Thou
standest
in the van of war this day.
Euripides - Electra
The gate: the gate that leads to me and Hell.
OLD MAN.
Let me but see it, and I die content.
ELECTRA.
First, then, my brother: see his steps be bent. . .
OLD MAN.
Straight yonder, where Aegisthus makes his prayer!
ELECTRA.
Then seek my mother's presence, and declare
My news.
OLD MAN.
Thy very words, child, as tho' spoke
From thine own lips!
ELECTRA.
Brother, thine hour is struck.
Thou standest in the van of war this day.
ORESTES (_rousing himself_).
Aye, I am ready. . . . I will go my way,
If but some man will guide me.
OLD MAN.
Here am I,
To speed thee to the end, right thankfully.
ORESTES (_turning as he goes and raising his hands to heaven_).
Zeus of my sires, Zeus of the lost battle,
ELECTRA.
Have pity; have pity; we have earned it well!
OLD MAN.
Pity these twain, of thine own body sprung!
ELECTRA.
O Queen o'er Argive altars, Hera high,
ORESTES.
