_Iphigenia._ Itself. And the eyes closed one breathing space. _Thoas._ But why? For those two men's blood-guiltiness? _Iphigenia._ That, nothing else. For, oh! their guilt is sore. _Thoas._ They killed some of my herdsmen on the shore? _Iphigenia._ Their sin was brought from home, not gathered here. _Thoas._ What? I must know this.--Make thy story clear. _Iphigenia._ (_She puts down the Image and moves nearer to Thoas._) The men have slain their mother. _Thoas._ God! And these Be Greeks! _Iphigenia._ They both are hunted out of Greece. _Thoas._ For this thou hast brought the Image to the sun? _Iphigenia._ The fire of heaven can cleanse all malison. {265} _Thoas._ How didst thou first hear of their deed of shame? _Iphigenia._ When the Image hid its eyes, I questioned them. _Thoas._ Good. Greece hath taught thee many a subtle art. _Iphigenia._ Ah, they too had sweet words to move my heart. _Thoas._ Sweet words? How, did they bring some news of Greece? _Iphigenia._ Orestes, my one brother, lives in peace. _Thoas._ Surely! Good news to make thee spare their lives-- _Iphigenia._ My father too in Argos lives and thrives. _Thoas._ While thou didst think but of the goddess' laws! _Iphigenia._ Do I not hate all Greeks? Have I not cause? _Thoas._ Good cause. But now--What service should be paid? _Iphigenia._ The Law of long years needs must be obeyed. _Thoas._ To work then, with thy sword and hand-washing! _Iphigenia._ First I must shrive them with some cleansing thing. _Thoas._ What? Running water, or the sea's salt spray? _Iphigenia._ The sea doth wash all the world's ills away. _Thoas._ For sure. 'Twill make them cleaner for the knife. {266} _Iphigenia._ And my hand, too, cleaner for all my life. _Thoas._ Well, the waves lap close by the temple floor. _Iphigenia._ We need a secret place. I must do more. _Thoas._ Some rite unseen? 'Tis well. Go where thou wilt. _Iphigenia._ The Image likewise must be purged of guilt. _Thoas._ The stain hath touched it of that mother's blood? _Iphigenia._ I durst not move it else, from where it stood. _Thoas._ How good thy godliness and forethought! Aye, Small wonder all our people holds thee high. _Iphigenia._ Dost know then what I fain would have? _Thoas._ 'Tis thine to speak and it shall be. _Iphigenia._ Put bondage on the strangers both.-- _Thoas._ Why bondage? Whither can they flee? _Iphigenia._ Put not thy trust in any Greek. _Thoas._ (_To attendants_) Ho, men! Some thongs and fetters, go! _Iphigenia._ Stay; let them lead the strangers here, outside the shrine-- _Thoas._ It shall be so. _Iphigenia._ And lay dark raiment on their heads-- _Thoas._ To veil them, lest the Sun should see. _Iphigenia._ And lend me some of thine own spears. _Thoas._ This company shall go with thee. _Iphigenia._