Chorus
[610]
I see her breathing fury; but whether justice is with her, her concern for this I see no longer.
Clytaemnestra
And what manner of concern should I use against her, who has abused her mother like this at her mature age? Do you not think
[615]
that she would go forward to any deed without shame?
Electra
Now be assured that I do feel shame for it, though I seem not to you. I know that my behavior is unsuited to my age and inappropriate. But then the enmity I get from you and your
[620]
behavior compel me with harsh necessity to do this; for reprehensible deeds are learned from reprehensible examples.
Clytaemnestra
You shameless creature! Truly I and my speech and my deeds give you too much to talk about.
Electra
The words are yours, not mine; for yours
[625]
are the deeds, and they find their own expression.
Clytaemnestra
Now by our mistress Artemis, you shall not escape the consequences of this audacity once Aegisthus returns.
Electra
You see? You are driven to rage and, even though you grant me free speech, you have no patience to listen.
Clytaemnestra
[630]
Will you not allow me to sacrifice without ominous shouting, when I have permitted you to say anything and everything you wished?
Electra
I allow it; I exhort you to it: sacrifice! But do not blame my voice, for I would not say another word.
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Sophocles. The Electra of Sophocles. Edited with introduction and notes by Sir Richard Jebb. Sir Richard Jebb. Cambridge. Cambridge University Press. 1894.
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