these things will absolve
her of the murder?It is not possible. No, be rid of
them. Give him instead a lock of your hair’s ends, cut from your own head,
445
and from wretched me, too, give these gifts, poor as they are, though all I have. Take this hair, not glossy with unguents, and this girdle, decked with no rich ornament. Then fall down and pray that he himself may come in kindness to us from the world below, a helper against our enemies;
450
and that young Orestes may live to set his foot upon our enemies in superior might, so
that hereafter we may crown our father’s tomb with wealthier hands than those
with which we honor him now.I think, yes, I think that
he too had some part
455
in sending her these appalling dreams. Still, sister, do yourself this service and help
me, and him, too, that most beloved of all men, who rests in Hades’ domain, our
shared father.
460
Chorus
The girl’s advice is pious; you,
dear friend, will do what she says, if you are wise.
465
Chrysothemis
I will. In regard to a just deed, it is unreasonable for two people to argue, but reasonable to jump to action. But, by the gods, my friends, when I attempt this task, let me have your silence,
since if my mother hears of it, I believe that this attempt which I will dare shall in
the end cause me bitterness. Exit Chrysothemis on the spectators’
right.
470
