Chapter 17

ORESTES (_armed_). IPHIGENIA. THOAS.

ORESTES, _addressing his followers_. Redouble your exertions! hold them back! Few moments will suffice; retain your ground, And keep a passage open to the ship For me and for my sister. _To_ IPHIGENIA, _without perceiving_ THOAS. Come with speed! We are betray'd,--brief time remains for flight.

THOAS. None in my presence with impunity His naked weapon wears.

IPHIGENIA. Do not profane Diana's sanctuary with rage and blood. Command your people to forbear awhile, And listen to the priestess, to the sister.

ORESTES. Say, who is he that threatens us?

IPHIGENIA. In him Revere the king, who was my second father. Forgive me, brother, that my childlike heart Hath plac'd our fate thus wholly in his hands. I have betray'd your meditated flight, And thus from treachery redeem'd my soul.

ORESTES. Will he permit our peaceable return?

IPHIGENIA. Thy gleaming sword forbids me to reply.

ORESTES, _sheathing his sword_. Then speak! thou seest I listen to thy words.