Epeisodion 1
Orestes
If you are alive, and if so, how you are.
Electra
Well then, you see first of all how withered my body is.
Orestes
Yes, so wasted with sorrow that I sigh for it.
240
Electra
And my head and hair, close shaven as if by a Scythian’s razor.
Orestes
Your brother and your dead father perhaps gnaw at your heart.
Electra
Alas! For what is dearer to me than they?
Orestes
Ah! What are you to your brother, do you think?
Electra
He is far away, not here to be my friend.
245
Orestes
Why are you living here, far from the city?
Electra
I am married, stranger; a deadly match.
Orestes
I pity your brother. Is your husband a Mycenaean?
Electra
Not one to whom my father ever hoped to give me.
Orestes
Tell me so that I may hear and inform your brother.
250
Electra
I live in his house, at a distance from the city.
Orestes
A ditch-digger or a herdsman is worthy of the house.
Electra
He is a man poor but noble, and respectful to me.
Orestes
What is this respect that your husband has?
Electra
He has never dared to touch me in bed.
255
Orestes
Does he hold some form of religious chastity, or does he think you unworthy?
Electra
He did not think himself worthy to insult my family.
