Electra
Euripides
Euripides. The Plays of Euripides, Translated into English Prose from the Text of Paley. Vol. II. Coleridge, Edward P., translator. London: George Bell and Sons, 1891.
- But you could find in many people hair very similar, although they are not of the same blood, old man.
- Then stand in the footprint and see if the tread of the boot will measure with your own foot, child.
- How could there be an imprint of feet on a stony plot of ground?
- And if there is, the foot of brother and sister would not be the same in size, for the male conquers.
- There is not, even if your brother, coming to this land . . . by which you might know your loom’s weaving,
- in which I once stole him away from death?
- Don’t you know that I was still young when Orestes was driven out of the land? And even if I had woven him a robe, how could he, a child then, have the same one now, unless his clothes grew together with his body?
- But either a stranger, taking pity on his grave. . .
- Where are the guests? I want to see them and question them about your brother.
- There they are, coming quickly out of the house.
- They are well-born, but that may ring false; for many of the well-born are base. However; I give the guests welcome.
- Welcome, old man! To which of your friends, Electra, does this ancient remnant of a man belong?
- This is the one who brought up my father, stranger.
- What are you saying? Is this the one who stole away your brother?
- This is the one who saved him, if indeed he is still alive.
- Oh! Why does he look at me, as if he were examining the clear mark impressed on a silver coin? Is he comparing me to someone?
- Perhaps he is glad to see in you a companion of Orestes.
- A beloved man, yes. But why is he circling all around me?
- I too am amazed, looking at this, stranger.
- O mistress, daughter Electra, pray to the gods.