Electra
Sophocles
Sophocles the plays and fragments, Part 6: The Electra. Jebb, Richard Claverhouse, Sir, translator. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1894.
- And how could there be any more odious to look on than these?
- Because I share house and table with the murderers.
- Whose murderers? Where lies the guilt at which you point?
- The murderers of my father. And, further, I am forced to slave for them.
- Who is it that binds you with this compulsion?
- She is called my mother, but in no respect is she like a mother.
- How does she do it? By violence or by inflicting hardship?
- By violence and hardships and all manner of evil.
- And is there no one to help, or to prevent it?
- No one. The one I had, his ashes you have put before me.
- Unfortunate girl, how seeing you stirs my pity!
- Then know that you are the first who ever pitied me.
- Yes, for I alone have come and been pained by your troubles .
- Surely you are not some unknown kinsman?
- I would tell you, if these women bear you goodwill.
- Indeed they do, so you will speak to trustworthy companions.
- Give up this urn, then, and you shall know everything.
- No, by the gods, do not do this to me, stranger!
- Do as I say, and you will never be mistaken.
- No, I beg you, do not rip from me what I hold most dear!