ELECTRA
Chrysothemis
And I, poor fool, was hurrying in hot haste
To bring my joyful message, unaware
Of our ill plight; and now that I have brought it
I find fresh sorrows added to the old.
Electra
So stands the case; but be advised by me
And lighten this the burden of our woes.
Chrysothemis
Wouldst have me raise the dead to life again?
Electra
I meant not that; I am not so demented.
Chrysothemis
What wouldst thou then that lies within my powers?
Electra
Be bold to execute what I enjoin.
Chrysothemis
If it can profit, I will not refuse.
Electra
Success, remember, is the meed of toil.
Chrysothemis
I know it, and will help thee all I can.
Electra
Then listen how I am resolved to act.
From friends, thou knowest now as well as I,
We cannot look for succour; death hath snatched
All from us and we two are left alone.
While yet my brother lived and tidings came
Of his prosperity, I still had hopes
That he would yet appear to avenge his sire;
But now that he is dead, to thee I turn;
From thee a sister craves a sister’s aid,
