iot and splendid array._]
_The Chorus_ welcome her, and she begs their aid to alight.--_Electra_
thrusts herself forward clad in rags as she is, and begs that she too
may assist.--_Clyt._ feels the impropriety of the scene, and falls into
an apologetic tone; it was Electra's father who, by his injustice to
Iphigenia, was the real cause of Electra's trouble. This leads to the
usual judicial disputation: _Clyt._ pleading that this sacrifice of her
daughter was done not for a good cause, but for the wanton Helen; this
sacrifice she had avenged, and to avenge it must join an enemy, not a
friend, of Agamemnon.--_Electra_, getting permission, replies: Helen
was not the only wanton one of her family; if no motive but vengeance,
why begin to adorn as soon as Agamemnon was out of the way, why rejoice
whenever the Trojans prospered, why go on to persecute Orestes and
herself, nay, why not slay Aegisthus for persecuting these her
children? The sight of Electra's miserable condition makes even
_Clyt._ feel compunction: she has been too harsh, she will be kinder
now, and so shall Aegisthus--Electra replying to all that it is too
late. At last _Clyt._ prepares to go within the house and perform the
rite for Electra; then she will join her husband. _Exeunt Attendants
with Chariot, and Electra ushers Clytaemnestra into the Cottage_.

Let my poor house receive thee: but take heed
Lest thy rich vests the blackening smoke denies.--
There shalt thou sacrifice, as to the gods
Behoves thee sacrifice: the basket there
Is for the rites prepared, and the keen blade
Which struck the bull; beside him shalt thou fall
By a like blow; in Pluto's courts his bride
He shall receive, with whom in heav'n's fair light
Thy couch was shared: to thee this grace I give,
Thou vengeance for my father shalt give me. {1274}

CHORAL INTERLUDE III

The waves of mischief are flowing back, the gale of Violence is
veering: Vengeance for the crime of old standing is come at last.
{1298}

EXODUS, OR FINALE

Cries are heard from within: the Chorus know that the deed is done.

_By the machinery of the roller-stage the interior of the Cottage is
displayed, with Orestes and Electra standing over the corpse of
Clytaemnestra_.

A revulsion of feeling has come over them; they did the deed in frenzy;
now, instead of triumph, they have no thoughts but for