After a rapid stichomuthic interchange of promises and threats by the two parties the voting is proceeded with, _Athene_ first giving her casting vote, in case of equality, to Orestes, as preferring the male cause. [_This was a political allusion to the 'vote of Athene' or custom of the Areopagite Court to give the casting vole to the accused._] The votes are counted, found equal, and Athene declares Orestes acquitted.--_Orestes_, in a burst of gratitude, declares his Argive people shall always be firm friends with the people of Athens. [Political hit.] {747} _The Chorus breaking into Strophic Lyrics_ vow vengeance and long train of ills on the city for this, Athene (_in Blank Verse_) propitiating them, and pleading that the cause has been fairly tried. Moreover they would lose all the good things the city will do for them if friendly, offering them a house in its midst. Gradually the _Chorus_ calm down, and having (_in parallel dialogue_) gained a repeated promise from Athene they change their tone and (_in Strophic Lyrics_) promise all good to the land, Athene making acknowledgment on behalf of the city (_in marching rhythm as signifying exultation_). Finally Athene offers to conduct them at once to their homes, the cave-chapels where the Eumenides were worshipped. _Enter on the stage an array of Matrons and Girls in festal robes, as worn in the rites of the Furies, now called Eumenides or 'Gentle Goddesses' [thus spectacular effect with which Aeschylus loved to conclude]. They, with Athene, chanting the Ritual hymn, file down into the Orchestra, and so lead the Chorus out in the direction of the Shrines of the Eumenides._ [1] Euphemism for the Furies, as the popular name 'Good Neighbours' for Mischievous Fairies. THE ELECTRA OF SOPHOCLES[1] _Scene Mycenae; the Stage and Orchestra arranged to represent the Market Place, Portico of a Temple in the Centre; Inferior door on one side is the gate to Palace of Aegisthus and Clytaemnestra, that on the other leads to the tomb of Agamemnon; Side-scene on one side gives a view of Argos. Enter from Distance side-door Orestes, Pylades and Attendant._ PROLOGUE The aged _Attendant_ points out to Orestes Argos, the Grove of Io, the Temple and other details of the Scene; it was just here he received Orestes as a boy when his father was slain and bore him to a place of safety; now the long wished for day of vengeance is come. _Orestes_ acknowledges his long fidelity; relates how Phoebus has sent him with this oracle: That I myself unarmed with shield or host {36} Should subtly work the righteous deed of blood,