1176-1226
It is well to observe the delicately gradual process which leads
up to the recognition.
(i) 1176—1187. She is surprised that
her
woes should affect the stranger, and he hints that they are his
own. (ii) 1188 —1198. She is thus led to speak more in
detail of her sorrows, and of her despair,—caused by
her brother's death. (iii) 1199—1204. He once more
expresses his pity,—and this time in words which cause
her to ask whether he can be a
kinsman. He does not
give a direct answer, but inquires whether the Chorus are
friendly, and is assured that they are so.
The preparation is now complete: the actual disclosure follows.
(i) 1205— 1210. He asks her to give him the urn which
is in her hands: she entreats that she may be allowed to keep
it, and to pay it the last honours. (ii) 1211—1217. He
tells her that she ought not to mourn for her brother.
‘Why,’ she asks: ‘if these are his
ashes?’ ‘They are not so,’ he
replies,—taking the urn from her hands. (iii)
1218—1221. ‘Where, then,’ she
asks, ‘is his grave?’ ‘The living
have no grave.’ ‘He lives?’
‘Yes,—as surely as I live.’
ἔσχες ἄλγος:
cp. 897
“
ἔσχον θαῦμα”: and for the sense of
the aor., 1256, 1465.