PYLADES. Thy brother is restor'd! The rocky paths Of this unconsecrated shore we trod In friendly converse, while behind us lay, Unmark'd by us, the consecrated grove; And ever with increasing glory shone The fire of youth around his noble brow. Courage and hope his glowing eye inspir'd; And his free heart exulted with the joy Of saving thee, his sister, and his friend. IPHIGENIA. The gods shower blessings on thee, Pylades! And from those lips which breathe such welcome news, Be the sad note of anguish never heard! PYLADES. I bring yet more,--for Fortune, like a prince, Comes not alone, but well accompanied. Our friends and comrades we have also found. Within a bay they had conceal'd the ship, And mournful sat expectant. They beheld Thy brother, and a joyous shout uprais'd, Imploring him to haste the parting hour. Each hand impatient long'd to grasp the oar, While from the shore a gently murmuring breeze, Perceiv'd by all, unfurl'd its wing auspicious. Let us then hasten; guide me to the fane, That I may tread the sanctuary, and seize With sacred awe the object of our hopes. I can unaided on my shoulder bear Diana's image: how I long to feel The precious burden! [_While speaking the last words, he approaches the Temple, without perceiving that he is not followed by Iphigenia: at length he turns round._] Why thus ling'ring stand. Why art thou silent? wherefore thus confus'd? Doth some new obstacle oppose our bliss? Inform me, hast thou to the king announc'd The prudent message we agreed upon? IPHIGENIA. I have, dear Pylades; yet wilt thou chide. Thy very aspect is a mute reproach. The royal messenger arriv'd, and I, According to thy counsel, fram'd my speech. He seem'd surpris'd, and urgently besought, That to the monarch I should first announce The rite unusual, and attend his will. I now await the messenger's return. PYLADES. Danger again doth hover o'er our heads! O priestess, why neglect to shroud thyself Within the veil of sacerdotal rites? IPHIGENIA. I never have employ'd them as a veil. PYLADES. Pure soul! thy scruples will destroy alike Thyself and us. Why did I not foresee Such an emergency, and tutor thee This counsel also wisely to elude? IPHIGENIA. Chide only me, for mine alone the blame. Yet other answer could I not return To him, who strongly and with reason urg'd What my own heart acknowledg'd to be right.