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601—631] by thee and by thy partner. And that other, who scarce escaped thy hand, the hapless Orestes, is wearing out his ill-starred days in exile. Often hast thou charged me with rearing him to punish thy crime; and I would have done so, if I could, thou mayst be sure:—for that matter, denounce me to all, as disloyal, if thou wilt, or petulant, or impudent; for if I am accomplished in such ways, methinks I am no unworthy child of thee.

. I see that she breathes forth anger; but whether justice be with her, for this she seems to care no longer.

. And what manner of care do I need to use against her, who hath thus insulted a mother, and this at her ripe age? Thinkest thou not that she would go forward to any deed, without shame?

. Now be assured that I do feel shame for this, though thou believe it not; I know that my behaviour is unseemly, and becomes me ill. But then the enmity on thy part, and thy treatment, compel me in mine own despite to do thus; for base deeds are taught by base.

. Thou brazen one! Truly I and my sayings and my deeds give thee too much matter for words.

. The words are thine, not mine; for thine is the action; and the acts find the utterance.

. Now by our lady Artemis, thou shalt not fail to pay for this boldness, so soon as Aegisthus returns.

. Lo, thou art transported by anger, after granting me free speech, and hast no patience to listen.

. Now wilt thou not hush thy clamour, or even suffer me to sacrifice, when I have permitted thee to speak unchecked?