OLD M. The oracles, as at least Calchas says, in order that the army may be able to proceed.

CLY.  Whither?  Wretched me, and wretched she whom her father is about to slay?

OLD M. To the house of Dardanus, that Menelaus may recover Helen.

CLY.  To the destruction, then, of Iphigenia, was the return of Helen foredoomed?

OLD M. Thou hast the whole story.  Her father is going to offer thy daughter to Diana.

CLY.  What! what pretext had the marriage, that brought me from home?

OLD M. That thou rejoicing mightest bring thy child, as if about to wed her to Achilles.

CLY.  O daughter, both thou and thy mother are come to meet with destruction.

OLD M. Ye twain are suffering sad things, and dreadful things hath Agamemnon dared.

CLY.  I wretched am undone, and my eyes no longer restrain the tear.

OLD M. For bitter ’tis to mourn, deprived of one’s children.

CLY.  But whence, old man, sayest thou that thou hast learned and knowest these things?

OLD M. I went to bear a letter to thee, in reference to what was before written.

CLY.  Not allowing, or bidding me to bring my child, that she might die?

OLD M. [It was] that you should not bring her, for your husband then thought well.

CLY.  And how was it then, that, bearing the letter, thou gavest it not to me?

OLD M. Menelaus, who is the cause of these evils, took it from me.

CLY.  O child of Nereus’ daughter, O son of Peleus, dost hear these things?

ACH.  I hear that thou art wretched, and I do not bear my part indifferently.

CLY.  They will slay my child, having deceived her with thy nuptials.

ACH.  I also blame thy husband, nor do I bear it lightly.

CLY.  I will not be ashamed to fall down at thy knee, mortal, to one born of a Goddess.  For wherefore should I make a show of pride?  Or what should I study more than my children?  But, O son of the Goddess, aid me in my unhappiness, and her who is called thy wife, vainly indeed, but nevertheless, having decked her out, I led her as if to be married, but now I lead her to sacrifice, and reproach will come upon thee, who gavest no aid.  For though thou wast not yoked in nuptials, at least thou wast called the beloved husband of the hapless virgin.  By thy beard, by thy right hand, by thy mother [I beseech] thee, for thy name hath undone me, to whom thou shouldst needs give assistance.  I have no other altar to fly to, but thy knee, nor is any friend near me,[70] but thou hearest the cruel and all-daring conduct of Agamemnon.  But I a woman, as thou seest, have come to a naval host, uncontrolled, and bold for mischief, but useful, when they are willing.  But if thou wilt venture to stretch thine hand in my behalf, we are saved, but if not, we are not saved.

CHOR.  A terrible thing it is to be a mother, and it bears a great endearment, and one common to all, so as to toil on behalf of their children.