IPHIGENIA IN TAURIS
Realize how much their loyalty might mean?
Women know women. Make your plea to them.
And after that we are in the hands of Heaven. 1055
Iphigenia
0 friends who have been near and dear to me,
It may depend upon your carefulness
Whether or not I reach my home and kin.
A woman knows how much her weakness needs
The sympathy and help of other women, 1060
Their understanding and their loyalty.
1 ask you only this, that you say nothing
Of what has happened here, that you keep silent.
The stillest tongue can be the truest friend.
We three must take a hair's-breadth chance between 1065
Capture and death, deliverance and home.
But if we do escape, then we shall work
For your deliverance, for you and you
To share our happiness at home in Hellas
And you and you. Holding your hand, I ask you— 1070
Kissing your cheek. Clasping your knees, I ask you—
And you I ask by love of your two parents.
(To the Second Maiden.)
And you by love of the child you left behind.
Who will say yes to me? Who could say no
When it might cost my brother's life and mine?
The First Maiden
Rely on me, dear Lady.
The Second Maiden
And on me. 1075
The Third Maiden
We shall do everything we can to help.
The Fourth Maiden
By Zeus we pledge silence and loyalty.
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