Part 7 (1/2)

[enter IPHIGENIA from the Temple.]

IPHIGENIA.

Go ye within; and have all things of need In order set for them that do the deed.

There wait my word.

[ATTENDANTS go in.]

Ye strangers, here I hold The many-lettered tablet, fold on fold.

Yet ... one thing still. No man, once unafraid And safe, remembereth all the vows he made In fear of death. My heart misgiveth me, Lest he who bears my tablet, once gone free, Forget me here and set my charge at naught.

ORESTES.

What wouldst thou, then? Thou hast some troubling thought.

IPHIGENIA.

His sworn oath let him give, to bear this same Tablet to Argos, to the friend I name.

ORESTES.

And if he give this oath, wilt thou swear too?

IPHIGENIA.

What should I swear to do or not to do?

ORESTES.

Send him from Tauris safe and free from ill.

IPHIGENIA.

I promise. How else could he do my will?

ORESTES.

The King will suffer this?

IPHIGENIA.

Yes: I can bend The King, and set upon his s.h.i.+p thy friend.

ORESTES.

Choose then what oath is best, and he will swear.

IPHIGENIA (to PYLADES, who has come up to her).

Say: ”To thy friend this tablet I will bear.”

PYLADES (TAKING THE TABLET).

Good. I will bear this tablet to thy friend.

IPHIGENIA.

And I save thee beyond this kingdom's end.

PYLADES.

What G.o.d dost thou invoke to witness this?

IPHIGENIA.