Page:Tragedies of Sophocles (Plumptre 1878).djvu/331

Rh Ores. Take courage, we will act

Elec. Now speed thy plans.

Ores. I then am gone.

Elec. What meets us next is mine.

Chor. 'Twere good to speak to this man in his ear

But few words, very gently, that he rush

Into the hidden struggle of his doom.

Ægis. Who knows of you where they, from Phokis come,

May now be found, who bring, they tell me, news

That our Orestes has breathed out his last,

In wreck of chariot-storm? Thee, [To ,] thee, I ask—

Yes, thee, still wont to be of old so brave.

As I suppose it touches thee the most,

So thou, knowing most, may'st tell me what I seek.

Elec. I know. How else? Could I then stand aloof

From that dear chance of those who most are mine?

Ægis. Where are the strangers, then? Tell this to me.

Elec. Within; for they have found a loving hostess.

Ægis. And did they say distinctly he was dead?

Elec. Ah no! They showed him, not in words alone.

Ægis. And is he here, that we may see him plain?

Elec. 'Tis here, a most unwelcome sight to see.

Ægis. Against thy wont thou giv'st me joy indeed.

Elec. Thou may'st rejoice, if this be ground of joy.

Ægis. I bid you hush, and open wide the gates,

That all of Argos and Mykenæ see.

So, if there be that once were lifted up,

With hopes they had, vain hopes they fixed on him,

Now seeing him dead, they may receive my curb,

And, finding me their master, sense may gain,