Orestes.
Gods!
Iphigeneia.
Why in mine affairs invoke the Gods ? 780
Orestes.
'Tis nought: say on: my thoughts had wandered far.
(Aside) This marvel may I yet by question fathom.[1]
Iphigeneia.
Say—"Artemis in my place laid a hind,
And saved me,—this my father sacrificed,
Deeming he plunged the keen blade into me,— 785
And made me dwell here." This the letter is,
And in the tablets this is what is writ.
Pylades.
O thou who hast bound me by an easy oath—
Hast fairly sworn!—I will not tarry long
To ratify the oath that I have sworn. 790
This tablet, lo, to thee I bear, and give,
Orestes, from thy sister, yonder maid.
Orestes.
This I receive:—I let its folds abide—
First will I seize a rapture not in words:—
Dear sister mine, albeit wonder-struck, 795
With scarce-believing arm I fold thee round,
And taste delight, who hear things marvellous!
