Chorus
[1015]
Listen to her. There is no better gain for mortals to win than foresight and a prudent mind.
Electra
You have said nothing unexpected. Well I knew that you would reject what I proposed. But the deed must be done with my own hand, by me and me alone.
[1020]
I certainly will not leave it unaccomplished.
Chrysothemis
Ah! If only you had had such resolve on the day of our father's death! Then you would have accomplished everything!
Electra
My nature was the same then, but my mind was less ripe.
Chrysothemis
Strive to keep your mind that way through all your life.
Electra
[1025]
You make these admonitions like one who will not assist me.
Chrysothemis
I will not, for he who sets hand to the deed is likely also to suffer disaster.
Electra
I admire you for your prudence. For your cowardice I hate you.
Chrysothemis
I will listen no less calmly when you praise me.
Electra
Never fear to suffer that from me, at least.
Chrysothemis
[1030]
There is time enough in the future to decide that.
Electra
Leave! You have no power to help.
Chrysothemis
No, I have it, but you lack the ability to listen and learn.
Electra
Go, reveal everything to your mother!
Chrysothemis
But, again, I do not hate you with so great a hate.
Electra
[1035]
Yet know at least to what dishonor you drive me.
Chrysothemis
Dishonor, no! It is forethought for you.
Electra
Am I bound, then, to follow your rule of right?
Chrysothemis
Yes, for when you are sensible, then at that time you shall lead the both of us.
Electra
How terrible it is that one who speaks so well should be so wrong!
Chrysothemis
[1040]
You have well described the fault to which you devotedly cling.
Electra
What? Do you think that my words are not the words of Justice?
Chrysothemis
But sometimes even Justice herself causes harm.
Electra
I do not care to live where that attitude is lawful.
Chrysothemis
Well, if you must do this, you will commend me yet.
Electra
[1045]
And do it I will, not a bit disturbed by you.
Chrysothemis
Is this true? You will not reconsider your plan?
Electra
No, for no enemy is more damaging than bad advice.
Chrysothemis
You seem to agree with nothing that I say.
Electra
My resolve is not new, but long since fixed.
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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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