Child, it was always your nature to love your father. This is what happens: some children are for their fathers, others in turn love their mothers more than a father.I will forgive you; for I do not rejoice so very much at what I have done, child.You, a woman who has just given birth—why is your body so unwashed and meanly clad? Alas for my schemes!I drove on in anger against my husband more than I should have.ElectraYou sigh too late, when you have no remedy. My father is dead; but why do you not recall that exile, your own wandering son?Clytemnestral am afraid; I am looking to my interests, not his.For he is angry, they say, over the murder of his father.ElectraAnd why do you cause your husband to be cruel to me?ClytemnestraSuch are his ways. You have a stubborn nature also.ElectraYes, for I am in distress. Yet I will cease from my anger.ClytemnestraAnd then he will no longer be harsh to you.ElectraHe is proud; for he lives in my home.ClytemnestraYou see? Again you are rekindling new quarrels.ElectraI am silent; I fear him—as I fear him.ClytemnestraStop this talk! But why did you summon me, child?ElectraYou have heard, I suppose, that I have given birth;in thanks for this, please sacrifice—for I do not know how—on the tenth day, as is the custom for the child. For I have no experience, being childless before.ClytemnestraThis is work for another, the one who delivered you.ElectraI was all alone in my labor and at the baby’s birth.ClytemnestraIs this household situated with no friends as neighbors?