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172

Thou art a god—and needs must understand me.

For they see all things who are born of Jove."

It would seem as if her prayers were to be quickly answered; for at this moment the old attendant enters, and announces, according to the previous agreement, the death of Orestes. Clytemnestra, strangely disturbed herself by conflicting feelings, cuts short the bitter cry of grief which bursts from the lips of Electra, and bids the messenger tell the manner of his death.

Then follows a false but closely circumstantial account of the death of Orestes in the Pythian games at Delphi—a tragedy within a tragedy, so real and life-like, that it is difficult to believe that it is not a description of some actual catastrophe. The lists were set, says the supposed Phocian stranger; the herald made proclamation; all Greece was there; every nation had sent its representatives, and among them came Orestes, winning the hearts of the spectators by his grace and noble bearing. His achievements on the first day were worthy of his name and lineage, for he came off victorious in five contests. On the second day followed the fatal tournament of chariots, in which there were ten competitors.

They took their stand where the appointed judges

Had cast their lots and ranged the rival cars.

Rang out the brazen trump! Away they bound,

Cheer the hot steeds and shake the slackened reins;

As with a body the large space is filled

With the huge clangour of the battling cars.

High whirl aloft the dust-clouds; blent together,

Each presses each, and the lash rings; and loud