Epeisodion 2
Old man
Where are the guests? I want to see them and question them about your brother.
Electra
There they are, coming quickly out of the house.
Old man
They are well-born, but that may ring false; for many of the well-born are base. However; I give the guests welcome.
550
Orestes
Welcome, old man! To which of your friends, Electra, does this ancient remnant of a man belong?
Electra
This is the one who brought up my father, stranger.
555
Orestes
What are you saying? Is this the one who stole away your brother?
Electra
This is the one who saved him, if indeed he is still alive.
Orestes
Oh! Why does he look at me, as if he were examining the clear mark impressed on a silver coin? Is he comparing me to someone?
Electra
Perhaps he is glad to see in you a companion of Orestes.
560
Orestes
A beloved man, yes. But why is he circling all around me?
Electra
I too am amazed, looking at this, stranger.
Old man
O mistress, daughter Electra, pray to the gods.
Electra
For what thing, present or absent?
Old man
To have a beloved treasure, which the god is revealing.
565
Electra
See: I call on the gods. Or whatever do you mean, old man?
Old man
Look now at this man, my child, your dearest one.
Electra
I have been looking for a long time, to see whether you have lost your mind.
Old man
Lost my mind, because I see your brother?
Electra
What do you mean, old man, by this word, unhoped for?
570
Old man
That I see Orestes here, Agamemnon’s son.
