Stasimon 4
[Choral 1]
O seed, seed of the person to me most dear, you have just now come,
Electra
you have come, and have found and seen her whom your heart desired!
1235
Orestes
I am with you; but keep silence and wait.
Electra
What do you mean?
Orestes
It is better to be silent so that no one inside may hear.
Electra
No, by ever-virgin Artemis,
I will never think it right to tremble before eternally house-bound women, that useless burden on the ground!
1240
Orestes
Yes, but remember that Ares dwells in women, too. You know this well by experience, I believe.
Electra
oh, no! ah, me! You have reminded me of my sorrow, one which by its nature cannot be veiled,
1245
cannot be done away with, cannot be forgotten!
1250
Orestes
I know this, too; but when occasion prompts, we must recall those crimes.
Electra
Each moment of all time, as it comes, would be a proper occasion
for me to make these just complaints. Scarcely now have I had my lips set free.
1255
Orestes
Yes, I agree; therefore guard your freedom.
Orestes
When it is inopportune, do not want to speak too much.
Electra
No, who could exchange due silence for speech, when you have appeared? For now my eyes have seen you, beyond all thought and hope!
1260
Orestes
You saw me when the gods moved me to come.
Electra
You have told me of a grace higher still than the first, if a god brought you to our house;
1265
I acknowledge in it the work of the divine.
1270
