Iphigenia in Tauris

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.

  1. But through the dark rocks of the narrow passage is a long way for flight by ship.
  2. I am unhappy, unhappy!
  3. Who, either god or mortal or something unexpected, might accomplish a way that is no way, and reveal a release from troubles for the only two children of the house of Atreus?
Chorus Leader
  1. It is marvelous and surpasses a fable, this event that I myself have have seen and shall relate, not as hearsay.
Pylades
  1. When friends come into the sight of friends, Orestes, it is reasonable to embrace; but we must leave off wailing and turn to other matters:
  2. how we shall get the glorious name of safety and leave the foreign land. For wise men take opportunities, and do not overstep their fate to get other pleasures.
Orestes
  1. Well said; but I think fortune will take care
  2. of that with us; when one is eager, divine strength is likely to be greater.
Iphigenia
  1. (to Pylades.) Let nothing hold me back; nor will it prevent me speaking before I first find out Electra’s fate, for you are all dear to me.
Orestes
  1. She lives with this man, (pointing to Pylades) and has a happy life.
Iphigenia
  1. What country is he from, and who is his father?
Orestes
  1. Strophius of Phocis is the name of his father.
Iphigenia
  1. He is related to me, by the daughter of Atreus?
Orestes
  1. He is a cousin, and my only true friend.
Iphigenia
  1. He was not born when my father tried to kill me.
Orestes
  1. He was not; for Strophius was childless for some time.
Iphigenia
  1. Welcome, husband of my sister!
Orestes
  1. And also my savior, not only a relation.
Iphigenia
  1. But how did you dare that dreadful deed with our mother?
Orestes
  1. Let us be silent on that; I was avenging my father.