Chapter 18

ORESTES. IPHIGENIA. THOAS.

_Enter_ PYLADES, _soon after him_ ARKAS, _both with drawn swords_.

PYLADES. Do not delay! our friends are putting forth Their final strength, and yielding step by step, Are slowly driven backward to the sea.-- A conference of princes find I here? Is this the sacred person of the king?

ARKAS. Calmly, as doth become thee, thou dost stand, O king, surrounded by thine enemies. Soon their temerity shall be chastis'd; Their yielding followers fly.--their ship is ours. Speak but the word, and it is wrapt in flames.

THOAS. Go, and command my people to forbear! Let none annoy the foe while we confer. (_Arkas retires_.)

ORESTES.

I willingly consent. Go, Pylades! Collect the remnant of our friends, and wait The appointed issue of our enterprize. (_Pylades retires_.)