IPHIGENIA IN TAURIS
Only one column left upright in all 50
My father's house. But that one stood alive,
A man with bright brown hair and breathing lips.
And then against my will my hand went out,
As it does toward strangers here condemned to die,
And touched his forehead with this fatal water—
And with water of my tears, because I knew
The dream was of Orestes and his end. 55
The pillar of a family is the son.
This water is the certain sign of death.
It could not mean my family next of kin;
Strophius, my uncle, never had a son.
It was my brother whom I touched with tears— 60
For whom I now must pour a funeral-urn,
All I can do for one so far away.
(Climbing the steps.)
Where are the women from Greece the King appointed
To live with me and help me here in the temple?
I wonder where they are. I need their help. 65
The voice of Orestes
Keep a sharp lookout. Somebody may be coming.
Pylades
(Entering by the path from the bay.)
I have looked in both directions and there's no one.
Orestes
(Following him and gazing at the temple.)
Is this the shrine of Artemis we have sailed
So many seas to find since we left Argos?
Is it, O Pylades? Is this the shrine? 70
Pylades
I think it is, Orestes. So do you.
375