Quotes from Electra

Quotations follow the David Grene translation (University of Chicago Press, 2013) — our recommended edition.

1. 2

   Time is god who makes rough ways smooth.

2. 3

   Ah, memorial of him whom I loved best on earth! Ah, Orestes, whose life hath no relic left save this

3. 4

   Smite, if thou canst, once more!

4. 5

   A little word hath often marred, or made, men's fortunes.

5. 6

   Often ere now have I seen wise men die in vain report; then, when they return home, they are held in more abiding honour

6. 7

   like the nightingale, slayer of her offspring, I will wail without ceasing, and cry aloud to all

7. 8

   The curses are at work; the buried live; blood flows for blood, drained from the slayers by those who died of yore.

8. 9

   forget not thy foes, but refrain from excess of wrath against them

9. 10

   O thou pure sunlight, and thou air, earth's canopy

10. 11

    But never will I cease from dirge and sore lament, while I look on the trembling rays of the bright stars, or on this light of day

11. 12

    Courage, my daughter, courage; great still in heaven is Zeus, who sees and governs all.

12. 13

    in such a case, then, friends, there is no room for moderation or for reverence

13. 14

    I am not ashamed, even if you think I am. I know my behavior is not what it should be. But your hostility forces me to act this way.

14. 15

    O house of Atreus, through how many sufferings hast thou come forth at last in freedom, crowned with good by this day's enterprise!