two parties the voting is proceeded with, _Athene_ first giving her
casting vote, in case of equality, to Orestes, as preferring the male
cause. [_This was a political allusion to the 'vote of Athene' or
custom of the Areopagite Court to give the casting vole to the
accused._] The votes are counted, found equal, and Athene declares
Orestes acquitted.--_Orestes_, in a burst of gratitude, declares his
Argive people shall always be firm friends with the people of Athens.
[Political hit.] {747}

_The Chorus breaking into Strophic Lyrics_ vow vengeance and long train
of ills on the city for this, Athene (_in Blank Verse_) propitiating
them, and pleading that the cause has been fairly tried. Moreover they
would lose all the good things the city will do for them if friendly,
offering them a house in its midst. Gradually the _Chorus_ calm down,
and having (_in parallel dialogue_) gained a repeated promise from
Athene they change their tone and (_in Strophic Lyrics_) promise all
good to the land, Athene making acknowledgment on behalf of the city
(_in marching rhythm as signifying exultation_). Finally Athene offers
to conduct them at once to their homes, the cave-chapels where the
Eumenides were worshipped.

_Enter on the stage an array of Matrons and Girls in festal robes, as
worn in the rites of the Furies, now called Eumenides or 'Gentle
Goddesses' [thus spectacular effect with which Aeschylus loved to
conclude]. They, with Athene, chanting the Ritual hymn, file down into
the Orchestra, and so lead the Chorus out in the direction of the
Shrines of the Eumenides._

[1] Euphemism for the Furies, as the popular name 'Good Neighbours' for
Mischievous Fairies.

THE ELECTRA OF SOPHOCLES[1]

_Scene Mycenae; the Stage and Orchestra arranged to represent the
Market Place, Portico of a Temple in the Centre; Inferior door on one
side is the gate to Palace of Aegisthus and Clytaemnestra, that on the
other leads to the tomb of Agamemnon; Side-scene on one side gives a
view of Argos. Enter from Distance side-door Orestes, Pylades and
Attendant._

PROLOGUE

The aged _Attendant_ points out to Orestes Argos, the Grove of Io, the
Temple and other details of the Scene; it was just here he received
Orestes as a boy when his father was slain and bore him to a place of
safety; now the long wished for day of vengeance is come. _Orestes_
acknowledges his long fidelity; relates how Phoebus has sent him with
this ora