ORESTES. I knew but one: yet her kind destiny, Which seem'd to us so terrible, betimes Removed an elder sister from the woe That dogs the race of Pelops. Cease, oh cease Thy questions, maiden, nor thus league thyself With the Eumenides, who blow away, With fiendish joy, the ashes from my soul, Lest the last spark of horror's fiery brand Should be extinguish'd there. Must then the fire, Deliberately kindl'd and supplied With hellish sulphur, never cease to sear My tortur'd bosom? IPHIGENIA. In the flame I throw Sweet incense. Let the gentle breath of love, Low murmuring, cool thy bosom's fiery glow. Orestes, fondly lov'd,--canst thou not hear me? Hath the terrific Furies' grisly band Completely dried the life-blood in thy veins? Creeps there, as from the Gorgon's direful head, A petrifying charm through all thy limbs? If hollow voices, from a mother's blood, Call thee to hell, may not a sister's word With benediction pure ascend to heaven, And summon thence some gracious power to aid thee? ORESTES. She calls! she calls!--Thou too desir'st my death? Is there a fury shrouded in thy form? Who art thou, that thy voice thus horribly Can harrow up my bosom's inmost depths? IPHIGENIA. Thine inmost heart reveals it. I am she, Iphigenia,--look on me, Orestes! ORESTES. Thou! IPHIGENIA. My own brother! ORESTES. Hence, away, begone! Touch not these locks, I counsel thee; from me, As from Creusa's bridal robe, proceeds An unextinguishable fire. Depart! Like Hercules, an ignominious death, Unworthy wretch, look'd in myself, I'll die. IPHIGENIA. Thou shalt not perish! Would that I might hear One quiet word from thee! dispel my doubts, Make sure the bliss I have implor'd so long. A wheel of joy and sorrow in my heart Ceaseless revolves. With shy reserve I turn From one unknown; but unto thee, my brother, My inmost heart resistlessly impels me. ORESTES. Is this Lyæus' temple? Doth the glow Of holy rage unbridl'd thus possess The sacred priestess?