Prologos
Helen
but now that I am parted from her, I bewail our misfortunes.
80
Electra
Helen, why should I speak of that which your own eyes can see? Agamemnon’s house in misfortune?
Beside his wretched corpse I sit, sleepless—for corpse he is, so faint his breath—
not that I reproach him with his sufferings; but you are highly blessed and your husband too. you have come upon us in the hour of adversity
85
Helen
How long has he lain in this way on the couch?
Electra
Ever since he spilt his mother’s blood.
Helen
Unhappy wretch! unhappy mother! what a death she died.
90
Electra
Unhappy enough to succumb to his misery.
Helen
By the gods, would you hear me a moment, maiden?
Electra
Yes, with such leisure as this watching over a brother leaves.
Helen
Will you go for me to my sister’s tomb?
Electra
Would you have me seek my mother’s tomb? Why?
95
Helen
To carry an offering of hair and a libation from me.
Electra
Isn’t it right for you to go to the tomb of one you love?
Helen
No, for I am ashamed to show myself in Argos.
Electra
A late repentance surely for one who left her home so shamefully then.
Helen
You have told the truth, but your telling is not kind to me.
100
Electra
What is this supposed shame before the eyes of Mycenae that possesses you?
Helen
I am afraid of the fathers of those who lie dead at Ilium.
Electra
Good cause for fear; your name is on every tongue in Argos.
