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184 That I, from out this rumour of my death,

Shall, like a meteor, blaze upon my foes.

But oh! thou fatherland, ye Gods of home,

Receive me, prosper me in this my way;

And thou, my father's house, (for lo! I come,

Sent by the Gods to cleanse thee righteously,)

Send me not back dishonoured from the land,

But lord of ancient wealth, and found at last

Restorer of my race. So far I [sic]'ve said:

And now, old friend, 'tis thine to watch thy task:

We twain go forth. The true, right time is come,

That mightiest master of all works of men.

Elec. [Within.] Woe, woe is me! Ο misery!

Attend. [To .] I thought, my son, but now I heard a cry

As of some hand-maid wailing within doors.

Ores. And can it be Electra, helpless one?

Shall we remain and listen to her plaint?

Attend. In no wise. Let us not attempt to do

Aught else before what Loxias bade us do,

And start from that, upon thy father's grave

Pouring the lustral stream. For this shall bring

Our victory, and strength in all we do.

[Exeunt,, and Attendant.

Ο holy light of day,

And air with earth commensurate,

Many the wailing songs,

Many the echoing blow,

On bosom stained with blood