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diff --git a/15850-8.txt b/15850-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7e663b8 --- /dev/null +++ b/15850-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,3463 @@ +Project Gutenberg's Iphigenia in Tauris, by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Iphigenia in Tauris + +Author: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe + +Translator: Anna Swanwick + +Release Date: May 18, 2005 [EBook #15850] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IPHIGENIA IN TAURIS *** + + + + +Produced by David Starner, Peter Barozzi and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + + + + Handy Literal Translations + + + + GOETHE'S + + Iphigenia In Tauris + + + _Translated by_ ANNA SWANWICK + + + + + ARTHUR HINDS & CO. + 4 COOPER INSTITUTE, NEW YORK CITY + + + + + + + + + IPHIGENIA IN TAURIS. + + PERSONS OF THE DRAMA. + + IPHIGENIA. THOAS, _King of the Taurians_. + ORESTES. PYLADES. ARKAS. + + + + + ACT THE FIRST. + + SCENE I. + _A Grove before the Temple of Diana_. + + + IPHIGENIA. + Beneath your leafy gloom, ye waving boughs + Of this old, shady, consecrated grove, + As in the goddess' silent sanctuary, + With the same shudd'ring feeling forth I step, + As when I trod it first, nor ever here + Doth my unquiet spirit feel at home. + Long as the mighty will, to which I bow, + Hath kept me here conceal'd, still, as at first, + I feel myself a stranger. For the sea + Doth sever me, alas! from those I love, + And day by day upon the shore I stand, + My soul still seeking for the land of Greece. + But to my sighs, the hollow-sounding waves + Bring, save their own hoarse murmurs, no reply. + Alas for him! who friendless and alone, + Remote from parents and from brethren dwells; + From him grief snatches every coming joy + Ere it doth reach his lip. His restless thoughts + Revert for ever to his father's halls, + Where first to him the radiant sun unclos'd + The gates of heav'n; where closer, day by day, + Brothers and sisters, leagu'd in pastime sweet, + Around each other twin'd the bonds of love. + I will not judge the counsel of the gods; + Yet, truly, woman's lot doth merit pity. + Man rules alike at home and in the field, + Nor is in foreign climes without resource; + Possession gladdens him, him conquest crowns, + And him an honourable death awaits. + How circumscrib'd is woman's destiny! + Obedience to a harsh, imperious lord, + Her duty, and her comfort; sad her fate, + Whom hostile fortune drives to lands remote: + Thus I, by noble Thoas, am detain'd, + Bound with a heavy, though a sacred chain. + Oh! with what shame, Diana, I confess + That with repugnance I perform these rites + For thee, divine protectress! unto whom + I would in freedom dedicate my life. + In thee, Diana, I have always hop'd, + And still I hope in thee, who didst infold + Within the holy shelter of thine arm + The outcast daughter of the mighty king. + Daughter of Jove! hast thou from ruin'd Troy + Led back in triumph to his native land + The mighty man, whom thou didst sore afflict, + His daughter's life in sacrifice demanding,-- + Hast thou for him, the godlike Agamemnon, + Who to thine altar led his darling child, + Preserv'd his wife, Electra, and his son. + His dearest treasures?--then at length restore + Thy suppliant also to her friends and home, + And save her, as thou once from death didst save, + So now, from living here, a second death. + + + SCENE II. + + IPHIGENIA. ARKAS. + + + ARKAS. + The king hath sent me hither, and commands + To hail Diana's priestess. This the day, + On which for new and wonderful success, + Tauris her goddess thanks. The king and host + Draw near,--I come to herald their approach. + + IPHIGENIA. + We are prepar'd to give them worthy greeting; + Our goddess doth behold with gracious eye + The welcome sacrifice from Thoas' hand. + + ARKAS. + Oh, priestess, that thine eye more mildly beam'd,-- + Thou much-rever'd one,--that I found thy glance, + O consecrated maid, more calm, more bright, + To all a happy omen! Still doth grief, + With gloom mysterious, shroud thy inner mind; + Still, still, through many a year we wait in vain + For one confiding utt'rance from thy breast. + Long as I've known thee in this holy place, + That look of thine hath ever made me shudder; + And, as with iron bands, thy soul remains + Lock'd in the deep recesses of thy breast. + + IPHIGENIA. + As doth become the exile and the orphan. + + ARKAS. + Dost thou then here seem exil'd and an orphan? + + IPHIGENIA. + Can foreign scenes our fatherland replace? + + ARKAS. + Thy fatherland is foreign now to thee. + + IPHIGENIA. + Hence is it that my bleeding heart ne'er heals. + In early youth, when first my soul, in love, + Held father, mother, brethren fondly twin'd, + A group of tender germs, in union sweet, + We sprang in beauty from the parent stem, + And heavenward grew. An unrelenting curse + Then seiz'd and sever'd me from those I lov'd, + And wrench'd with iron grasp the beauteous bands. + It vanish'd then, the fairest charm of youth, + The simple gladness of life's early dawn; + Though sav'd, I was a shadow of myself, + And life's fresh joyance bloom'd in me no more. + + ARKAS. + If thus thou ever dost lament thy fate, + I must accuse thee of ingratitude. + + IPHIGENIA. + Thanks have you ever. + + ARKAS. + Not the honest thanks + Which prompt the heart to offices of love; + The joyous glance, revealing to the host + A grateful spirit, with its lot content. + When thee a deep mysterious destiny + Brought to this sacred fane, long years ago. + To greet thee, as a treasure sent from heaven, + With reverence and affection, Thoas came. + Benign and friendly was this shore to thee, + Which had before each stranger's heart appall'd, + For, till thy coming, none e'er trod our realm + But fell, according to an ancient rite, + A bloody victim at Diana's shrine. + + IPHIGENIA. + Freely to breathe alone is not to live. + Say, is it life, within this holy fane, + Like a poor ghost around its sepulchre + To linger out my days? Or call you that + A life of conscious happiness and joy, + When every hour, dream'd listlessly away, + Leads to those dark and melancholy days, + Which the sad troop of the departed spend + In self-forgetfulness on Lethe's shore? + A useless life is but an early death; + This, woman's lot, is eminently mine. + + ARKAS. + I can forgive, though I must needs deplore, + The noble pride which underrates itself + It robs thee of the happiness of life. + And hast thou, since thy coming here, done nought? + Who cheer'd the gloomy temper of the king? + Who hath with gentle eloquence annull'd, + From year to year, the usage of our sires, + By which, a victim at Diana's shrine, + Each stranger perish'd, thus from certain death + Sending so oft the rescued captive home? + Hath not Diana, harbouring no revenge + For this suspension of her bloody rites, + In richest measure heard thy gentle prayer? + On joyous pinions o'er the advancing host, + Doth not triumphant conquest proudly soar? + And feels not every one a happier lot, + Since Thoas, who so long hath guided us + With wisdom and with valour, sway'd by thee, + The joy of mild benignity approves, + Which leads him to relax the rigid claims + Of mute submission? Call thyself useless! Thou, + Thou, from whose being o'er a thousand hearts, + A healing balsam flows? when to a race. + To whom a god consign'd thee, thou dost prove + A fountain of perpetual happiness, + And from this dire inhospitable shore + Dost to the stranger grant a safe return? + + IPHIGENIA. + The little done doth vanish to the mind, + Which forward sees how much remains to do. + + ARKAS. + Him dost thou praise, who underrates his deeds? + + IPHIGENIA. + Who estimates his deeds is justly blam'd. + + ARKAS. + We blame alike, who proudly disregard + Their genuine merit, and who vainly prize + Their spurious worth too highly. Trust me, priestess, + And hearken to the counsel of a man + With honest zeal devoted to thy service: + When Thoas comes to-day to speak with thee, + Lend to his purpos'd words a gracious ear. + + IPHIGENIA. + The well-intention'd counsel troubles me: + His offer studiously I've sought to shun. + + ARKAS. + Thy duty and thy interest calmly weigh. + Since the king lost his son, he trusts but few, + Nor those as formerly. Each noble's son + He views with jealous eye as his successor; + He dreads a solitary, helpless age, + Or rash rebellion, or untimely death. + A Scythian studies not the rules of speech, + And least of all the king. He who is used + To act and to command, knows not the art, + From far, with subtle tact, to guide discourse + Through many windings to its destin'd goal. + Do not embarrass him with shy reserve + And studied misconception: graciously, + And with submission, meet the royal wish. + + IPHIGENIA. + Shall I then speed the doom that threatens me? + + ARKAS. + His gracious offer canst thou call a threat? + + IPHIGENIA. + 'Tis the most terrible of all to me. + + ARKAS. + For his affection grant him confidence. + + IPHIGENIA. + If he will first redeem my soul from fear. + + ARKAS. + Why dost thou hide from him thy origin? + + IPHIGENIA. + A priestess secrecy doth well become. + + ARKAS. + Nought to our monarch should a secret be; + And, though he doth not seek to fathom thine, + His noble nature feels, ay, deeply feels, + That studiously thou hid'st thyself from him. + + IPHIGENIA. + Displeasure doth he harbour 'gainst me, then? + + ARKAS. + Almost it seems so. True, he speaks not of thee. + But casual words have taught me that the wish + To call thee his hath firmly seiz'd his soul; + Oh, do not leave the monarch to himself! + Lest his displeasure, rip'ning in his breast, + Should work thee woe, so with repentance thou + Too late my faithful counsel shalt recall. + + IPHIGENIA. + How! doth the monarch purpose what no man + Of noble mind, who loves his honest name, + Whose bosom reverence for the gods restrains, + Would ever think of? Will he force employ + To tear me from this consecrated fane? + Then will I call the gods, and chiefly thee, + Diana, goddess resolute, to aid me; + Thyself a virgin, thou'lt a virgin shield, + And succour to thy priestess gladly yield. + + ARKAS. + Be tranquil! Passion, and youth's fiery blood + Impel not Thoas rashly to commit + A deed so lawless. In his present mood, + I fear from him another harsh resolve, + Which (for his soul is steadfast and unmov'd,) + He then will execute without delay. + Therefore I pray thee, canst thou grant no more, + At least be grateful--give thy confidence. + + IPHIGENIA. + Oh tell me what is further known to thee. + + ARKAS. + Learn it from him. I see the king approach; + Thou honour'st him, and thy own heart will prompt thee + To meet him kindly and with confidence. + A noble man by woman's gentle word + May oft be led. + + IPHIGENIA, _alone_. + I see not how I can + Follow the counsel of my faithful friend. + But willingly the duty I perform + Of giving thanks for benefits receiv'd, + And much I wish that to the king my lips + With truth could utter what would please his ear. + + + SCENE III. + + IPHIGENIA. THOAS. + + + IPHIGENIA. + Her royal gifts the goddess shower on thee! + Imparting conquest, wealth, and high renown, + Dominion, and the welfare of thy house, + With the fulfilment of each pious wish, + That thou, who over numbers rul'st supreme, + Thyself may'st be supreme in happiness! + + THOAS. + Contented were I with my people's praise; + My conquests others more than I enjoy. + Oh! be he king or subject, he's most blest, + Who in his home finds happiness and peace. + Thou shar'dst my sorrow, when a hostile sword + Tore from my side my last, my dearest son; + Long as fierce vengeance occupied my heart, + I did not feel my dwelling's dreary void; + But now, returning home, my rage appeas'd, + My foes defeated, and my son aveng'd, + I find there nothing left to comfort me. + The glad obedience, which I used to see + Kindling in every eye, is smother'd now + In discontent and gloom; each, pond'ring, weighs + The changes which a future day may bring, + And serves the childless king, because compell'd. + To-day I come within this sacred fane, + Which I have often enter'd to implore + And thank the gods for conquest. In my breast + I bear an old and fondly-cherish'd wish. + To which methinks thou canst not be a stranger; + Thee, maid, a blessing to myself and realm, + I hope, as bride, to carry to my home. + + IPHIGENIA. + Too great thine offer, king, to one unknown; + Abash'd the fugitive before thee stands, + Who on this shore sought only what thou gav'st, + Safety and peace. + + THOAS. + Thus still to shroud thyself + From me, as from the lowest, in the veil + Of mystery which wrapp'd thy coming here, + Would in no country be deem'd just or right. + Strangers this shore appall'd; 'twas so ordain'd + Alike by law and stern necessity. + From thee alone--a kindly welcom'd guest, + Who hast enjoy'd each hallow'd privilege, + And spent thy days in freedom unrestrain'd-- + From thee I hop'd that confidence to gain + Which every faithful host may justly claim. + + IPHIGENIA. + If I conceal'd, O king, my name, my race, + 'Twas fear that prompted me, and not mistrust. + For didst thou know who stands before thee now, + And what accursed head thy arm protects, + A shudd'ring horror would possess thy heart; + And, far from wishing me to share thy throne, + Thou, ere the time appointed, from thy realm + Wouldst banish me perchance, and thrust me forth, + Before a glad reunion with my friends + And period to my wand'rings is ordain'd, + To meet that sorrow, which in every clime, + With cold, inhospitable, fearful hand, + Awaits the outcast, exil'd from his home. + + THOAS. + Whate'er respecting thee the gods decree, + Whate'er their doom for thee and for thy house, + Since thou hast dwelt amongst us, and enjoy'd + The privilege the pious stranger claims, + To me hath fail'd no blessing sent from Heaven; + And to persuade me, that protecting thee + I shield a guilty head, were hard indeed. + + IPHIGENIA. + Thy bounty, not the guest, draws blessings down. + + THOAS. + The kindness shown the wicked is not blest. + End then thy silence, priestess; not unjust + Is he who doth demand it. In my hands + The goddess plac'd thee; thou hast been to me + As sacred as to her, and her behest + Shall for the future also be my law. + If thou canst hope in safety to return + Back to thy kindred, I renounce my claims: + But is thy homeward path for ever clos'd-- + Or doth thy race in hopeless exile rove, + Or lie extinguish'd by some mighty woe-- + Then may I claim thee by more laws than one. + Speak openly, thou know'st I keep my word. + + IPHIGENIA. + Its ancient bands reluctantly my tongue + Doth loose, a long-hid secret to divulge; + For once imparted, it resumes no more + The safe asylum of the inmost heart, + But thenceforth, as the powers above decree, + Doth work its ministry of weal or woe. + Attend! I issue from the Titan's race. + + THOAS. + A word momentous calmly hast thou spoken. + Him nam'st thou ancestor whom all the world + Knows as a sometime favourite of the gods? + Is it that Tantalus, whom Jove himself + Drew to his council and his social board? + On whose experienc'd words, with wisdom fraught, + As on the language of an oracle, + E'en gods delighted hung? + + IPHIGENIA. + 'Tis even he; + But gods should not hold intercourse with men + As with themselves. Too weak the human race, + Not to grow dizzy on unwonted heights. + Ignoble was he not, and no betrayer; + To be the Thunderer's slave, he was too great: + To be his friend and comrade,--but a man. + His crime was human, and their doom severe; + For poets sing, that treachery and pride + Did from Jove's table hurl him headlong down, + To grovel in the depths of Tartarus. + Alas, and his whole race their hate pursues. + + THOAS. + Bear they their own guilt, or their ancestors'? + + IPHIGENIA. + The Titan's mighty breast and nervous frame + Was his descendant's certain heritage; + But round their brow Jove forg'd a band of brass. + Wisdom and patience, prudence and restraint, + He from their gloomy, fearful eye conceal'd; + In them each passion grew to savage rage, + And headlong rush'd uncheck'd. The Titan's son, + The strong-will'd Pelops, won his beauteous bride, + Hippodamia, child of OEnomaus, + Through treachery and murder; she ere long + Bore him two children, Atreus and Thyestes; + With envy they beheld the growing love + Their father cherish'd for a first-born son + Sprung from another union. Bound by hate, + In secret they contrive their brother's death. + The sire, the crime imputing to his wife, + With savage fury claim'd from her his child, + And she in terror did destroy herself-- + + THOAS. + Thou'rt silent? Pause not in thy narrative! + Do not repent thy confidence--say on! + + IPHIGENIA. + How blest is he who his progenitors + With pride remembers, to the list'ner tells + The story of their greatness, of their deeds, + And, silently rejoicing, sees himself + Link'd to this goodly chain! For the same stock + Bears not the monster and the demigod: + A line, or good or evil, ushers in + The glory or the terror of the world.-- + After the death of Pelops, his two sons + Rul'd o'er the city with divided sway. + But such an union could not long endure. + His brother's honour first Thyestes wounds. + In vengeance Atreus drove him from the realm. + Thyestes, planning horrors, long before + Had stealthily procur'd his brother's son, + Whom he in secret nurtur'd as his own. + Revenge and fury in his breast he pour'd, + Then to the royal city sent him forth, + That in his uncle he might slay his sire, + The meditated murder was disclos'd, + And by the king most cruelly aveng'd, + Who slaughter'd, as he thought, his brother's son. + Too late he learn'd whose dying tortures met + His drunken gaze; and seeking to assuage + The insatiate vengeance that possess'd his soul, + He plann'd a deed unheard of. He assum'd + A friendly tone, seem'd reconcil'd, appeas'd. + And lur'd his brother, with his children twain, + Back to his kingdom; these he seiz'd and slew; + Then plac'd the loathsome and abhorrent food + At his first meal before the unconscious sire. + And when Thyestes had his hunger still'd + With his own flesh, a sadness seiz'd his soul; + He for his children ask'd,--their steps, their voice, + Fancied he heard already at the door; + And Atreus, grinning with malicious joy, + Threw in the members of the slaughter'd boys.-- + Shudd'ring, O king, thou dost avert thy face: + So did the sun his radiant visage hide, + And swerve his chariot from the eternal path. + These, monarch, are thy priestess' ancestors, + And many a dreadful fate of mortal doom, + And many a deed of the bewilder'd brain, + Dark night doth cover with her sable wing, + Or shroud in gloomy twilight. + + THOAS. + Hidden there + Let them abide. A truce to horror now, + And tell me by what miracle thou sprang'st + From race so savage. + + IPHIGENIA. + Atreus' eldest son + Was Agamemnon; he, O king, my sire: + But I may say with truth, that, from a child, + In him the model of a perfect man + I witness'd ever. Clytemnestra bore + To him, myself, the firstling of their love, + Electra then. Peaceful the monarch rul'd, + And to the house of Tantalus was given + A long-withheld repose. A son alone + Was wanting to complete my parent's bliss; + Scarce was this wish fulfill'd, and young Orestes, + The household's darling, with his sisters grew, + When new misfortunes vex'd our ancient house. + To you hath come the rumour of the war, + Which, to avenge the fairest woman's wrongs, + The force united of the Grecian kings + Round Ilion's walls encamp'd. Whether the town + Was humbl'd, and achiev'd their great revenge + I have not heard. My father led the host + In Aulis vainly for a favouring gale + They waited; for, enrag'd against their chief, + Diana stay'd their progress, and requir'd, + Through Calchas' voice, the monarch's eldest daughter. + They lur'd me with my mother to the camp, + And at Diana's altar doom'd this head.-- + She was appeas'd, she did not wish my blood, + And wrapt me in a soft protecting cloud; + Within this temple from the dream of death + I waken'd first. Yes, I myself am she; + Iphigenia,--I who speak to thee + Am Atreus' grandchild, Agamemnon's child, + And great Diana's consecrated priestess. + + THOAS. + I yield no higher honour or regard + To the king's daughter than the maid unknown; + Once more my first proposal I repeat; + Come, follow me, and share what I possess. + + IPHIGENIA. + How dare I venture such a step, O king? + Hath not the goddess who protected me + Alone a right to my devoted head? + 'Twas she who chose for me this sanctuary, + Where she perchance reserves me for my sire, + By my apparent death enough chastis'd, + To be the joy and solace of his age. + Perchance my glad return is near; and how + If I, unmindful of her purposes, + Had here attach'd myself against her will? + I ask'd a signal, did she wish my stay. + + THOAS. + The signal is that still thou tarriest here. + Seek not evasively such vain pretexts. + Not many words are needed to refuse, + By the refus'd the _no_ alone is heard. + + IPHIGENIA. + Mine are not words meant only to deceive; + I have to thee my inmost heart reveal'd. + And doth no inward voice suggest to thee, + How I with yearning soul must pine to see + My father, mother, and my long-lost home? + Oh let thy vessels bear me thither, king! + That in the ancient halls, where sorrow still + In accents low doth fondly breathe my name, + Joy, as in welcome of a new-born child, + May round the columns twine the fairest wreath. + Thou wouldst to me and mine new life impart. + + THOAS. + Then go! the promptings of thy heart obey; + Despise the voice of reason and good counsel. + Be quite the woman, sway'd by each desire, + That bridleless impels her to and fro. + When passion rages fiercely in her breast, + No sacred tie withholds her from the wretch + Who would allure her to forsake for him + A husband's or a father's guardian arms; + Extinct within her heart its fiery glow, + The golden tongue of eloquence in vain + With words of truth and power assails her ear. + + IPHIGENIA. + Remember now, O king, thy noble words! + My trust and candour wilt thou thus repay? + Thou seem'dst, methought, prepar'd to hear the truth. + + THOAS. + For this unlook'd-for answer not prepar'd. + Yet 'twas to be expected; knew I not + That 'twas with woman I had now to deal? + + IPHIGENIA. + Upbraid not thus, O king, our feeble sex! + Though not in dignity to match with yours, + The weapons woman wields are not ignoble. + And trust me, Thoas, in thy happiness + I have a deeper insight than thyself. + Thou thinkest, ignorant alike of both, + A closer union would augment our bliss; + Inspir'd with confidence and honest zeal + Thou strongly urgest me to yield consent; + And here I thank the gods, who give me strength + To shun a doom unratified by them. + + THOAS. + 'Tis not a god, 'tis thine own heart that speaks. + + + IPHIGENIA. + 'Tis through the heart alone they speak to us. + + THOAS. + To hear them have I not an equal right? + + IPHIGENIA. + The raging tempest drowns the still, small voice. + + THOAS. + This voice no doubt the priestess hears alone. + + IPHIGENIA. + Before all others should the prince attend it. + + THOAS. + Thy sacred office, and ancestral right + To Jove's own table, place thee with the gods + In closer union than an earth-born savage. + + IPHIGENIA. + Thus must I now the confidence atone + Thyself extorted from me! + + THOAS. + I'm a man, + And better 'tis we end this conference. + Hear then my last resolve. Be priestess still + Of the great goddess who selected thee; + And may she pardon me, that I from her, + Unjustly and with secret self-reproach, + Her ancient sacrifice so long withheld. + From olden times no stranger near'd our shore + But fell a victim at her sacred shrine. + But thou, with kind affection (which at times + Seem'd like a gentle daughter's tender love, + At times assum'd to my enraptur'd heart + The modest inclination of a bride), + Didst so inthral me, as with magic bonds, + That I forgot my duty. Thou didst rock + My senses in a dream: I did not hear + My people's murmurs: now they cry aloud, + Ascribing my poor son's untimely death + To this my guilt. No longer for thy sake + Will I oppose the wishes of the crowd, + Who urgently demand the sacrifice. + + IPHIGENIA. + For mine own sake I ne'er desired it from thee. + Who to the gods ascribe a thirst for blood + Do misconceive their nature, and impute + To them their own inhuman dark desires. + Did not Diana snatch me from the priest, + Preferring my poor service to my death? + + THOAS. + 'Tis not for us, on reason's shifting grounds, + Lightly to guide and construe rites divine. + Perform thy duty; I'll accomplish mine. + Two strangers, whom in caverns of the shore + We found conceal'd, and whose arrival here + Bodes to my realm no good, are in my power. + With them thy goddess may once more resume + Her ancient, pious, long-suspended rites! + I send them here,--thy duty not unknown. [_Exit._ + + IPHIGENIA, _alone_. + Gracious protectress! thou hast clouds + To shelter innocence distress'd, + And genial gales from Fate's rude grasp, + Safely to waft her o'er the sea, + O'er the wide earth's remotest realms, + Where'er it seemeth good to thee. + Wise art thou,--thine all-seeing eye + The future and the past surveys, + And doth on all thy children rest, + E'en as thy pure and guardian light + Keeps o'er the earth its silent watch, + The beauty and the life of night. + O Goddess! keep my hands from blood! + Blessing it never brings, nor peace; + And still in evil hours the form + Of the chance-murder'd man appears + To fill the unwilling murderer's soul + With horrible and gloomy fears. + For fondly the Immortals view + Man's widely-scatter'd, simple race; + And the poor mortal's transient life + Gladly prolong, that he may raise + Awhile to their eternal heavens + His sympathetic joyous gaze. + + + + + ACT THE SECOND. + + SCENE I. + + ORESTES. PYLADES. + + + ORESTES. + It is the path of death that now we tread: + At every step my soul grows more serene. + When I implor'd Apollo to remove + The grisly band of Furies from my side, + He seem'd, with hope-inspiring, godlike words, + To promise aid and safety in the fane + Of his lov'd sister, who o'er Tauris rules. + Thus the prophetic word fulfils itself, + That with my life shall terminate my woe. + How easy 'tis for me, whose heart is crush'd, + Whose sense is deaden'd by a hand divine, + Thus to renounce the beauteous light of day! + And must the son of Atreus not entwine + The wreath of conquest round his dying brow-- + Must I, as my forefathers, as my sire, + Bleed like a victim,--an ignoble death-- + So be it! Better at the altar here, + Than in a nook obscure, where kindred hands + Have spread assassination's wily net. + Yield me this brief repose, infernal Powers! + Ye, who, like loosen'd hounds, still scent the blood, + Which, trickling from my feet, betrays my path. + Leave me! ere long I come to you below. + Nor you, nor I, should view the light of day. + The soft green carpet of the beauteous earth + Is no arena for unhallow'd fiends. + Below I seek you, where an equal fate + Binds all in murky, never-ending night. + Thee only, thee, my Pylades, my friend, + The guiltless partner of my crime and curse, + Thee am I loath, before thy time, to take + To yonder cheerless shore! Thy life or death + Alone awakens in me hope or fear. + + PYLADES. + Like thee, Orestes, I am not prepar'd + Downwards to wander to yon realm of shade. + I purpose still, through the entangl'd paths, + Which seem as they would lead to blackest night, + Again to guide our upward way to life. + Of death I think not; I observe and mark + Whether the gods may not perchance present + Means and fit moment for a joyful flight. + Dreaded or not, the stroke of death must come; + And though the priestess stood with hand uprais'd, + Prepar'd to cut our consecrated locks, + Our safety still should be my only thought: + Uplift thy soul above this weak despair; + Desponding doubts but hasten on our peril. + Apollo pledg'd to us his sacred word, + That in his sister's holy fane for thee + Were comfort, aid, and glad return prepar'd. + The words of Heaven are not equivocal, + As in despair the poor oppress'd one thinks. + + ORESTES. + The mystic web of life my mother spread + Around my infant head, and so I grew, + An image of my sire; and my mute look + Was aye a bitter and a keen reproof + To her and base Ægisthus[1]. Oh, how oft, + When silently within our gloomy hall + Electra sat, and mus'd beside the fire, + Have I with anguish'd spirit climb'd her knee, + And watch'd her bitter tears with sad amaze! + Then would she tell me of our noble sire: + How much I long'd to see him--be with him! + Myself at Troy one moment fondly wish'd, + My sire's return, the next. The day arrived-- + + (Transcriber's Note 1: Original text read "Egisthus".) + + PYLADES. + Oh, of that awful hour let fiends of hell + Hold nightly converse! Of a time more fair + May the remembrance animate our hearts + To fresh heroic deeds. The gods require + On this wide earth the service of the good, + To work their pleasure. Still they count on thee; + For in thy father's train they sent thee not, + When he to Orcus went unwilling down. + + ORESTES. + Would I had seiz'd the border of his robe. + And follow'd him! + + PYLADES. + They kindly car'd for me + Who here detain'd thee; for if thou hadst died + I know not what had then become of me; + Since I with thee, and for thy sake alone, + Have from my childhood liv'd, and wish to live. + + ORESTES. + Do not remind me of those tranquil days, + When me thy home a safe asylum gave; + With fond solicitude thy noble sire + The half-nipp'd, tender flow'ret gently rear'd; + While thou, a friend and playmate always gay, + Like to a light and brilliant butterfly + Around a dusky flower, didst around me + Still with new life thy merry gambols play, + And breathe thy joyous spirit in my soul, + Until, my cares forgetting, I with thee + Was lur'd to snatch the eager joys of youth. + + PYLADES. + My very life began when thee I lov'd. + + ORESTES. + Say, then thy woes began, and thou speak'st truly. + This is the sharpest sorrow of my lot, + That, like a plague-infected wretch, I bear + Death and destruction hid within my breast; + That, where I tread, e'en on the healthiest spot, + Ere long the blooming faces round betray + The writhing features of a ling'ring death. + + PYLADES. + Were thy breath venom, I had been the first + To die that death, Orestes. Am I not, + As ever, full of courage and of joy? + And love and courage are the spirit's wings + Wafting to noble actions. + + ORESTES. + Noble actions? + Time was, when fancy painted such before us! + When oft, the game pursuing, on we roam'd + O'er hill and valley; hoping that ere long + With club and weapon arm'd, we so might track + The robber to his den, or monster huge. + And then at twilight, by the glassy sea, + We peaceful sat, reclin'd against each other + The waves came dancing to our very feet. + And all before us lay the wide, wide world. + Then on a sudden one would seize his sword, + And future deeds shone round us like the stars, + Which gemm'd in countless throngs the vault of night. + + PYLADES. + Endless, my friend, the projects which the soul + Burns to accomplish. We would every deed + At once perform as grandly as it shows + After long ages, when from land to land + The poet's swelling song hath roll'd it on. + It sounds so lovely what our fathers did, + When, in the silent evening shade reclin'd, + We drink it in with music's melting tones; + And what we do is, as their deeds to them, + Toilsome and incomplete! + Thus we pursue what always flies before; + We disregard the path in which we tread, + Scarce see around the footsteps of our sires, + Or heed the trace of their career on earth. + We ever hasten on to chase their shades, + Which godlike, at a distance far remote, + On golden clouds reclin'd, the mountains crown. + The man I prize not who esteems himself + Just as the people's breath may chance to raise him. + But thou, Orestes, to the gods give thanks, + That they have done so much through thee already. + + ORESTES. + When they ordain a man to noble deeds, + To shield from dire calamity his friends, + Extend his empire, or protect its bounds, + Or put to flight its ancient enemies, + Let him be grateful! For to him a god + Imparts the first, the sweetest joy of life. + Me have they doom'd to be a slaughterer, + To be an honour'd mother's murderer, + And shamefully a deed of shame avenging. + Me through their own decree they have o'erwhelm'd. + Trust me, the race of Tantalus is doom'd; + Nor may his last descendant leave the earth, + Or crown'd with honour or unstain'd by crime. + + PYLADES. + The gods avenge not on the son the deeds + Done by the father. Each, or good or bad, + Of his own actions reaps the due reward. + The parents' blessing, not their curse, descends. + + ORESTES. + Methinks their blessing did not lead us here. + + PYLADES. + It was at least the mighty gods' decree. + + ORESTES. + Then is it their decree which doth destroy us. + + PYLADES. + Perform what they command, and wait the event. + Do thou Apollo's sister bear from hence, + That they at Delphi may united dwell, + Rever'd and honour'd by a noble race: + Thee, for this deed, the heav'nly pair will view + With gracious eye, and from the hateful grasp + Of the infernal Powers will rescue thee. + E'en now none dares intrude within this grove. + + ORESTES. + So shall I die at least a peaceful death. + + PYLADES. + Far other are my thoughts, and not unskill'd + Have I the future and the past combin'd + In quiet meditation. Long, perchance, + Hath ripen'd in the counsel of the gods + The great event. Diana wish'd to leave + This savage region foul with human blood. + We were selected for the high emprize; + To us it is assign'd, and strangely thus + We are conducted to the threshold here. + + ORESTES. + My friend, with wondrous skill thou link'st thy wish + With the predestin'd purpose of the gods. + + PYLADES. + Of what avail is prudence, if it fail + Heedful to mark the purposes of Heaven? + A noble man, who much hath sinn'd, some god + Doth summon to a dangerous enterprize, + Which to achieve appears impossible. + The hero conquers, and atoning serves + Mortals and gods, who thenceforth honour him. + + ORESTES. + Am I foredoom'd to action and to life, + Would that a god from my distemper'd brain + Might chase this dizzy fever, which impels + My restless steps along a slipp'ry path, + Stain'd with a mother's blood, to direful death; + And pitying, dry the fountain, whence the blood, + For ever spouting from a mother's wounds, + Eternally defiles me! + + PYLADES. + Wait in peace! + Thou dost increase the evil, and dost take + The office of the Furies on thyself. + Let me contrive,--be still! And when at length + The time for action claims our powers combin'd, + Then will I summon thee, and on we'll stride, + With cautious boldness to achieve the event. + + ORESTES. + I hear Ulysses speak! + + PYLADES. + Nay, mock me not. + Each must select the hero after whom + To climb the steep and difficult ascent + Of high Olympus. And to me it seems + That him nor stratagem nor art defile + Who consecrates himself to noble deeds. + + ORESTES. + I most esteem the brave and upright man. + + PYLADES. + And therefore have I not desir'd thy counsel. + One step is ta'en already: from our guards + I have extorted this intelligence. + A strange and godlike woman now restrains + The execution of that bloody law: + Incense, and prayer, and an unsullied heart, + These are the gifts she offers to the gods. + Her fame is widely spread, and it is thought + That from the race of Amazon she springs, + And hither fled some great calamity. + + ORESTES. + Her gentle sway, it seems, lost all its power + At the approach of one so criminal, + Whom the dire curse enshrouds in gloomy night. + Our doom to seal, the pious thirst for blood + Again unchains the ancient cruel rite: + The monarch's savage will decrees our death; + A woman cannot save when he condemns. + + PYLADES. + That 'tis a woman is a ground for hope! + A man, the very best, with cruelty + At length may so familiarize his mind, + His character through custom so transform, + That he shall come to make himself a law + Of what at first his very soul abhorr'd. + But woman doth retain the stamp of mind + She first assum'd. On her we may depend + In good or evil with more certainty. + She comes; leave us alone. I dare not tell + At once our names, nor unreserv'd confide + Our fortunes to her. Now retire awhile, + And ere she speaks with thee we'll meet again. + + + SCENE II. + + IPHIGENIA. PYLADES. + + + IPHIGENIA. + Whence art thou? Stranger, speak! To me thy bearing + Stamps thee of Grecian, not of Scythian race. + (_She unbinds his chains._) + The freedom that I give is dangerous: + The gods avert the doom that threatens you! + + PYLADES. + Delicious music! dearly welcome tones + Of our own language in a foreign land! + With joy my captive eye once more beholds + The azure mountains of my native coast. + Oh, let this joy that I too am a Greek + Convince thee, priestess! How I need thine aid, + A moment I forget, my spirit wrapt + In contemplation of so fair a vision. + If fate's dread mandate doth not seal thy lips. + From which of our illustrious races, say, + Dost thou thy godlike origin derive? + + IPHIGENIA. + A priestess, by the Goddess' self ordain'd + And consecrated too, doth speak with thee. + Let that suffice: but tell me, who art thou, + And what unbless'd o'erruling destiny + Hath hither led thee with thy friend? + + PYLADES. + The woe, + Whose hateful presence ever dogs our steps, + I can with ease relate. Oh, would that thou + Couldst with like ease, divine one, shed on us + One ray of cheering hope! We are from Crete, + Adrastus' sons, and I, the youngest born, + Named Cephalus; my eldest brother, he, + Laodamus. Between us two a youth + Of savage temper grew, who oft disturb'd + The joy and concord of our youthful sports. + Long as our father led his powers at Troy, + Passive our mother's mandate we obey'd; + But when, enrich'd with booty, he return'd, + And shortly after died, a contest fierce + For the succession and their father's wealth, + Parted the brothers. I the eldest joined; + He slew the second; and the Furies hence + For kindred murder dog his restless steps. + But to this savage shore the Delphian god + Hath sent us, cheer'd by hope, commanding us + Within his sister's temple to await + The blessed hand of aid. We have been ta'en, + Brought hither, and now stand for sacrifice. + My tale is told. + + IPHIGENIA + Tell me, is Troy o'erthrown? + Assure me of its fall. + + PYLADES. + It lies in ruins. + But oh, ensure deliverance to us! + Hasten, I pray, the promis'd aid of heav'n. + Pity my brother, say a kindly word; + But I implore thee, spare him when thou speakest. + Too easily his inner mind is torn + By joy, or grief, or cruel memory. + A feverish madness oft doth seize on him, + Yielding his spirit, beautiful and free, + A prey to furies. + + IPHIGENIA. + Great as is thy woe, + Forget it, I conjure thee, for a while, + Till I am satisfied. + + PYLADES. + The stately town, + Which ten long years withstood the Grecian host, + Now lies in ruins, ne'er to rise again; + Yet many a hero's grave will oft recall + Our sad remembrance to that barbarous shore; + There lies Achilles and his noble friend. + + IPHIGENIA. + And are ye, godlike forms, reduc'd to dust! + + + PYLADES. + Nor Palamede, nor Ajax, ere again + The daylight of their native land behold. + + IPHIGENIA. + He speaks not of my father, doth not name + Him with the fallen. He may yet survive! + I may behold him! still hope on, my heart! + + PYLADES. + Yet happy are the thousands who receiv'd + Their bitter death-blow from a hostile hand! + For terror wild, and end most tragical, + Some hostile, angry, deity prepar'd, + Instead of triumph, for the home-returning. + Do human voices never reach this shore? + Far as their sound extends, they bear the fame + Of deeds unparallel'd. And is the woe + Which fills Mycene's halls with ceaseless sighs + To thee a secret still?--And know'st thou not + That Clytemnestra, with Ægisthus' aid, + Her royal consort artfully ensnar'd, + And murder'd on the day of his return?-- + The monarch's house thou honourest! I perceive + Thy heaving bosom vainly doth contend + With tidings fraught with such unlook'd-for woe + Art thou the daughter of a friend? or born + Within the circuit of Mycene's walls? + Do not conceal it, nor avenge on me + That here the horrid crime I first announc'd. + + IPHIGENIA. + Proceed, and tell me how the deed was done. + + PYLADES. + The day of his return, as from the bath + Arose the monarch, tranquil and refresh'd. + His robe demanding from his consort's hand, + A tangl'd garment, complicate with folds. + She o'er his shoulders flung and noble head; + And when, as from a net, he vainly strove + To extricate himself, the traitor, base + Ægisthus, smote him, and envelop'd thus + Great Agamemnon sought the shades below. + + IPHIGENIA. + And what reward receiv'd the base accomplice? + + PYLADES. + A queen and kingdom he possess'd already. + + IPHIGENIA. + Base passion prompted, then, the deed of shame? + + PYLADES. + And feelings, cherish'd long, of deep revenge. + + IPHIGENIA. + How had the monarch injured Clytemnestra? + + PYLADES. + By such a dreadful deed, that if on earth + Aught could exculpate murder, it were this. + To Aulis he allur'd her, when the fleet + With unpropitious winds the goddess stay'd; + And there, a victim at Diana's shrine, + The monarch, for the welfare of the Greeks, + Her eldest daughter doom'd. And this, 'tis said, + Planted such deep abhorrence in her heart, + That to Ægisthus she resign'd herself, + And round her husband flung the web of death. + + IPHIGENIA. (_veiling herself_). + It is enough! Thou wilt again behold me. + + PYLADES, _alone_. + The fortune of this royal house, it seems, + Doth move her deeply. Whosoe'er she be, + She must herself have known the monarch well;-- + For our good fortune, from a noble house, + She hath been sold to bondage. Peace, my heart! + And let us steer our course with prudent zeal + Toward the star of hope which gleams upon us. + + + + + ACT THE THIRD. + + SCENE I. + + IPHIGENIA. ORESTES. + + + IPHIGENIA. + Unhappy man, I only loose thy bonds + In token of a still severer doom. + The freedom which the sanctuary imparts, + Like the last life-gleam o'er the dying face, + But heralds death. I cannot, dare not say + Your doom is hopeless; for, with murd'rous hand, + Could I inflict the fatal blow myself? + And while I here am priestess of Diana, + None, be he who he may, dare touch your heads. + But the incensed king, should I refuse + Compliance with the rites himself enjoin'd, + Will choose another virgin from my train + As my successor. Then, alas! with nought, + Save ardent wishes, can I succour you, + Much honour'd countryman! The humblest slave, + Who had but near'd our sacred household hearth, + Is dearly welcome in a foreign land; + How with proportion'd joy and blessing, then, + Shall I receive the man who doth recall + The image of the heroes, whom I learn'd + To honour from my parents, and who cheers + My inmost heart with flatt'ring gleams of hope! + + ORESTES. + Does prudent forethought prompt thee to conceal + Thy name and race? or may I hope to know + Who, like a heavenly vision, meets me thus? + + IPHIGENIA. + Yes, thou shalt know me. Now conclude the tale + Of which thy brother only told me half: + Relate their end, who coming home from Troy, + On their own threshold met a doom severe + And most unlook'd for. I, though but a child + When first conducted hither, well recall + The timid glance of wonder which I cast + On those heroic forms. When they went forth, + it seem'd as though Olympus from her womb + Had cast the heroes of a by-gone world, + To frighten Ilion; and, above them all, + Great Agamemnon tower'd pre-eminent! + Oh tell me! Fell the hero in his home, + Though Clytemnestra's and Ægisthus' wiles? + + ORESTES. + He fell! + + IPHIGENIA. + Unblest Mycene! Thus the sons + Of Tantalus, with barbarous hands, have sown + Curse upon curse; and, as the shaken weed + Scatters around a thousand poison-seeds, + So they assassins ceaseless generate, + Their children's children ruthless to destroy.-- + Now tell the remnant of thy brother's tale, + Which horror darkly hid from me before. + How did the last descendant of the race,-- + The gentle child, to whom the Gods assign'd + The office of avenger,--how did he + Escape that day of blood? Did equal fate + Around Orestes throw Avernus' net? + Say, was he saved? and is he still alive? + And lives Electra, too? + + ORESTES. + They both survive. + + IPHIGENIA. + Golden Apollo, lend thy choicest beams! + Lay them an offering at the throne of Jove! + For I am poor and dumb. + + ORESTES. + If social bonds + Or ties more close connect thee with this house, + As this thy joy evinces, rein thy heart; + For insupportable the sudden plunge + From happiness to sorrow's gloomy depth. + As yet thou only know'st the hero's death. + + IPHIGENIA. + And is not this intelligence enough? + + ORESTES. + Half of the horror yet remains untold. + + IPHIGENIA. + Electra and Orestes both survive, + What have I then to fear? + + ORESTES. + And fear'st thou nought + For Clytemnestra? + + IPHIGENIA. + Her, nor hope nor fear + Have power to save. + + ORESTES. + She to the land of hope + Hath bid farewell. + + IPHIGENIA. + Did her repentant hand + Shed her own blood? + + ORESTES. + Not so; yet her own blood + Inflicted death. + + IPHIGENIA. + Speak less ambiguously. + Uncertainty around my anxious head + Her dusky, thousand-folded, pinion waves. + + ORESTES. + Have then the powers above selected me + To be the herald of a dreadful deed, + Which, in the drear and soundless realms of night, + I fain would hide for ever? 'Gainst my will + Thy gentle voice constrains me; it demands, + And shall receive, a tale of direst woe. + Electra, on the day when fell her sire, + Her brother from impending doom conceal'd; + Him Strophius, his father's relative, + With kindest care receiv'd, and rear'd the child + With his own son, named Pylades, who soon + Around the stranger twin'd the bonds of love. + And as they grew, within their inmost souls + There sprang the burning longing to revenge + The monarch's death. Unlookd for, and disguis'd, + They reach Mycene, feigning to have brought + The mournful tidings of Orestes' death, + Together with his ashes. Them the queen + Gladly receives. Within the house they enter; + Orestes to Electra shows himself: + She fans the fires of vengeance into flame, + Which in the sacred presence of a mother + Had burn'd more dimly. Silently she leads + Her brother to the spot where fell their sire; + Where lurid blood-marks, on the oft-wash'd floor, + With pallid streaks, anticipate revenge. + With fiery eloquence she pictures forth + Each circumstance of that atrocious deed,-- + Her own oppress'd and miserable life, + The prosperous traitor's insolent demeanour, + The perils threat'ning Agamemnon's race + From her who had become their stepmother; + Then in his hand the ancient dagger thrusts, + Which often in the house of Tantalus + With savage fury rag'd,--and by her son + Is Clytemnestra slain. + + IPHIGENIA. + Immortal powers! + Whose pure and blest existence glides away + 'Mid ever shifting clouds, me have ye kept + So many years secluded from the world, + Retain'd me near yourselves, consign'd to me + The childlike task to feed the sacred fire, + And taught my spirit, like the hallow'd flame, + With never-clouded brightness to aspire + To your pure mansions,--but at length to feel + With keener woe the misery of my house? + Oh tell me of the poor unfortunate! + Speak of Orestes! + + ORESTES. + Would that he were dead! + Forth from his mother's blood her ghost arose, + And to the ancient daughters of the night + Cries,--"Let him not escape,--the matricide! + Pursue the victim, dedicate to you!" + They hear, and glare around with hollow eyes, + Like greedy eagles. In their murky dens + They stir themselves, and from the corners creep + Their comrades, dire Remorse and pallid Fear; + Before them fumes a mist of Acheron; + Perplexingly around the murderer's brow + The eternal contemplation of the past + Rolls in its cloudy circles. Once again + The grisly band, commissioned to destroy, + Pollute earth's beautiful and heaven-sown fields, + From which an ancient curse had banish'd them. + Their rapid feet the fugitive pursue; + They only pause to start a wilder fear. + + IPHIGENIA. + Unhappy one; thy lot resembles his, + Thou feel'st what he, poor fugitive, must suffer. + + ORESTES. + What say'st thou? why presume my fate like his? + + IPHIGENIA. + A brother's murder weighs upon thy soul; + Thy younger brother told the mournful tale. + + ORESTES. + I cannot suffer that thy noble soul + Should be deceiv'd by error. Rich in guile, + And practis'd in deceit, a stranger may + A web of falsehood cunningly devise + To snare a stranger;--between us be truth. + I am Orestes! and this guilty head + Is stooping to the tomb, and covets death; + It will be welcome now in any shape. + Whoe'er thou art, for thee and for my friend + I wish deliverance;--I desire it not. + Thou seem'st to linger here against thy will; + Contrive some means of flight, and leave me here: + My lifeless corpse hurl'd headlong from the rock, + My blood shall mingle with the dashing waves, + And bring a curse upon this barbarous shore! + Return together home to lovely Greece, + With joy a new existence to commence. + [ORESTES _retires_. + + IPHIGENIA. + At length Fulfilment, fairest child of Jove, + Thou dost descend upon me from on high! + How vast thine image! scarce my straining eye + Can reach thy hands, which, fill'd with golden fruit + And wreaths of blessing, from Olympus' height + Shower treasures down. As by his bounteous gifts + We recognize the monarch (for what seems + To thousands opulence is nought to him), + So you, ye heavenly Powers, are also known + By bounty long withheld, and wisely plann'd. + Ye only know what things are good for us; + Ye view the future's wide-extended realm; + While from our eye a dim or starry veil + The prospect shrouds. Calmly ye hear our prayers, + When we like children sue for greater speed. + Not immature ye pluck heaven's golden fruit; + And woe to him, who with impatient hand, + His date of joy forestalling, gathers death. + Let not this long-awaited happiness, + Which yet my heart hath scarcely realiz'd, + Like to the shadow of departed friends, + Glide vainly by with triple sorrow fraught! + + ORESTES, _returning_. + Dost thou for Pylades and for thyself + Implore the gods, blend not my name with yours; + Thou wilt not save the wretch whom thou wouldst join, + But wilt participate his curse and woe. + + IPHIGENIA. + My destiny is firmly bound to thine. + + ORESTES. + No, say not so; alone and unattended + Let me descend to Hades. Though thou shouldst + In thine own veil enwrap the guilty one. + Thou couldst not shroud him from his wakeful foes; + And e'en thy sacred presence, heavenly maid, + Drives them aside, but scares them not away. + With brazen impious feet they dare not tread + Within the precincts of this sacred grove: + Yet in the distance, ever and anon, + I hear their horrid laughter, like the howl + Of famish'd wolves, beneath the tree wherein + The traveller hides. Without, encamp'd they lie, + And should I quit this consecrated grove, + Shaking their serpent locks, they would arise, + And, raising clouds of dust on every side, + Ceaseless pursue their miserable prey. + + IPHIGENIA. + Orestes, canst thou hear a friendly word? + + ORESTES. + Reserve it for one favour'd by the gods. + + + IPHIGENIA. + To thee they give anew the light of hope. + + ORESTES. + Through clouds and smoke I see the feeble gleam + Of the death-stream which lights me down to hell. + + IPHIGENIA. + Hast thou one sister only, thy Electra? + + ORESTES. + I knew but one: yet her kind destiny, + Which seem'd to us so terrible, betimes + Removed an elder sister from the woe + That dogs the race of Pelops. Cease, oh cease + Thy questions, maiden, nor thus league thyself + With the Eumenides, who blow away, + With fiendish joy, the ashes from my soul, + Lest the last spark of horror's fiery brand + Should be extinguish'd there. Must then the fire, + Deliberately kindl'd and supplied + With hellish sulphur, never cease to sear + My tortur'd bosom? + + IPHIGENIA. + In the flame I throw + Sweet incense. Let the gentle breath of love, + Low murmuring, cool thy bosom's fiery glow. + Orestes, fondly lov'd,--canst thou not hear me? + Hath the terrific Furies' grisly band + Completely dried the life-blood in thy veins? + Creeps there, as from the Gorgon's direful head, + A petrifying charm through all thy limbs? + If hollow voices, from a mother's blood, + Call thee to hell, may not a sister's word + With benediction pure ascend to heaven, + And summon thence some gracious power to aid thee? + + ORESTES. + She calls! she calls!--Thou too desir'st my death? + Is there a fury shrouded in thy form? + Who art thou, that thy voice thus horribly + Can harrow up my bosom's inmost depths? + + IPHIGENIA. + Thine inmost heart reveals it. I am she, + Iphigenia,--look on me, Orestes! + + + ORESTES. + Thou! + + IPHIGENIA. + My own brother! + + ORESTES. + Hence, away, begone! + Touch not these locks, I counsel thee; from me, + As from Creusa's bridal robe, proceeds + An unextinguishable fire. Depart! + Like Hercules, an ignominious death, + Unworthy wretch, look'd in myself, I'll die. + + IPHIGENIA. + Thou shalt not perish! Would that I might hear + One quiet word from thee! dispel my doubts, + Make sure the bliss I have implor'd so long. + A wheel of joy and sorrow in my heart + Ceaseless revolves. With shy reserve I turn + From one unknown; but unto thee, my brother, + My inmost heart resistlessly impels me. + + ORESTES. + Is this Lyæus' temple? Doth the glow + Of holy rage unbridl'd thus possess + The sacred priestess? + + IPHIGENIA. + Hear me, oh, look up! + See how my heart, which hath been clos'd so long, + Doth open to the bliss of seeing thee, + The dearest treasure that the world contains,-- + Of falling on thy neck, and folding thee + Within my longing arms, which have till now + Met the embraces of the empty wind. + Do not repulse me,--the eternal spring, + Whose crystal waters from Parnassus flow, + Bounds not more gaily on from rock to rock, + Down to the golden vale, than from my heart + The waters of affection freely gush, + And round me form a circling sea of bliss. + Orestes! Oh, my brother! + + ORESTES. + Lovely nymph! + Nor thy caresses, nor thyself I trust; + Diana claims attendants more severe, + And doth avenge her desecrated fane. + Remove thy circling arm! and if thou wilt + Safety and love upon a youth bestow, + Unto my friend, more worthy than myself, + Impart thy gifts; among yon rocks he roves; + Go seek him, guide him hence, and heed not me. + + IPHIGENIA. + Brother, command thyself, and better know + Thy new-found sister, nor misconstrue thus + Her pure and heav'nly joy. Ye Gods, remove + From his fix'd eye delusion, lest this hour + Of highest bliss should make us trebly wretched! + Oh she is here, thine own, thy long-lost sister, + Whom great Diana from the altar snatch'd, + And safely plac'd here in her sacred fane. + A captive thou, prepar'd for sacrifice, + And findest here a sister in the priestess. + + ORESTES. + Accursed race! Now may the sun behold + Your final doom. Is not Electra here? + That she with us may perish, nor her life + For heavier doom and deeper woe reserve. + 'Tis well,--I follow, priestess! Fratricide + Is an old custom of our ancient house; + And you, ye Gods, I thank, that ye resolve + Childless to root me hence. Thee let me counsel + To view too fondly neither sun nor stars. + Come follow to the gloomy realms below! + As dragons, gender'd in the sulphur pool, + Swallow each other with voracious rage, + So our accurs'd race destroys itself. + Childless and guiltless come below with me! + There's pity in thy look! oh, gaze not so,-- + 'Twas with such looks that Clytemnestra sought + An entrance to her son Orestes' heart, + And yet his uprais'd arm her bosom pierc'd. + His mother fell!--Appear, indignant shade! + Within the circle step, ye fiends of hell, + Be present at the welcome spectacle, + The last, most horrible, that ye prepare! + Nor hate, nor vengeance, whets the poignard now, + A sister is constrain'd to deal the blow. + Weep not! Thy guiltless soul is free from crime. + From earliest infancy I nought have lov'd, + As thee I could have lov'd, my sister. Come, + The weapon raise, spare not, this bosom rend, + And make an outlet for its boiling streams! + (_He sinks exhausted._) + + IPHIGENIA. + Alone I cannot bear this bliss and woe. + Where art thou, Pylades? Thine aid I need. + (_Iphigenia retires_.) + + + SCENE II. + + + ORESTES, + _Recovering from his swoon and standing up_. + + Give yet another! reach from Lethe's stream + The last reviving draught of cool refreshment! + Soon shall its waters in my bosom still + Life's fitful fever; and my spirit then + Adown oblivion's stream shall glide to you, + Ye spirits, shrouded in eternal mist. + With tranquil pleasure in your deep repose + A weary son of earth may lave his soul!-- + What whisp'ring sounds pervade the dreary grove? + What hollow murmurs haunt its twilight gloom?-- + They gather round to view the stranger guest! + Who are yon troop in high communion met, + Like an assembl'd family of princes? + They mingle peacefully, of every age, + And either sex, yet are their godlike forms + Cast in a kindred mould. 'Tis they, 'tis they, + The fathers of my race! With Atreus, + In friendly converse glides Thyestes' shade, + And children playfully around them sport. + Is there no enmity among you now? + And is revenge extinguish'd with the sun? + I then am welcome, and may hope to join + Your solemn company. My fathers, hail! + Orestes, last descendant of your race, + Salutes you. What ye sow'd, that hath he reap'd + Laden with curses he descends to you. + But burdens here are lighter far to bear. + Receive him, oh, receive him in your circle! + Thee, Atreus, I revere, and thee, Thyestes: + Here all are free from enmity and hate.-- + Show me my father, whom I only once + In life beheld.--Art thou my father, thou, + My mother leading thus familiarly? + Dares Clytemnestra reach her hand to thee; + Then may Orestes also draw near her, + And say, behold thy son!--My ancestors, + Behold your son, and bid him welcome here, + Among the sons of ancient Tantalus, + A kind salute on earth was murder's watchword, + And all their joys commence beyond the grave. + Ye welcome me! Ye bid me join your circle! + Oh, lead me to my honour'd ancestor! + Where is the aged hero? that I may + Behold the dear, the venerable head, + Of him, who with the gods in council sat. + You seem to shudder and to turn away? + What may this mean? Suffers the godlike man? + Alas! the mighty gods, with ruthless hate, + To his heroic breast, with brazen chains, + Have cruel pangs indissolubly bound. + + + SCENE III. + + ORESTES. IPHIGENIA. PYLADES. + + + ORESTES. + How! are ye come already? Sister, welcome. + Electra still is missing: some kind god + With gentle arrow send her quickly hither. + Thee, my poor friend, I must compassionate! + Come with me, come to Pluto's gloomy throne. + There to salute our hosts like stranger guests. + + IPHIGENIA. + Celestial pair, who from the realms above + By night and day shed down the beauteous light + To cheer mankind, but who may not illume + Departed spirits, save a mortal pair! + A brother's and a sister's anguish pity! + For thou, Diana, lov'st thy gentle brother + Beyond what earth and heaven can offer thee + And dost, with quiet yearning, ever turn + Thy virgin face to his eternal light. + Let not my only brother, found so late, + Rave in the darkness of insanity! + And is thy will, when thou didst here conceal me, + At length fulfill'd,--would'st thou to me through him, + To him through me, thy gracious aid extend,-- + Oh, free him from the fetters of this curse, + Lest vainly pass the precious hours of safety. + + PYLADES. + Dost thou not know us, and this sacred grove, + And this blest light, which shines not on the dead? + Dost thou not feel thy sister and thy friend, + Who hold thee living in their firm embrace? + Grasp us! we are not shadows. Mark my words! + Collect thyself,--each moment now is precious, + And our return hangs on a slender thread, + Which, as it seems, some gracious fate doth spin. + + ORESTES _to_ IPHIGENIA. + My sister, let me for the first time taste, + With open heart, pure joy within thine arms! + Ye gods, who charge the heavy clouds with dread, + And sternly gracious send the long-sought rain + With thunder and the rush of mighty winds, + A horrid deluge on the trembling earth; + Yet dissipate at length man's dread suspense, + Exchanging timid wonder's anxious gaze + For grateful looks and joyous songs of praise, + When in each sparkling drop which gems the leaves, + Apollo, thousand-fold, reflects his beam, + And Iris colours with a magic hand + The dusky texture of the parting clouds; + Oh, let me also in my sister's arms, + And on the bosom of my friend, enjoy + With grateful thanks the bliss ye now bestow + My heart assures me that your curses cease. + The dread Eumenides at length retire, + The brazen gates of Tartarus I hear + Behind them closing with a thund'ring clang. + A quick'ning odour from the earth ascends, + Inviting me to chase, upon its plains, + The joys of life and deeds of high emprise. + + PYLADES. + Lose not the moments which are limited! + The favouring gale, which swells our parting sail, + Must to Olympus waft our perfect joy. + Quick counsel and resolve the time demands. + + + + + ACT THE FOURTH. + + SCENE I. + + + IPHIGENIA. + When the Powers on high decree + For a feeble child of earth + Dire perplexity and woe, + And his spirit doom to pass + With tumult wild from joy to grief, + And back again from grief to joy, + In fearful alternation; + They in mercy then provide, + In the precincts of his home, + Or upon the distant shore, + That to him may never fail + Ready help in hours of need, + A tranquil, faithful friend. + Oh, bless, ye heavenly powers, our Pylades, + And every project that his mind may form! + In combat his the vigorous arm of youth, + And in the counsel his the eye of age. + His soul is tranquil; in his inner mind + He guards a sacred, undisturb'd repose, + And from its silent depths a rich supply + Of aid and counsel draws for the distress'd. + He tore me from my brother, upon whom, + With fond amaze, I gaz'd and gaz'd again; + I could not realize my happiness, + Nor loose him from my arms, and heeded not + The danger's near approach that threatens us. + To execute their project of escape, + They hasten to the sea, where in a bay + Their comrades in the vessel lie conceal'd + And wait a signal. Me they have supplied + With artful answers, should the monarch send + To urge the sacrifice. Alas! I see + I must consent to follow like a child. + I have not learn'd deception, nor the art + To gain with crafty wiles my purposes. + Detested falsehood! it doth not relieve + The breast like words of truth: it comforts not, + But is a torment in the forger's heart, + And, like an arrow which a god directs, + Flies back and wounds the archer. Through my heart + One fear doth chase another; perhaps with rage, + Again on the unconsecrated shore, + The Furies' grisly band my brother seize. + Perchance they are surpris'd? Methinks I hear + The tread of armed men. A messenger + Is coming from the king, with hasty steps. + How throbs my heart, how troubl'd is my soul + Now that I see the countenance of one, + Whom with a word untrue I must encounter! + + + SCENE II. + + IPHIGENIA. ARKAS. + + + ARKAS. + Priestess, with speed conclude the sacrifice, + Impatiently the king and people wait. + + IPHIGENIA. + I had perform'd my duty and thy will, + Had not an unforeseen impediment + The execution of my purpose thwarted. + + ARKAS. + What is it that obstructs the king's commands? + + IPHIGENIA. + Chance, which from mortals will not brook control. + + ARKAS. + Possess me with the reason, that with speed + I may inform the king, who hath decreed + The death of both. + + IPHIGENIA. + The gods have not decreed it. + The elder of these men doth bear the guilt + Of kindred murder; on his steps attend + The dread Eumenides. They seiz'd their prey + Within the inner fane, polluting thus + The holy sanctuary. I hasten now, + Together with my virgin-train, to bathe + Diana's image in the sea, and there + With solemn rites its purity restore. + Let none presume our silent march to follow! + + ARKAS. + This hindrance to the monarch I'll announce: + Do not commence the rite till he permit. + + IPHIGENIA. + The priestess interferes alone in this. + + ARKAS. + An incident so strange the king should know. + + IPHIGENIA. + Here, nor his counsel nor command avails. + + ARKAS. + Oft are the great consulted out of form. + + IPHIGENIA. + Do not insist on what I must refuse. + + ARKAS. + A needful and a just demand refuse not. + + IPHIGENIA. + I yield, if thou delay not. + + ARKAS. + I with speed + Will bear these tidings to the camp, and soon + Acquaint thee, priestess, with the king's reply. + There is a message I would gladly bear him: + 'Twould quickly banish all perplexity: + Thou didst not heed thy faithful friend's advice. + + IPHIGENIA. + I willingly have done whate'er I could. + + ARKAS. + E'en now 'tis not too late to change thy mind. + + IPHIGENIA. + To do so is, alas, beyond our power. + + ARKAS. + What thou wouldst shun, thou deem'st impossible. + + IPHIGENIA. + Thy wish doth make thee deem it possible. + + ARKAS. + Wilt thou so calmly venture everything? + + IPHIGENIA. + My fate I have committed to the gods. + + ARKAS. + The gods are wont to save by human means. + + IPHIGENIA. + By their appointment everything is done. + + ARKAS. + Believe me, all doth now depend on thee. + The irritated temper of the king + Alone condemns these men to bitter death. + The soldiers from the cruel sacrifice + And bloody service long have been disused; + Nay, many, whom their adverse fortunes cast + In foreign regions, there themselves have felt + How godlike to the exil'd wanderer + The friendly countenance of man appears. + Do not deprive us of thy gentle aid! + With ease thou canst thy sacred task fulfil: + For nowhere doth benignity, which comes + In human form from heaven, so quickly gain + An empire o'er the heart, as where a race, + Gloomy and savage, full of life and power, + Without external guidance, and oppress'd + With vague forebodings, bear life's heavy load. + + IPHIGENIA. + Shake not my spirit, which thou canst not bend + According to thy will. + + ARKAS. + While there is time + Nor labour nor persuasion shall be spar'd. + + IPHIGENIA. + Thy labour but occasions pain to me; + Both are in vain; therefore, I pray, depart. + + + ARKAS. + I summon pain to aid me, 'tis a friend + Who counsels wisely. + + IPHIGENIA. + Though it shakes my soul, + It doth not banish thence my strong repugnance. + + ARKAS. + Can then a gentle soul repugnance feel + For benefits bestow'd by one so noble? + + IPHIGENIA. + Yes, when the donor, for those benefits, + Instead of gratitude, demands myself. + + ARKAS. + Who no affection feels doth never want + Excuses. To the king I'll now relate + All that has happen'd. Oh, that in thy soul + Thou wouldst revolve his noble conduct, priestess, + Since thy arrival to the present day! + + + SCENE III. + + + IPHIGENIA, _alone_. + These words at an unseasonable hour + Produce a strong revulsion in my breast; + I am alarm'd!--For as the rushing tide + In rapid currents eddies o'er the rocks + Which lie among the sand upon the shore; + E'en so a stream of joy o'erwhelm'd my soul. + I grasp'd what had appear'd impossible. + It was as though another gentle cloud + Around me lay, to raise me from the earth, + And rock my spirit in the same sweet sleep + Which the kind goddess shed around my brow, + What time her circling arm from danger snatch'd me. + My brother forcibly engross'd my heart; + I listen'd only to his friend's advice; + My soul rush'd eagerly to rescue them, + And as the mariner with joy surveys + The less'ning breakers of a desert isle, + So Tauris lay behind me. But the voice + Of faithful Arkas wakes me from my dream, + Reminding me that those whom I forsake + Are also men. Deceit doth now become + Doubly detested. O my soul, be still! + Beginn'st thou now to tremble and to doubt? + Thy lonely shelter on the firm-set earth + Must thou abandon? and, embark'd once more, + At random drift upon tumultuous waves, + A stranger to thyself and to the world? + + + SCENE IV. + + IPHIGENIA. PYLADES. + + + PYLADES. + Where is she? that my words with speed may tell + The joyful tidings of our near escape! + + IPHIGENIA. + Oppress'd with gloomy care, I much require + The certain comfort thou dost promise me. + + PYLADES. + Thy brother is restor'd! The rocky paths + Of this unconsecrated shore we trod + In friendly converse, while behind us lay, + Unmark'd by us, the consecrated grove; + And ever with increasing glory shone + The fire of youth around his noble brow. + Courage and hope his glowing eye inspir'd; + And his free heart exulted with the joy + Of saving thee, his sister, and his friend. + + IPHIGENIA. + The gods shower blessings on thee, Pylades! + And from those lips which breathe such welcome news, + Be the sad note of anguish never heard! + + PYLADES. + I bring yet more,--for Fortune, like a prince, + Comes not alone, but well accompanied. + Our friends and comrades we have also found. + Within a bay they had conceal'd the ship, + And mournful sat expectant. They beheld + Thy brother, and a joyous shout uprais'd, + Imploring him to haste the parting hour. + Each hand impatient long'd to grasp the oar, + While from the shore a gently murmuring breeze, + Perceiv'd by all, unfurl'd its wing auspicious. + Let us then hasten; guide me to the fane, + That I may tread the sanctuary, and seize + With sacred awe the object of our hopes. + I can unaided on my shoulder bear + Diana's image: how I long to feel + The precious burden! + [_While speaking the last words, he approaches the Temple, + without perceiving that he is not followed by + Iphigenia: at length he turns round._] + Why thus ling'ring stand. + Why art thou silent? wherefore thus confus'd? + Doth some new obstacle oppose our bliss? + Inform me, hast thou to the king announc'd + The prudent message we agreed upon? + + IPHIGENIA. + I have, dear Pylades; yet wilt thou chide. + Thy very aspect is a mute reproach. + The royal messenger arriv'd, and I, + According to thy counsel, fram'd my speech. + He seem'd surpris'd, and urgently besought, + That to the monarch I should first announce + The rite unusual, and attend his will. + I now await the messenger's return. + + PYLADES. + Danger again doth hover o'er our heads! + O priestess, why neglect to shroud thyself + Within the veil of sacerdotal rites? + + IPHIGENIA. + I never have employ'd them as a veil. + + PYLADES. + Pure soul! thy scruples will destroy alike + Thyself and us. Why did I not foresee + Such an emergency, and tutor thee + This counsel also wisely to elude? + + IPHIGENIA. + Chide only me, for mine alone the blame. + Yet other answer could I not return + To him, who strongly and with reason urg'd + What my own heart acknowledg'd to be right. + + PYLADES. + The danger thickens; but let us be firm, + Nor with incautious haste betray ourselves; + Calmly await the messenger's return, + And then stand fast, whatever his reply: + For the appointment of such sacred rites + Doth to the priestess, not the king belong. + Should he demand the stranger to behold + Who is by madness heavily oppress'd, + Evasively pretend, that in the fane, + Securely guarded, thou retain'st us both. + Thus you secure us time to fly with speed, + Bearing the sacred treasure from this race, + Unworthy its possession. Phoebus sends + Auspicious omens, and fulfils his word, + Ere we the first conditions have perform'd. + Free is Orestes, from the curse absolv'd! + Oh, with the freed one, to the rocky isle + Where dwells the god, waft us, propitious gales! + Thence to Mycene, that she may revive; + That from the ashes of the extinguish'd hearth, + The household gods may joyously arise, + And beauteous fire illumine their abode! + Thy hand from golden censers first shall strew + The fragrant incense. O'er that threshold thou + Shalt life and blessing once again dispense, + The curse atone, and all thy kindred grace + With the fresh bloom of renovated life. + + IPHIGENIA. + As doth the flower revolve to meet the sun, + Once more my spirit to sweet comfort turns, + Struck by thy words' invigorating ray. + How dear the counsel of a present friend, + Lacking whose godlike power, the lonely one + In silence droops! for, lock'd within his breast, + Slowly are ripen'd purpose and resolve, + Which friendship's genial warmth had soon matur'd. + + PYLADES. + Farewell! I haste to re-assure our friends, + Who anxiously await us: then with speed + I will return, and, hid within the brake, + Attend thy signal.--Wherefore, all at once, + Doth anxious thought o'ercloud thy brow serene? + + IPHIGENIA. + Forgive me! As light clouds athwart the sun, + So cares and fears float darkling o'er my soul. + + PYLADES. + Oh, banish fear! With danger it hath form'd + A close alliance,--they are constant friends. + + IPHIGENIA. + It is an honest scruple, which forbids + That I should cunningly deceive the king, + And plunder him who was my second sire. + + PYLADES. + Him thou dost fly, who would have slain thy brother. + + IPHIGENIA. + To me, at least, he hath been ever kind. + + PYLADES. + What Fate commands is not ingratitude. + + IPHIGENIA. + Alas! it still remains ingratitude; + Necessity alone can justify it. + + PYLADES. + Thee, before gods and men it justifies. + + IPHIGENIA. + But my own heart is still unsatisfied. + + PYLADES. + Scruples too rigid are a cloak for pride. + + IPHIGENIA. + I cannot argue, I can only feel. + + PYLADES. + Conscious of right, thou shouldst respect thyself. + + IPHIGENIA. + Then only doth the heart know perfect ease, + When not a stain pollutes it. + + PYLADES. + In this fane + Pure hast thou kept thy heart. Life teaches us + To be less strict with others and ourselves; + Thou'lt learn the lesson too. So wonderful + Is human nature, and its varied ties + Are so involv'd and complicate, that none + May hope to keep his inmost spirit pure, + And walk without perplexity through life. + Nor are we call'd upon to judge ourselves; + With circumspection to pursue his path, + Is the immediate duty of a man. + For seldom can he rightly estimate, + Or his past conduct or his present deeds. + + IPHIGENIA. + Almost thou dost persuade me to consent. + + PYLADES. + Needs there persuasion when no choice is granted? + To save thyself, thy brother, and a friend, + One path presents itself, and canst thou ask + If we shall follow it? + + IPHIGENIA. + Still let me pause, + For such injustice thou couldst not thyself + Calmly return for benefits receiv'd. + + PYLADES. + If we should perish, bitter self-reproach, + Forerunner of despair, will be thy portion. + It seems thou art not used to suffer much, + When, to escape so great calamity, + Thou canst refuse to utter one false word. + + IPHIGENIA. + Oh, that I bore within a manly heart! + Which, when it hath conceiv'd a bold resolve, + 'Gainst every other voice doth close itself. + + PYLADES. + In vain thou dost refuse; with iron hand + Necessity commands; her stern decree + Is law supreme, to which the gods themselves + Must yield submission. In dread silence rules + The uncounsell'd sister of eternal fate. + What she appoints thee to endure,--endure; + What to perform,--perform. The rest thou know'st. + Ere long I will return, and then receive + The seal of safety from thy sacred hand. + + + SCENE V. + + + IPHIGENIA, _alone_. + I must obey him, for I see my friends + Beset with peril. Yet my own sad fate + Doth with increasing anguish move my heart. + May I no longer feed the silent hope + Which in my solitude I fondly cherish'd? + Shall the dire curse eternally endure? + And shall our fated race ne'er rise again + With blessings crown'd?--All mortal things decay! + The noblest powers, the purest joys of life + At length subside: then wherefore not the curse? + And have I vainly hop'd that, guarded here, + Secluded from the fortunes of my race, + I, with pure heart and hands, some future day + Might cleanse the deep defilement of our house? + Scarce was my brother in my circling arms + From raging madness suddenly restor'd, + Scarce had the ship, long pray'd for, near'd the strand, + Once more to waft me to my native shores, + When unrelenting fate, with iron hand, + A double crime enjoins; commanding me + To steal the image, sacred and rever'd, + Confided to my care, and him deceive + To whom I owe my life and destiny. + Let not abhorrence spring within my heart! + Nor the old Titan's hate, toward you, ye gods, + Infix its vulture talons in my breast! + Save me, and save your image in my soul! + An ancient song comes back upon mine ear-- + I had forgotten it, and willingly-- + The Parcæ's song, which horribly they sang, + What time, hurl'd headlong from his golden seat, + Fell Tantalus. They with their noble friend + Keen anguish suffer'd; savage was their breast + And horrible their song. In days gone by, + When we were children, oft our ancient nurse + Would sing it to us, and I mark'd it well. + + Oh, fear the immortals, + Ye children of men! + Eternal dominion + They hold in their hands. + And o'er their wide empire + Wield absolute sway. + Whom they have exalted + Let him fear them most! + Around golden tables, + On cliffs and clouds resting + The seats are prepar'd. + If contest ariseth; + The guests are hurl'd headlong, + Disgrac'd and dishonour'd, + And fetter'd in darkness, + Await with vain longing, + A juster decree. + But in feasts everlasting, + Around the gold tables + Still dwell the immortals. + From mountain to mountain + They stride; while ascending + From fathomless chasms, + The breath of the Titans, + Half stifl'd with anguish, + Like volumes of incense + Fumes up to the skies. + From races ill-fated, + Their aspect joy-bringing, + Oft turn the celestials, + And shun in the children + To gaze on the features + Once lov'd and still speaking + Of their mighty sire. + Thus sternly the Fates sang + Immur'd in his dungeon. + The banish'd one listens, + The song of the Parcæ, + His children's doom ponders, + And boweth his head. + + + + + ACT THE FIFTH. + + SCENE I. + + THOAS. ARKAS. + + + ARKAS. + I own I am perplex'd, and scarcely know + 'Gainst whom to point the shaft of my suspicion, + Whether the priestess aids the captives' flight, + Or they themselves clandestinely contrive it. + 'Tis rumour'd that the ship which brought them here + Is lurking somewhere in a bay conceal'd. + This stranger's madness, these new lustral rites, + The specious pretext for delay, excite + Mistrust, and call aloud for vigilance. + + THOAS. + Summon the priestess to attend me here! + Then go with speed, and strictly search the shore, + From yon projecting land to Dian's grove: + Forbear to violate its sacred depths; + A watchful ambush set, attack and seize, + According to your wont, whome'er ye find. + [_Arkas retires._ + + + SCENE II. + + + THOAS, _alone_. + Fierce anger rages in my riven breast, + First against her, whom I esteem'd so pure; + Then 'gainst myself, whose foolish lenity + Hath fashion'd her for treason. Man is soon + Inur'd to slavery, and quickly learns + Submission, when of freedom quite depriv'd. + If she had fallen in the savage hands + Of my rude sires, and had their holy rage + Forborne to slay her, grateful for her life, + She would have recogniz'd her destiny. + Have shed before the shrine the stranger's blood, + And duty nam'd what was necessity. + Now my forbearance in her breast allures + Audacious wishes. Vainly I had hop'd + To bind her to me; rather she contrives + To shape an independent destiny. + She won my heart through flattery; and now + That I oppose her, seeks to gain her ends + By fraud and cunning, and my kindness deems + A worthless and prescriptive property. + + + SCENE III. + + IPHIGENIA. THOAS. + + + IPHIGENIA. + Me hast thou summon'd? wherefore art thou here? + + THOAS. + Wherefore delay the sacrifice? inform me. + + IPHIGENIA. + I have acquainted Arkas with the reasons. + + THOAS. + From thee I wish to hear them more at large. + + IPHIGENIA. + The goddess for reflection grants thee time. + + THOAS. + To thee this time seems also opportune. + + IPHIGENIA. + If to this cruel deed thy heart is steel'd, + Thou shouldst not come! A king who meditates + A deed inhuman, may find slaves enow, + Willing for hire to bear one half the curse, + And leave the monarch's presence undefil'd. + Enwrapt in gloomy clouds he forges death, + Whose flaming arrow on his victim's head + His hirelings hurl; while he above the storm + Remains untroubl'd, an impassive god. + + THOAS. + A wild song, priestess, issued from thy lips. + + IPHIGENIA. + No priestess, king! but Agamemnon's daughter; + While yet unknown, thou didst respect my words: + A princess now,--and think'st thou to command me + From youth I have been tutor'd to obey, + My parents first, and then the deity; + And thus obeying, ever hath my soul + Known sweetest freedom. But nor then nor now + Have I been taught compliance with the voice + And savage mandates of a man. + + THOAS. + Not I, + An ancient law doth claim obedience from thee. + + IPHIGENIA. + Our passions eagerly catch hold of laws + Which they can wield as weapons. But to me + Another law, one far more ancient, speaks, + And doth command me to withstand thee, king! + That law declaring sacred every stranger. + + THOAS. + These men, methinks, lie very near thy heart. + When sympathy with them can lead thee thus + To violate discretion's primal law, + That those in power should never be provok'd. + + IPHIGENIA. + Speaking or silent, thou canst always know + What is, and ever must be, in my heart. + Doth not remembrance of a common doom, + To soft compassion melt the hardest heart? + How much more mine! in them I see myself. + I trembling kneel'd before the altar once. + And solemnly the shade of early death + Environ'd me. Aloft the knife was rais'd + To pierce my bosom, throbbing with warm life; + A dizzy horror overwhelm'd my soul; + My eyes grew dim;--I found myself in safety. + Are we not bound to render the distress'd + The gracious kindness from the gods receiv'd? + Thou know'st we are, and yet wilt thou compel me? + + THOAS. + Obey thine office, priestess, not the king. + + IPHIGENIA. + Cease! nor thus seek to cloak the savage force + Which triumphs o'er a woman's feebleness. + Though woman, I am born as free as man. + Did Agamemnon's son before thee stand, + And thou requiredst what became him not, + His arm and trusty weapon would defend + His bosom's freedom. I have only words + But it becomes a noble-minded man + To treat with due respect the words of woman. + + THOAS. + I more respect them than a brother's sword. + + IPHIGENIA. + Uncertain ever is the chance of arms, + No prudent warrior doth despise his foe; + Nor yet defenceless 'gainst severity + Hath nature left the weak; she gives him craft + And wily cunning: artful he delays, + Evades, eludes, and finally escapes. + Such arms are justified by violence. + + THOAS. + But circumspection countervails deceit. + + IPHIGENIA. + Which a pure spirit doth abhor to use. + + THOAS. + Do not incautiously condemn thyself. + + IPHIGENIA. + Oh, couldst thou see the struggle of my soul, + Courageously to ward the first attack + Of an unhappy doom, which threatens me! + Do I then stand before thee weaponless? + Prayer, lovely prayer, fair branch in woman's hand, + More potent far than instruments of war, + Thou dost thrust back. What now remains for me + Wherewith my inborn freedom to defend? + Must I implore a miracle from heaven? + Is there no power within my spirit's depths? + + THOAS. + Extravagant thy interest in the fate + Of these two strangers. Tell me who they are, + For whom thy heart is thus so deeply mov'd. + + IPHIGENIA. + They are--they seem at least--I think them Greeks. + + THOAS. + Thy countrymen; no doubt they have renew'd + The pleasing picture of return. + + + IPHIGENIA, _after a pause_, + Doth man + Lay undisputed claim to noble deeds? + Doth he alone to his heroic breast + Clasp the impossible? What call we great? + What deeds, though oft narrated, still uplift + With shudd'ring horror the narrator's soul, + But those which, with improbable success, + The valiant have attempted? Shall the man + Who all alone steals on his foes by night, + And raging like an unexpected fire, + Destroys the slumbering host, and press'd at length + By rous'd opponents or his foemen's steeds, + Retreats with booty--be alone extoll'd? + Or he who, scorning safety, boldly roams + Through woods and dreary wilds, to scour the land + Of thieves and robbers? Is nought left for us? + Must gentle woman quite forego her nature,-- + Force against force employ,--like Amazons, + Usurp the sword from man, and bloodily + Revenge oppression? In my heart I feel + The stirrings of a noble enterprize; + But if I fail--severe reproach, alas! + And bitter misery will be my doom. + Thus on my knees I supplicate the gods. + Oh, are ye truthful, as men say ye are, + Now prove it by your countenance and aid; + Honour the truth in me! Attend, O king! + A secret plot is laid; 'tis vain to ask + Touching the captives; they are gone, and seek + Their comrades who await them on the shore. + The eldest,--he whom madness lately seiz'd, + And who is now recover'd,--is Orestes, + My brother, and the other Pylades, + His early friend and faithful confidant. + From Delphi, Phoebus sent them to this shore + With a divine command to steal away + The image of Diana, and to him + Bear back the sister, promising for this + Redemption to the blood-stain'd matricide. + I have deliver'd now into thy hands + The remnants of the house of Tantalus. + Destroy us--if thou canst. + + THOAS. + And dost thou think + The savage Scythian will attend the voice + Of truth and of humanity, unheard + By the Greek Atreus? + + IPHIGENIA. + 'Tis heard by all, + Whate'er may be their clime, within whose breast + Flows pure and free the gushing stream of life.-- + What silent purpose broods within thy soul? + Is it destruction? Let me perish first! + For now, deliv'rance hopeless, I perceive + The dreadful peril into which I have + With rash precipitancy plung'd my friends. + Alas! I soon shall see them bound before me! + How to my brother shall I say farewell? + I, the unhappy author of his death. + Ne'er can I gaze again in his dear eyes! + + THOAS. + The traitors have contriv'd a cunning web, + And cast it round thee, who, secluded long, + Giv'st willing credence to thine own desires. + + IPHIGENIA. + No, no! I'd pledge my life these men are true. + And shouldst thou find them otherwise, O king, + Then let them perish both, and cast me forth, + That on some rock-girt island's dreary shore + I may atone my folly. Are they true, + And is this man indeed my dear Orestes, + My brother, long implor'd,--release us both, + And o'er us stretch the kind protecting arm, + Which long hath shelter'd me. My noble sire + Fell through his consort's guilt,--she by her son; + On him alone the hope of Atreus' race + Doth now repose. Oh, with pure heart and hands + Let me depart to expiate our house. + Yes, thou wilt keep thy promise; thou didst swear, + That were a safe return provided me, + I should be free to go. The hour is come. + A king doth never grant like common men, + Merely to gain a respite from petition; + Nor promise what he hopes will ne'er be claim'd. + Then first he feels his dignity complete + When he can make the long-expecting happy. + + THOAS. + As fire opposes water, and doth seek + With hissing rage to overcome its foe, + So doth my anger strive against thy words. + + IPHIGENIA. + Let mercy, like the consecrated flame + Of silent sacrifice, encircl'd round + With songs of gratitude, and joy, and praise, + Above the tumult gently rise to heaven. + + THOAS. + How often hath this voice assuag'd my soul! + + IPHIGENIA. + Extend thy hand to me in sign of peace. + + THOAS. + Large thy demand within so short a time. + + IPHIGENIA. + Beneficence doth no reflection need. + + THOAS. + 'Tis needed oft, for evil springs from good. + + IPHIGENIA. + 'Tis doubt which good doth oft to evil turn. + Consider not: act as thy feelings prompt thee. + + + SCENE IV. + + ORESTES (_armed_). IPHIGENIA. THOAS. + + + ORESTES, _addressing his followers_. + Redouble your exertions! hold them back! + Few moments will suffice; retain your ground, + And keep a passage open to the ship + For me and for my sister. + _To_ IPHIGENIA, _without perceiving_ THOAS. + Come with speed! + We are betray'd,--brief time remains for flight. + + THOAS. + None in my presence with impunity + His naked weapon wears. + + + IPHIGENIA. + Do not profane + Diana's sanctuary with rage and blood. + Command your people to forbear awhile, + And listen to the priestess, to the sister. + + ORESTES. + Say, who is he that threatens us? + + IPHIGENIA. + In him + Revere the king, who was my second father. + Forgive me, brother, that my childlike heart + Hath plac'd our fate thus wholly in his hands. + I have betray'd your meditated flight, + And thus from treachery redeem'd my soul. + + ORESTES. + Will he permit our peaceable return? + + IPHIGENIA. + Thy gleaming sword forbids me to reply. + + ORESTES, _sheathing his sword_. + Then speak! thou seest I listen to thy words. + + + SCENE V. + + ORESTES. IPHIGENIA. THOAS. + + _Enter_ PYLADES, _soon after him_ ARKAS, _both with + drawn swords_. + + PYLADES. + Do not delay! our friends are putting forth + Their final strength, and yielding step by step, + Are slowly driven backward to the sea.-- + A conference of princes find I here? + Is this the sacred person of the king? + + ARKAS. + Calmly, as doth become thee, thou dost stand, + O king, surrounded by thine enemies. + Soon their temerity shall be chastis'd; + Their yielding followers fly.--their ship is ours. + Speak but the word, and it is wrapt in flames. + + THOAS. + Go, and command my people to forbear! + Let none annoy the foe while we confer. (_Arkas retires_.) + + ORESTES. + + I willingly consent. Go, Pylades! + Collect the remnant of our friends, and wait + The appointed issue of our enterprize. + (_Pylades retires_.) + + + SCENE VI. + + IPHIGENIA. THOAS. ORESTES. + + + IPHIGENIA. + Believe my cares ere ye begin to speak. + I fear contention, if thou wilt not hear + The voice of equity, O king,--if thou + Wilt not, my brother, curb thy headstrong youth. + + THOAS. + I, as becomes the elder, check my rage. + Now answer me: how dost thou prove thyself + The priestess' brother, Agamemnon's son? + + ORESTES. + Behold the sword with which the hero slew + The valiant Trojans. From his murderer + I took the weapon, and implor'd the Gods + To grant me Agamemnon's mighty arm, + Success, and valour, with a death more noble. + Select one of the leaders of thy host, + And place the best as my opponent here. + Where'er on earth the sons of heroes dwell, + This boon is to the stranger ne'er refus'd. + + THOAS. + This privilege hath ancient custom here + To strangers ne'er accorded. + + ORESTES. + Then from us + Commence the novel custom! A whole race + In imitation soon will consecrate + Its monarch's noble action into law. + Nor let me only for our liberty,-- + Let me, a stranger, for all strangers fight. + If I should fall, my doom be also theirs; + But if kind fortune crown me with success, + Let none e'er tread this shore, and fail to meet + The beaming eye of sympathy and love, + Or unconsol'd depart! + + THOAS. + Thou dost not seem + Unworthy of thy boasted ancestry. + Great is the number of the valiant men + Who wait upon me; but I will myself, + Although advanc'd in years, oppose the foe, + And am prepar'd to try the chance of arms. + + IPHIGENIA. + No, no! such bloody proofs are not requir'd. + Unhand thy weapon, king! my lot consider; + Rash combat oft immortalizes man; + If he should fall, he is renown'd in song; + But after ages reckon not the tears + Which ceaseless the forsaken woman sheds; + And poets tell not of the thousand nights + Consum'd in weeping, and the dreary days, + Wherein her anguish'd soul, a prey to grief, + Doth vainly yearn to call her lov'd one back. + Fear warn'd me to beware lest robber's wiles + Might lure me from this sanctuary, and then + Betray me into bondage. Anxiously + I question'd them, each circumstance explor'd, + Demanded signs, and now my heart's assur'd. + See here, the mark as of three stars impress'd + On his right hand, which on his natal day + Were by the priest declar'd to indicate + Some dreadful deed by him to be perform'd. + And then this scar, which doth his eyebrow cleave, + Redoubles my conviction. When a child, + Electra, rash and inconsiderate, + Such was her nature, loos'd him from her arms. + He fell against a tripos. Oh, 'tis he!-- + Shall I adduce the likeness to his sire, + Or the deep rapture of my inmost heart, + In further token of assurance, king? + + THOAS. + E'en though thy words had banish'd every doubt, + And I had curb'd the anger in my breast, + Still must our arms decide. I see no peace. + Their purpose, as thou didst thyself confess, + Was to deprive me of Diana's image. + And think ye that I'll look contented on? + The Greeks are wont to cast a longing eye + Upon the treasures of barbarians, + A golden fleece, good steeds, or daughters fair; + But force and guile not always have avail'd + To lead them, with their booty, safely home. + + ORESTES. + The image shall not be a cause of strife! + We now perceive the error which the God, + Our journey here commanding, like a veil, + Threw o'er our minds. His counsel I implor'd, + To free me from the Furies' grisly band. + He answer'd, "Back to Greece the sister bring, + Who in the sanctuary on Tauris' shore + Unwillingly abides; so ends the curse!" + To Phoebus' sister we applied the words, + And he referr'd to thee! The bonds severe, + Which held thee from us, holy one, are rent, + And thou art ours once more. At thy blest touch, + I felt myself restor'd. Within thine arms, + Madness once more around me coil'd its folds, + Crushing the marrow in my frame, and then + For ever, like a serpent, fled to hell. + Through thee, the daylight gladdens me anew. + The counsel of the Goddess now shines forth + In all its beauty and beneficence. + Like to a sacred image, unto which + An oracle immutably hath bound + A city's welfare, thee Diana took, + Protectress of our house, and guarded here + Within this holy stillness, to become + A blessing to thy brother and thy race. + Now when each passage to escape seems clos'd, + And safety hopeless, thou dost give us all. + O king, incline thine heart to thoughts of peace! + Let her fulfil her mission, and complete + The consecration of our father's house. + Me to their purified abode restore, + And place upon my brow the ancient crown! + Requite the blessing which her presence brought thee, + And let me now my nearer right enjoy! + Cunning and force, the proudest boast of man, + Fade in the lustre of her perfect truth; + Nor unrequited will a noble mind + Leave confidence, so childlike and so pure. + + IPHIGENIA. + Think on thy promise; let thy heart be mov'd + By what a true and honest tongue hath spoken! + Look on us, king! an opportunity + For such a noble deed not oft occurs. + Refuse thou canst not,--give thy quick consent. + + THOAS. + Then go! + + IPHIGENIA. + Not so, my king! I cannot part + Without thy blessing, or in anger from thee. + Banish us not! the sacred right of guests + Still let us claim: so not eternally + Shall we be sever'd. Honour'd and belov'd + As mine own father was, art thou by me: + And this impression in my soul remains. + Should e'en the meanest peasant of thy land + Bring to my ear the tones I heard from thee + Or should I on the humblest see thy garb, + I will with joy receive him as a god, + Prepare his couch myself, beside our hearth + Invite him to a seat, and only ask + Touching thy fate and thee. Oh, may the gods + To thee the merited reward impart + Of all thy kindness and benignity! + Farewell! Oh, do not turn away, but give + One kindly word of parting in return! + So shall the wind more gently swell our sails, + And from our eyes with soften'd anguish flow + The tears of separation. Fare thee well! + And graciously extend to me thy hand, + In pledge of ancient friendship. + + THOAS, _extending his hand._ + Fare thee well! + + + + + + + + + /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ + \ Not only in the saving of time, \ + / but also for all purposes of / + \ careful study, the superiority is \ + / readily apparent of the / + \ \ + / =Interlinear Translations= / + \ \ + / over other translations. For the / + \ self-teaching student and also for \ + / the hard-pressed teacher they make / + \ possible as well as convenient and \ + / easy, a correct solution of / + \ idioms, a quick insight into the \ + / sense, a facile and lucid / + \ re-arrangement of the context in \ + / the English order, and a practical / + \ comparison of both the \ + / similarities and the contrasts of / + \ construction. See other pages for \ + / the several titles and the prices, / + \ also for list of \ + / / + \ =Literal Translations,= \ + / / + \ Dictionaries, and other \ + / Specialties for teachers and / + \ students. \ + \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ + + + + + HANDY LITERAL TRANSLATIONS. + +"_To one who is reading the Classics, a literal translation is a +convenient and legitimate help; and every well-informed person will read +the Classics either in the original or in a translation_." + +Fifty-five volumes are now ready in this popular series, uniform in +style and price. _For advertisement of new series of Interlinear +Translations see end of this volume_. + + +Cæsar's Gallic War. _The 7 Books_. | Demosthenes On the Crown. +Cicero's Defence of Roscius. | Demosthenes' Olynthiacs and +Cicero On Old Age and Friendship. | Philippics. +Cicero On Oratory. | Euripides' Alcestis, and Electra. +Cicero On the Nature of the Gods. | Euripides' Iphigenia In Aulis, In +Cicero's Orations. _The Four vs. | Tauris. + Catiline; and others_. | Euripides' Medea. +Cicero's Select Letters. | Herodotus, Books VI and VII. +Cornelius Nepos, _complete_. | Homer's Iliad, _the 1st Six +Horace, _complete_. | Books_. +Juvenal's Satires, _complete_. | Homer's Odyssey, _1st 12 Books_. +Livy, Books I and II. | Lysias' Orations. +Livy, Books XXI and XXII. | Plato's Apology, Crito and +Ovid's Metamorphoses, Books I-VII. | Phaedo. +Ovid's Metamorphoses, Books VIII-XV.| Plato's Gorgias. +Plautus' Captivi, and Mostellaria. | Sophocles' OEdipus Tyrannus, +Plautus' Trinummus and Menæchmi. | Electra, and Antigone. +Pliny's Select Letters, _complete in| Thucydides, Books I-IV. + 2 volumes_. | Thucydides, Books V-VIII. +Quintilian, Books X and XII. | Xenophon's Anabasis, _1st 4 +Sallust's Catiline, and The | Books_. + Jugurthine War. | Xenophon's Hellenica and +Tacitus' Annals, _1st Six Books_. | Symposium (The Banquet). +Tacitus' Germany and Agricola. | Xenophon's Memorabilia, +Terence: Andria, Adelphi, and | _complete_. + Phormio. | Goethe's Egmont. +Virgil's Æneid, _the 1st Six Books_.| Goethe's Faust. +Virgil's Eclogues and Georgics. | Goethe's Iphigenia In Tauris. +Æschylus' Prometheus Bound, and | Goethe's Hermann and Dorothea. + Seven Against Thebes. | Lessing's Minna von Barnhelm. +Aristophanes' Clouds. | Lessing's Nathan the Wise. +Aristophanes' Birds, and Frogs. | Schiller's Maid of Orleans. + | Schiller's Maria Stuart. + | Schiller's William Tell. + | Feuillet's Romance of a Poor + | Young Man. + + OTHERS TO FOLLOW. + + + + + --------------------------------------- + | WE ARE ACTING | + | | + | As the Agents of numerous | + | Educational Institutions, large | + | and small, throughout the country, | + | for the purchase and forwarding of | + | all Text-books used therein. 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