Electra My dear friends of Mycenae, of foremost rank in Argos, the home of the Pelasgians.
Chorus What are you saying to us, mistress? For this honored name is still left for you in the Danaid town.
Electra Station yourselves, some here along the high road, others there on some other path, to watch the house.
Chorus But why do you call me to this service? Tell me, my dear.
Electra I am afraid that some one, who is stationed at the house for slaughter, may find trouble upon trouble.
First Semi-Chorus Let us make haste and go on; I will keep careful watch upon this road towards the east.
Second Semi-Chorus And I on this one, that leads westward.
Electra Throw a glance sideways.
Chorus Here and there, then we are looking back again, as you tell us.
Electra Cast your eyes around, let them see everything, through your tresses.
First Semi-Chorus Who is that on the road? Who is this country-man wandering round your house?
Electra Ah! friends, we are ruined; he will at once reveal to our enemies the armed ambush.
Second Semi-Chorus Calm your fears; the road is not occupied, as you think, my dear.
Electra Well? Is your side still secure? Give me a good report, if the space before the court-yard is deserted.
First Semi-Chorus All goes well here; look to your own watch, for no Danaid is approaching us.
Second Semi-Chorus Your report agrees with mine; there is no noise here either.
Electra Well then, I will listen in the gateway.
Chorus You within the house, why are you delaying to spill your victim’s blood, now that all is quiet?
Electra They do not hear; alas for my troubles! Can it be that her beauty has blunted their swords? Soon some Argive in full armor, hurrying to her rescue, will attack the palace. Keep a better look-out; it is not a contest of sitting still; turn about, some here, some there.
Chorus I am looking everywhere in turn along the road.
Helen Oh, Pelasgian Argos! I am being foully murdered.
Chorus Did you hear? The men have put their hand to the slaughter. It is Helen screaming, at a guess.
Electra O eternal might of Zeus, of Zeus, only come to help my friends!
Helen Menelaus, I am dying, but you do not help me, though you are near.
Electra
Slay her, kill her, destroy her! Stab with your twin double-edged swords the woman who left her father, left her husband, and killed so many of the men of Hellas, slain beside the river-bank, where tears rained down, by the iron darts all round the eddies of Scamander.
Chorus Leader
Hush! hush! I caught the sound of a foot-fall on the road near the house.
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