Classic Greek Drama_ 10 Plays by Euripides in a Single File [NOOK Book] - Euripides [200]
IPH. O king, rest there thy foot in the portico.
TH. But what new matter is in the house, Iphigenia?
IPH. I avert the ill--for holy[159] do I utter this word.
TH. What new thing art thou prefacing? speak clearly.
IPH. O king, no pure offerings hast thou hunted out for me.
TH. What hath taught you this? or dost thou speak it as matter of opinion?
IPH. The image of the Goddess hath again turned away from her seat.[160]
TH. Of its own accord, or did an earthquake turn it?
IPH. Of its own accord, and it closed its eyes.
TH. But what is the cause? is it pollution from the strangers?
IPH. That very thing, naught else, for they have done dreadful things.
TH. What, did they slay any of the barbarians upon the shore?
IPH. They came possessing the stain of domestic murder.
TH. What? for I am fallen into a longing to learn this.
IPH. They put an end to a mother's life by conspiring sword.
TH. Apollo! not even among barbarians would any one have dared this.
IPH. By persecutions they were driven out of all Greece.
TH. Is it then on their account that thou bearest the image without?
IPH. Ay, under the holy sky, that I may remove it from blood stains.
TH. But how didst thou discover the pollution of the strangers?
IPH. I examined them, when the image of the Goddess turned away.
TH. Greece hath trained thee up wise, in that thou well didst perceive this.
IPH. And now they have cast out a delightful bait for my mind.
TH. By telling thee any charming news of those at Argos?
IPH. That my only brother Orestes fares well.
TH. So that, forsooth, thou mightest preserve them because of their pleasant news!
IPH. And that my father lives and fares well.
TH. But thou hast with reason attended to the interest of the Goddess.
IPH. Ay, because hating all Greece that destroyed me.
TH. What then shall we do, say, concerning the two strangers?
IPH. We needs must respect the established law.
TH. Are not the lustral waters and thy sword already engaged?[161]
IPH. First I would fain lave them in pure cleansings.
TH. In the fountains of waters, or in the dew of the sea?
IPH. The sea washes out all the ills of men.
TH. They would certainly fall in a more holy manner before the Goddess.
IPH. And my matters would be in a more fitting state.[162]
TH. Does not the wave dash against the very temple?
IPH. There is need of solitude, for we have other things to do.
TH. Lead them whither thou wilt, I crave not to see things that may not be told.
IPH. The image of the Goddess also must be purified by me.
TH. If indeed the stain of the matricide hath fallen on it.
IPH. For otherwise I should not have removed it from its pedestal.
TH. Just piety and foresight! How reasonably doth all the city marvel at thee!
IPH. Knowest thou then what must be done for me?
TH. 'Tis thine to explain this.
IPH. Cast fetters upon the strangers.
TH. Whither could they escape from thee?
IPH. Greece knows nothing faithful.
TH. Go for the fetters, attendants.
IPH. Ay, and let them bring the strangers hither.
TH. This shall be.
IPH. Having enveloped their heads in robes.
TH. Against the scorching of the sun?
IPH. And send thou with me of thy followers--
TH. These shall accompany thee.
IPH. And send some one to signify to the city--
TH. What hap?
IPH. That all remain in their homes.
TH. Lest they encounter homicide?
IPH. For such things are unclean.
TH. Go thou, and order this.
IPH. That no one come into sight.
TH. Thou carest well for the city.
IPH. Ay, and more particularly friends must not be present.[163]
TH. This you say in reference to me.
IPH. But do thou, abiding here before the temple of the Goddess--
TH. Do what?
IPH. Purify the house with a torch.
TH. That it may be pure when thou comest back to it?
IPH. But when the strangers come out,
TH. What must I do?
IPH. Place your garment before your eyes.
TH. Lest I contract contagion?