Electra You have said nothing unexpected. Well I knew that you would reject what I proposed. But the deed must be done with my own hand, by me and me alone. I certainly will not leave it unaccomplished.
Chrysothemis Ah! If only you had had such resolve on the day of our father’s death! Then you would have accomplished everything!
Electra My nature was the same then, but my mind was less ripe.
Chrysothemis Strive to keep your mind that way through all your life.
Electra You make these admonitions like one who will not assist me.
Chrysothemis I will not, for he who sets hand to the deed is likely also to suffer disaster.
Electra I admire you for your prudence. For your cowardice I hate you.
Chrysothemis I will listen no less calmly when you praise me.
Electra Never fear to suffer that from me, at least.
Chrysothemis There is time enough in the future to decide that.
Electra Leave! You have no power to help.
Chrysothemis No, I have it, but you lack the ability to listen and learn.
Electra Go, reveal everything to your mother!
Chrysothemis But, again, I do not hate you with so great a hate.
Electra Yet know at least to what dishonor you drive me.
Chrysothemis Dishonor, no! It is forethought for you.
Electra Am I bound, then, to follow your rule of right?
Chrysothemis Yes, for when you are sensible, then at that time you shall lead the both of us.
Electra How terrible it is that one who speaks so well should be so wrong!
Chrysothemis You have well described the fault to which you devotedly cling.
Electra What? Do you think that my words are not the words of Justice?
Chrysothemis But sometimes even Justice herself causes harm.
Electra I do not care to live where that attitude is lawful.
Chrysothemis Well, if you must do this, you will commend me yet.
Electra And do it I will, not a bit disturbed by you.
Chrysothemis Is this true? You will not reconsider your plan?
Electra No, for no enemy is more damaging than bad advice.
Chrysothemis You seem to agree with nothing that I say.
Electra My resolve is not new, but long since fixed.
Chrysothemis Then I will go. You cannot be brought to approve my words, nor I your conduct.
Electra No, go inside. I will never come after you, even though you may strongly desire it, since it is great folly even to attempt a useless quest.
Chrysothemis Well, if you seem to think straight in your own eyes, may you go on thinking so. Eventually, when you have fallen into trouble, you will approve my advice.
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