ACT IV

IPHIGENIA _alone_.

IPHIGENIA: They hasten to the sea, where in a bay Their comrades in the vessel lie concealed, Waiting a signal. Me they have supplied With artful answers should the monarch send To urge the sacrifice. Detested falsehood!

[_Enter_ ARKAS.

ARKAS: Priestess, with speed conclude the sacrifice! Impatiently the king and people wait.

IPHIGENIA: The gods have not decreed that it should be. The elder of these men of kindred-murder Bears guilt. The dread Erinnys here within Have seized upon their prey, polluting thus The sanctuary. I hasten now to bathe The goddess' image in the sea, and there With solemn rites its purity restore.

ARKAS: This hindrance to the monarch I'll announce.

[_Exit_ ARKAS. Enter PYLADES.

PYLADES: Thy brother is restor'd! The fire of youth With growing glory shines upon his brow. Let us then hasten; guide me to the fane. I can unaided on my shoulder bear The goddess' image; how I long to feel The precious burden! Hast thou to the king Announced the prudent message as agreed?

IPHIGENIA: The royal messenger arrived, and I, According to thy counsel, fram'd my speech.

PYLADES: Danger again doth hover o'er our heads. Alas! Why hast thou failed to shroud thyself Within the veil of sacerdotal rights?

IPHIGENIA: I never have employed them as a veil.

PYLADES: Pure soul! Thy scruples will alike destroy Thyself and us. Come, let us be firm. Nor with incautious haste betray ourselves.

IPHIGENIA: It is an honest scruple, which forbids That I should cunningly deceive the king, And plunder him who was my second father.

PYLADES: Him dost thou fly, who would have slain thy brother. If we should perish, bitter self-reproach, Forerunner of despair, will be thy portion; Necessity commands. The rest thou knowest. [_Exit._

IPHIGENIA: I must obey him, for I see my friends Beset with peril. Yet my own sad fate Doth with increasing anguish move my heart To steal the image, sacred and rever'd, Confided to my care, and him deceive To whom I owe my life and destiny! Let not abhorrence spring within my heart!