ice of some one that groans." And
Orestes made answer, "Doubtless it is my sister Electra. Shall we stay
and listen to her?" "Not so," said the old man, "let us do our business
without delay." So they departed.

And then came forth Electra, making great lamentation for her father,
and praying that the Gods would speedily send her brother Orestes to
avenge him. And with her was a company of the daughters of Argos, who
sought to comfort her, saying that it was idle to make such weeping and
moaning for the dead; and that others also were in like case with her;
and that she should have patience, for that time would bring punishment
on the evildoers. Also they would have her curb her tongue, seeing how
she angered those that had the rule in her house.

And then Electra unfolded her grief to them saying, "I pray you,
daughters of Argos, that ye think no evil of me as of one that
altogether wanteth wisdom and patience. For what woman of the better
sort would not do even as I? For think how I am constrained to live with
them that slew my father; and that every day I see this base AEgisthus
sitting upon that which was his throne, and wearing the selfsame robes;
and how he is husband to this mother of mine, if indeed she be a mother
who can stoop to such vileness. And know that every month on the day on
which she slew my father she maketh festival and offereth sacrifice to
the Gods. And all this am I constrained to see, weeping in secret, for
indeed it is not permitted to me publicly to show such sorrow as my
heart desireth. Ofttimes indeed this woman mocketh me, and would know
why I sorrow more than others, seeing that others also have lost their
fathers. But sometimes, if it so chance that she hear from some one that
Orestes prepareth to come back to this land, she is furious above
measure, and rageth as a wild beast; and her husband, this coward that
maketh war against women, stirreth up her fury against me. And still do
I look for Orestes when he shall come; but he tarrieth long, and in the
meantime I perish with sorrow and trouble."

Then the daughters of Argos, when they had made inquiry and heard that
AEgisthus was absent and that they could speak more freely of these
matters, would fain know whether she had heard news of her brother
Orestes, and bade her be of good heart concerning him. But as they spake
together, the sister of Electra, Chrysothemis, came forth with
offerings for the tomb of her father in her hand, and