Meantime, Orestes in his hiding-place had verified the fact that Electra was his sister. He had reassured himself, too, on another vital point. What he had heard and seen had convinced him that this group of women at least was friendly to his cause. And at its head, holding out against great odds, and suffering extreme ills in consequence, was this brave spirit of Electra who, with all her tender and loyal devotion, was strong enough to dare the uttermost with him. He need no longer delay to reveal himself. He had heard Electra’s prayer for his return, and for vengeance on his father’s murderers; and, stepping forward, he came like an instant answer to her petition. ORES. _First tell the gods thy former prayer is heard. Then pray that all to come be likewise good._[16] But Electra cannot recognize in this tall young man the boy who left their home so many years before. She is startled and incredulous; and there follows a curious little scene which, if it occurred in a modern play, would simply cause derision. Orestes gives such quaint evidence of his identity—the colour of his hair, which matches her own; the length of their footprints, which is similar; the embroidery on the robe that he is wearing, which he says was wrought by her own hands before he went to Athens. The poet is not very much concerned with probabilities. He has a great religious purpose which dominates all other considerations; and in the sublime onward sweep of the tragedy we are not troubled by minor inconsistencies. At this point they are simply lost sight of, in the keen dramatic interest of the scene when Electra is at last convinced that this is indeed her brother. What is proof to her is more than ample proof to us. ELEC. _Shall I, in very truth, call thee Orestes?_ ORES. _You see myself ... Nay, be not lost in gladness! Curb thy heart We know, our nearest friends are dangerous foes._ ELEC. _Centre of fondness in thy father’s hall, Tear-watered hope of blessings yet to be, Faith in thy might shall win thee back thy home! Oh how I joy beholding thee! Thou hast_ _Four parts in my desires, not one alone. I call thee Father: and my mother’s claim Falls to thy side, since utter hate is hers. And my poor butchered sister’s share is thine. And I adore thee as my own true brother. But oh! may holy Right and Victory, And highest Zeus, the Saviour, speed thee too!_[16] Then Orestes plainly declares the reason for his return, and taking up Electra’s prayer to Zeus, he cries for help in the vengeance to be accomplished for his father. He claims that he has a direct mandate from Apollo.