ELECTRA
Orestes
I seek and long have sought Aegisthus’ home.
Chorus
’Tis here; thy guide is nowise blameable.
Orestes
Would one of you announce to those within
The auspicious advent of our company?
Chorus
This maiden, as the next of kin, will do it.
Orestes
Go, madam, say that visitors have come
And seek Aegisthus—certain Phocians.
Electra
Ah woe is me! You come not to confirm
By ocular proof the rumours that we heard?
Orestes
I’ve heard no “rumours.” Agèd Strophius
Charged me with tidings of Orestes.
Electra
Ha!
What tidings, stranger? how I quake with dread!
Orestes
Ashes within this narrow urn we bear,
All that remains of him, as thou mayst see.
Electra
Ah me unhappy! in my very sight
Lies palpable the burden of my woes.
Orestes
If for Orestes thou art weeping, know
This brazen urn contains the dust of him.
Electra
O if it hold his ashes, let me, friend,
O let me, let me take it in my hands.
