EURIPIDES
Orestes
It was a wicked war for a wicked woman,
And all the waste that has come from it is wicked.
Iphigenia
The son of the king? He too is dead in Argos!
Orestes
Not dead but not in Argos, not in Argos.
(The Temple Maidens return to the court.)
Iphigenia (telling them)
I dreamt Orestes dead! It was a lie!
Orestes
Dreams, lies, lies, dreams—nothing but emptiness! 570
Even the Gods, with all Their name for wisdom,
Have only dreams and lies and lose Their course,
Blinded, confused, and ignorant as we.
The wisest men follow their own direction
And listen to no prophet guiding them.
None but the fools believe in oracles,
Forsaking their own judgment. Those who know,
Know that such men can only come to grief. 575
The Second Maiden
Oh who will bring us news whether our kin
Are living or are dead?
Iphigenia
(To Orestes.)
For years I have had a plan which now might serve
As much to your advantage as to mine.
Joint undertakings stand a better chance
When they benefit both sides. So tell me this. 580
Would you, if I could win you leave to do so,
Go back to Argos, with a letter from me
396