Clytemnestra I have come from the tent to look out for my husband, who went away and left its shelter long ago; while my poor child, hearing of the death her father designs for her, is in tears, uttering in many keys her piteous lamentation. It seems I was speaking of one not far away; for there is Agamemnon, who will soon be detected in the commission of a crime against his own child.
Agamemnon Daughter of Leda, it is lucky I have found you outside the tent, to discuss with you in our daughter’s absence subjects not suited for the ears of maidens on the eve of marriage.
Clytemnestra What critical moment is it that you are seizing?
Agamemnon Send the maiden out to join her father, for the lustral water stands there ready, and barley-meal to scatter with the hand on the cleansing flame, and heifers to be slain before the marriage, in honor of the goddess.
Clytemnestra Though the words you use are good, I do not know how I am to name your deeds in terms of praise. Come forth, my daughter; well you know what is in your father’s mind; take the child Orestes, your brother, and bring him with you in the folds of your robe. Behold! she comes, in obedience to your summons. I will speak the rest for her and for myself.
Agamemnon My child, why do you weep and no longer look cheerfully? why are you fixing your eyes upon the ground and holding your robe before them?
Clytemnestra Ah! with which of my woes shall I begin? for I may treat them all as first, or put them last or midway, anywhere.
Agamemnon What is it? I find you all alike, confusion and alarm in every eye.
Clytemnestra My husband, answer frankly the questions I ask you.
Agamemnon There is no necessity to order me; I am willing to be questioned.
Clytemnestra Do you mean to slay your child and mine?
Agamemnon Ha! these are heartless words, unwarranted suspicions!
Clytemnestra Peace! answer me that question first.
Agamemnon Put a fair question and you shall have a fair answer.
Clytemnestra I have no other questions to put; give me no other answers.
Agamemnon O fate revered, O destiny, and my fortune!
Clytemnestra Yes, and mine and hers too; the three share one bad fortune.
Agamemnon Whom have I injured?
Clytemnestra Do you ask this question? A thought like that itself amounts to thoughtlessness.
Agamemnon Ruined! my secret betrayed!
Clytemnestra I know all; I have heard what you are bent on doing to me. Your very silence and those frequent groans are a confession; do not tire yourself by telling it.
Agamemnon See, I am silent; for why should I tell you a falsehood, and add effrontery to misfortune?
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