EURIPIDES
In memory of you, the sharp blade of his knife
Against a human throat and draw one drop
Of blood, then stop—this in no disrespect
But a grave reminder of Her former ways.
Iphigenia! Steps are cut in rock
At Brauron for a shrine to Artemis.
You shall reside as keeper of the keys there
And at your death you shall be buried there
And honored in your tomb with spotless gifts,
Garments unworn, woven by hands of women
Who honorably died in giving birth.
These loyal maidens, Thoas, I command you
To send back home.
Orestes, once I saved you
When I was arbiter on Ares7 hill 1470
And broke the tie by voting in your favor.
Now let it be the law that one who earns
An evenly divided verdict wins
His case. Therefore go safely from this land,
0 son of Agamemnon. And you, Thoas,
Enjoy the taste of swallowing your wrath.
Thoas
The man who thinks he ever stood a chance 14-75
Against the Gods was born a fool. And so
1 hold no slightest grievance toward Orestes
Or Iphigenia. They may keep the statue.
There isn't even any dignity
In challenging a God. So off with them. 1480
May Artemis be happy in their land,
I bid these women also, since I have to,
A pleasant trip to Hellas. Thy word holds tt
For all my captains too. Call back the galleys!
Here are my spirit—and my spear—bowed down. 1485
Athena
In doing as you must, you learn a law
Binding on Gods as well as upon men.