Part 5 (1/2)

That war-lord, whom they call so high in bliss...

ORESTES.

None such is known to me. What name was his?

IPHIGENIA.

They called him Agamemnon, Atreus' son.

ORESTES.

I know not. Cease.--My questioning is done.

IPHIGENIA.

'Twill be such joy to me! How fares he? Tell!

ORESTES.

Dead. And hath wrecked another's life as well.

IPHIGENIA.

Dead? By what dreadful fortune? Woe is me!

ORESTES.

Why sighst thou? Had he any link with thee?

IPHIGENIA.

I did but think of his old joy and pride.

ORESTES.

His own wife foully stabbed him, and he died.

IPHIGENIA.

O G.o.d!

I pity her that slew ... and him that slew.

ORESTES.

Now cease thy questions. Add no word thereto.

IPHIGENIA.

But one word. Lives she still, that hapless wife?

ORESTES.

No. Her own son, her first-born, took her life.

IPHIGENIA.

O s.h.i.+pwrecked house! What thought was in his brain?

ORESTES.

Justice on her, to avenge his father slain.

IPHIGENIA.

Alas!

A bad false duty bravely hath he wrought.