Iphigenia
Report to Orestes, the son of Agamemnon:
[770]
the one slain at Aulis sends you this, Iphigenia, who is alive, though no longer alive to those there—
Orestes
Where is she? Has she come back from the dead??
Iphigenia
The one you are looking at; don't confuse me by your talk. Bring me to Argos, my brother, before I die.
[775]
Take me away from the barbarian land and the sacrifices of the goddess, where I hold the office of killing foreigners.
Orestes
Pylades, what shall I say? Where have we found ourselves?
Iphigenia
Or I will be a curse to your house.
Pylades
Orestes?
Iphigenia
So that you may know the name, hearing it twice.
Pylades
[780]
O gods!
Iphigenia
Why do you invoke the gods in my affairs?
Pylades
No reason; finish your words; my thoughts were elsewhere. Perhaps, if I question you, I will not arrive at things I cannot believe.
Iphigenia
Tell him that Artemis saved me, by giving a deer in exchange for me; my father sacrificed it,
[785]
thinking that he drove the sword sharply into me; and she settled me in this land. This is my letter, this is the writing in the tablet.
Pylades
You have bound me with an easy oath, and sworn very well. I will not take much time
[790]
to carry out the oath I swore.
See, Orestes, I bring you a tablet from your sister here, and give it to you.Pylades hands the letter to Orestes.
Orestes
I do receive it, but first I will pass over the letter's folds to take a joy that is not in words.
[795] My dearest sister, with what astonishment and delight I hold you in my unbelieving arms, after learning these marvels!