Though blind and bound, he seeks his enemy. Now frenzied Clytemnestra snatches up A two-edged battle-ax; and, as the priest, Before he smites the sacrificial bull, Marks well the spot and meditates his aim: So she her impious weapon balances. 900 He has the blow. 'Tis done. The severed head Hangs loosely down, and floods the trunk with gore. Nor do they even yet their weapons stay: The base-born wretch hacks at the lifeless corpse, While she, his mate, pursues her bloody task. 905 So each responds to each in infamy. Thyestes' son in very truth is he, While she to Helen proves her sisterhood. The sun stands doubtful on the edge of day; Shall he go on or backward bend his way? [_Remains beside the altar._] [_Enter_ Electra, _leading her little brother_, Orestes.] _Electra:_ Flee, sole avenger of my father's death, 910 Oh, flee, and shun these impious butchers' hands. Our royal house is utterly o'erthrown, Our kingdom gone. But see, a stranger comes, His horses driven to their utmost speed; Come, brother, hide thyself beneath my robe. But, O my foolish heart, whom dost thou fear? 915 A stranger? Nay, thy foes are here at home. Put off thy fears, for close at hand I see The timely shelter of a faithful friend. [_Enter_ Strophius _in a chariot, accompanied by his son_ Pylades.] _Strophius:_ I, Strophius, had left my Phocian realm, And now, illustrious with th' Olympic palm, I home return. My hither course is bent To 'gratulate my friend, by whose assault 920 Has Ilium fallen after years of war. [_Noticing_ Electra's _distress_.] But why these flowing tears and looks of woe? And why these marks of fear? I recognize In thee the royal house. Electra! Why, When all is joyful here, dost thou lament? _Electra:_ My father lies within the palace, slain 925 By Clytemnestra's hand. His son is doomed To share his father's death. Aegisthus holds The throne which he through guilty love has gained. _Strophius:_ Oh, happiness that never long endures! _Electra:_ By all thy kindly memories of my sire, By his proud scepter, known to all the earth, 930 And by the fickle gods, I pray thee take My brother hence, and hide him from his foes.