ELECTRA
To them and me, to me too who so oft
Laid on thy shrine with humble hands my best.
And now with vows (I cannot offer more),
Apollo, Lord Lycean, I beseech,
Implore, adjure thee, prosper this our work,
Defend the right and show to godless men
How the gods vindicate impiety.
Chorus
Breathing out blood and vengeance, lo! (Str.)
Stalks Ares, sure though slow.
E’en now the hounds are on the trail;
Within, the sinners at their coming quail.
A little while and death shall realise
The vision that now floats before mine eyes.
For now within the house is led (Ant.)
By stealth the champion of the dead;
He treads once more the ancestral hall of kings,
And death new-whetted in his hands he brings.
Great Maia’s son conducts him on his way
And shrouds his guile and brooks not more delay.
Electra
O dearest women, even as I speak (Str.)
The men are at their work; but not a word.
Chorus
What work? what are they at?
Electra
E’en now she decks
The urn for burial and the pair stand by.
Chorus
Why spedst thou forth?
