But the
Chorus like not this graceless deed of grace: what ransom can be found
for the overthrow of the lord of a house? with him Awe has been
overthrown, and Fear takes its place, or yet more Success is God. {53}
Yet stroke of Vengeance swift
Smites some in life's clear day;
For some who tarry long their sorrows wait
In twilight dim, on darkness' borderland;
And some an endless night
Of nothingness holds fast.
Yes: for blood once spilt, for the marriage tie defiled, there is no
remedy--yet the Chorus must, as part of their bitter captive lot,
perform the rite they have no heart in. {75}
_Through this Ode Electra, who ought to have taken the lead, has stood
on the stage irresolute: she now addresses the Chorus, who at her word
fall into their Episode positions._
EPISODE I
_Electra_ puts to the Chorus the same difficulty they have been feeling:
What shall I say as these funereal gifts
I pour? How shall I speak acceptably?
How to my father pray? What? shall I say
"I bring from loving wife to husband loved
Gifts"--from my mother? No, I am not bold
Enough for that, nor know I what to speak,
Pouring this chrism on my father's tomb:
Or shall I say this prayer, as men are wont,
"Good recompense make thou to those who bring
These garlands," yea, a gift full well deserved
By deeds of ill? Or, dumb with ignominy
Like that with which he perished, shall I pour
Libations on the earth, and like a man
That flings away the lustral filth, shall I
Throw down the urn and walk with eyes not turned? {97}
The _Chorus-Leader_ breaking ranks to lay her hand on the Sepulchre as
sign of fidelity, advises to throw off all disguise and pray boldly for
friend and against foe.
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