Stasimon 1
[Choral 7]
My father was murdered just as you say. But all the while I was kept sequestered, despised, accounted a worthless thing. Kennelled in my room as if I were a vicious cur, I gave free vent to my streaming tears, which came more readily than laughter, as in my concealment I poured out my lament in plentiful weeping.
445
Electra
Hear my tale and inscribe it on your heart.
450
[Choral 8]
Yes, let it sink deep into your ears, but keep inside a quiet steadfastness of soul. So far things are so. But you yourself be eager to resolve what is to follow.
Chorus
You must enter the contest with inflexible wrath.
455
[Choral 10]
Father, I call on you; side with your loved ones!
Electra
And I in tears join my voice to his.
Chorus
And let all our company blend our voices to echo the prayer. Hear! Come to the light!
Side with us against the foe!
460
Orestes
Ares will encounter Ares; Right will encounter Right.
Electra
O you gods, judge rightly the plea of right!
Chorus
A shudder steals over me as I hear these prayers. Doom has long been waiting,
but it will come in answer to those who pray.
465
[Choral 11]
Ah, inbred trouble and bloody stroke of ruin striking a discord! Ah, lamentable and grievous sorrows!
Chorus
Ah, the unstaunched pain!
470
Our house has a cure to heal these woes, a cure not from outside, from the hands of others, but from itself, by fierce, bloody strife.
This hymn is for the gods beneath the earth.
475
[Choral]
O you blessed powers below, hear this supplication of ours, and with a favorable will send forth to these children your aid for victory!
