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Chorus Leader
[900] It is marvelous and surpasses a fable, this event that I myself have have seen and shall relate, not as hearsay. Pylades
When friends come into the sight of friends, Orestes, it is reasonable to embrace; but we must leave off wailing and turn to other matters: [905] how we shall get the glorious name of safety and leave the foreign land. For wise men take opportunities, and do not overstep their fate to get other pleasures. Orestes
Well said; but I think fortune will take care [910] of that with us; when one is eager, divine strength is likely to be greater. Iphigenia
Let nothing hold me back; nor will it prevent me speaking before I first find out Electra's fate, for you are all dear to me. Orestes
[915] She lives with this man, and has a happy life. Iphigenia
What country is he from, and who is his father? Orestes
Strophius of Phocis is the name of his father. Iphigenia
He is related to me, by the daughter of Atreus? Orestes
He is a cousin, and my only true friend. Iphigenia
[920] He was not born when my father tried to kill me. Orestes
He was not; for Strophius was childless for some time. Iphigenia
Welcome, husband of my sister! Orestes
And also my savior, not only a relation. Iphigenia
But how did you dare that dreadful deed with our mother? Orestes
[925] Let us be silent on that; I was avenging my father. Iphigenia
What reason did she have to kill her husband? Orestes
Let our mother's affairs be; nor is it good for you to hear. Iphigenia
I am silent; does Argos now look to you? Orestes
Menelaus rules there; I am an exile from my country Iphigenia
[930] Our uncle has surely not maltreated our afflicted house, has he? Orestes
No, but fear of the Furies drives me out of the land. Iphigenia
That was the madness that they reported there on the shore? Orestes
That was not the first time that I was seen to be wretched. Iphigenia
I know; the goddesses were driving you for the sake of your mother. Orestes
[935] So as to put a bloody bit in my mouth. Iphigenia
Why have you made a journey to this land? Orestes
I have come at the commands of Phoebus' oracles. Iphigenia
To do what? Can you speak of it, or must you be silent?
Euripides. The Complete Greek Drama, edited by Whitney J. Oates and Eugene O'Neill, Jr. in two volumes. 1. Iphigenia in Tauris, translated by Robert Potter. New York. Random House. 1938.
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