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1227—1257] . As mayest thou hold me always!

. Ah, dear friends and fellow-citizens, behold Orestes here, who was feigned dead, and now, by that feigning hath come safely home!

. We see him, daughter; and for this happy fortune a tear of joy trickles from our eyes.

. Offspring of him whom I loved best, thou hast come even now, thou hast come, and found and seen her whom thy heart desired!

. I am with thee;—but keep silence for a while.

. What meanest thou?

. 'Tis better to be silent, lest some one within should hear.

. Nay, by ever-virgin Artemis, I will never stoop to fear women, stay-at-homes, vain burdens of the ground!

. Yet remember that in women, too, dwells the spirit of battle; thou hast had good proof of that I ween.

. Alas! ah me! Thou hast reminded me of my sorrow, one which, from its nature, cannot be veiled, cannot be done away with, cannot forget!

. I know this also; but when occasion prompts, then will be the moment to recall those deeds.

. Each moment of all time, as it comes, would be meet occasion for these my just complaints; scarcely now have I had my lips set free.

. I grant it; therefore guard thy freedom.

. What must I do?