hm_, catch the touch of
suspense, and invoke Hermes and the Spirit of Persuasion for Orestes.
{720}
_Enter from Women's Quarters, Cilissa_, Orestes' Nurse, bidden to seek
Aegisthus, as the stranger looks like one meaning to cook some ill.
She is in tears at the death of her boy, and details all the petty
cares she had over his helpless infancy, and how they are now all
profitless.
_Chor._ And how equipped then doth she bid him come? {753}
_Nurse_ How? Speak again that I may better learn.
_Chor._ By spearmen followed, or himself alone?
_Nurse_ She bids him bring his guards with lances armed.
_Chor._ Nay, say not that to him thy lord doth hate,
But bid him 'come alone,' (that so he hear
Without alarm), 'full speed, with joyous mind,'
Since 'secret speech with messenger goes best.'
_Nurse_ And art thou of good cheer at this my tale?
_Chor._ But what if Zeus will turn the tide of ill?
_Nurse_ How so? Orestes, our One hope is gone.
_Chor._ Not yet; a sorry seer might know thus much.
_Nurse_ What say'st thou? Know'st thou aught besides my tale?
_Chor._ Go tell thy message; do thine errand well:
The Gods for what they care for, care enough.
_Nurse_ I then will go, complying with thy words:
May all, by God's gift, end most happily! {769}
_Exit Nurse by Right Side-Door, signifying neighborhood._
CHORAL INTERLUDE II
_in four interwoven Strophes and Antistrophes, with Mesode,_
invokes the Gods the house had worshipped. Zeus, father of the Gods,
the twin-brothers, Apollo in his glorious shrine at Delphi, Hermes who
is the conductor of enterprises: the dear son of the house is harnessed
to the car of calamity, moderate its pace--and may Murder cease to
breed new Murder. But the Avenger, like Perseus, must not look on the
deed as he does it; as she calls the name Mother let him hurl back the
cry of Father. {820}
EPISODE III
_Aegisthus entering from the Right Side-Door_ (_of Neighborhood_)
speaks of this summons; it may after all be women's fears 'that leap up
high and die away to nought.' The _Chorus_ say there is nothing like
asking. _Aeg._ will do so: they cannot cheat a man with his eyes open.
_Exit through Central Door_. {839}
_Chorus, in short lyric burst_, mark critical moment that decides
success or failure. {853}
Then _cries from within, and Porter rushes from Central Door to Door of
Wom
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