Clytemnestra
I take this as a lucky omen, your kindness and auspicious greeting, and have good hope that it is to a happy marriage
[610]
I conduct the bride. To attendants. Take from the chariot the dowry I am bringing for my daughter and convey it within with careful heed.
My daughter, leave the horse-drawn chariot, planting your faltering footstep delicately. To the Chorus.
[615]
Young women, take her in your arms and lift her from the chariot, and let one of you give me the support of her hand, that I may quit my seat in the carriage with fitting grace. Some of you stand at the horses' heads;
[620]
for the horse has a timid eye, easily frightened; here, take this child Orestes, son of Agamemnon, baby as he still is.
What! sleeping, little one, tired out by your ride in the chariot? Awake to bless your sister's wedding; for you, my gallant boy,
[625]
shall get by this marriage a kinsman gallant as yourself, the Nereid's godlike offspring. Come here to your mother, my daughter, Iphigenia, and seat yourself beside me, and stationed near show my happiness to these strangers;
[630]
yes, come here and welcome the father you love so dearly.
Iphigenia
Do not be angry with me, mother, if I run from your side and throw myself on my father's breast.
Clytemnestra
Hail! my honored lord, king Agamemnon! we have obeyed your commands and have come.
Iphigenia
[635]
[O my father! I long to outrun others and embrace you after this long while;] for I yearn to see your face; do not be angry with me.
Clytemnestra
You may do so, daughter; for of all the children I have borne, you have always loved your father best.
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Euripides. The Plays of Euripides, translated by E. P. Coleridge. Volume II. London. George Bell and Sons. 1891.
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