The scene shows a great and barbaric Temple on a desolate sea-coast. An altar is visible stained with blood. There are spoils of slain men hanging from the roof. Iphigenia, in the dress of a priestess, comes out of the Temple, and in a speech that serves really as a Prologue to the play, she tells her story. At the end of her speech, which is haunted throughout by a sense of exile and homesickness, she describes a strange dream she has just had, which she interprets as meaning that Orestes, her brother, is dead. She then goes into the Temple. _Voice._ Did some one cross the pathway? Guard thee well. _Another Voice._ I am watching. Every side I turn my eye. (_Enter Orestes and Pylades. Their dress shows they are travellers. Orestes is shaken and distraught._) _Orestes._ How, brother? And is this the sanctuary At last, for which we sailed from Argos? _Pylades._ For sure, Orestes. Seest thou not it is? _Orestes._ The altar, too, where Hellene blood is shed. _Pylades._ How like long hair those blood-stains, tawny red! _Orestes._ And spoils of slaughtered men--there by the thatch. _Pylades._ Aye, first-fruits of the harvest, when they catch Their strangers!--'Tis a place to search with care. (_He searches while Orestes sits._) During this search, Orestes, in a speech addressed to Apollo, explains why they are there, and expresses hopelessness {240} at their ever accomplishing the will of the god, and even suggests their turning back. But Pylades encourages him and bids him take courage, for, he says, Danger gleams Like sunshine to a brave man's eyes, and fear Of what may be is no help anywhere. _Orestes._ Aye, we have never braved these leagues of way To falter at the end. See, I obey Thy words. They are ever wise. Let us go mark Some cavern, to lie hid till fall of dark. God will not suffer that bad things be stirred To mar us now, and bring to naught the word Himself hath spoke. Aye, and no peril brings Pardon for turning back to sons of kings. (_They go out towards the shore._) After they are gone, enter gradually the women of the Chorus. These are Greek women who have been taken captive in war by King Thoas, and so they are friendly to the exiled and lonely Iphigenia, for they are just as homesick as she is. They come now in obedience to a call from her to assist in mourning for Orestes, who, she is convinced by her dream, is dead. {241} _Chorus._ Peace! Peace upon all who dwell By the Sister Rocks that clash in the swell Of the Friendless Seas. * * * * From Hellas that once was ours, We come before thy gate, From the land of the western seas, The horses and the towers, The wells and the garden trees, And the seats where our fathers sate. _Leader._