Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1898) v3.djvu/260

232

Gods!

Why in mine affairs invoke the Gods ?

'Tis nought: say on: my thoughts had wandered far.

(Aside) This marvel may I yet by question fathom.

Say—"Artemis in my place laid a hind,

And saved me,—this my father sacrificed,

Deeming he plunged the keen blade into me,—

And made me dwell here." This the letter is,

And in the tablets this is what is writ.

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.

This tablet, lo, to thee I bear, and give,

Orestes, from thy sister, yonder maid.

This I receive:—I let its folds abide—

First will I seize a rapture not in words:—

Dear sister mine, albeit wonder-struck,

With scarce-believing arm I fold thee round,

And taste delight, who hear things marvellous! Embraces Iphigeneia.