# Elektra: Tragic Opera in One Act

Set to music by Richard Strauss
Layout 2
ELEKTRA
TRAGIC OPERA IN ONE ACT
By HUGO VON HOFMANNSTHAL.
MUSIC BY RICHARD STRAUSS
PRICE 50 CENTS
ENGLISH TRANSLATION BY CHARLES T. MASON
Fürstner Limited, London, W.1. Sole Selling Agents for U. S. A. GALAXY MUSIC CORPORATION 17 West 46th Street, New York, N. Y.
Copyright, 1909, by Adolph Fürstner
ARGUMENT
The scene represents the rear of the palace of old King Agamemnon, with its courtyard and servants' quarters. King Agamemnon is dead, having been murdered by Aegisthes, the paramour of his Queen Klytaimnestra. He has left three children: Orestes, the son, and two daughters, Chrysothemis and Elektra. All three children have been cruelly treated both by their mother and the usurper Aegisthes. Orestes has been banished and Elektra is barely tolerated about the royal establishment. All three children know of the murder of their father, and their hate of their mother is only equalled by their fear of her and the tyrant Aegisthes. Elektra, by brooding over her parent's death and the awful crime of her mother, is bent upon avenging the murder of the old king. Klytaimnestra, constantly haunted by her sin and living in dread of the return of Orestes, appeals to Elektra to tell her by what new sacrifice of human blood she may know once more the peace of sleep. Elektra denounces her and draws a vivid picture of the fate which awaits her at the hands of the avenger when he shall return. Klytaimnestra is informed that two messengers, an old man and a youth, have brought the welcome news that Orestes is dead. Elektra's sister informs her that all the palace has now heard the tidings, but Elektra will not believe that her brother is dead. She urges Chrysothemis to assist her in avenging the murder of their father, but the weaker sister shrinks from the task. The youth who has accompanied the old messenger appears in the court. He is Orestes himself. The brother and sister do not recognize each other at first, but when they do, Elektra realizes that the hour has come for which she has longed. She is so different from the happy child that Orestes remembers, and she deplores to him the cruelty she has suffered at the hands of her mother and Aegisthes. Orestes and the old man are now summoned to an audience with Klytaimnestra, who wishes to hear from their own lips the news of Orestes' death. No sooner have the two entered the palace than Klytaimnestra is heard to scream, and Elektra, waiting anxiously, knows that Orestes has avenged the crime. A fight ensues in the palace, some of the servants taking the part of Orestes and others the part of the dead Queen. The tyrant Aegisthes arrives, is greeted by Elektra, who leads him to the door of the palace, and unsuspecting, he enters to meet his doom at the hands of the avenger. Elektra's joy is unbounded; as she is urging her sister and the servants to join her in the dance of triumph, her physical strength gives way and she sinks prostrate to the ground.
Characters:
ELEKTRA CHRYSOTHEMIS KLYTEMNESTRA AEGISTHUS ORESTES FOSTER FATHER OF ORESTES A YOUNG SERVANT AN OLD SERVANT THE CONFIDANT OVERSEER OF THE SERVANTS TRAINBEARER 1st SERVING WOMAN 2nd SERVING WOMAN 3rd SERVING WOMAN 4th SERVING WOMAN 5th SERVING WOMAN
ELEKTRA
(An interior court formed by the rear of the palace and the servants' quarters.—The maids are grouped around the well, which is at the left side of the stage, near front.—Among them is The Surveillante.)
First Maid (lifting her jug).
Elektra, where is she?
Second Maid.
'Tis now the hour when Her father's name she shouts aloud, The walls re-echoing her noise.
(Elektra rushes from a gallery hidden in shadow.—All turn towards her.—Elektra, her arm raised before her face, springs backwards, like an animal regaining its burrow.)
First Maid.
Did you see? Oh, how she looks at us!
Second Maid.
Like a wild cat, no less.
Third Maid.
I saw her there yesterday, moaning…
First Maid.
At sunset there she always kneels and moans.
Third Maid.
We both approached her, Perhaps too closely.
First Maid.
She dislikes to be watched.
Third Maid.
Yes, we came too near; Breathing like a cat towards us: "Shoo! flies," she cried, "Shoo!"
Fourth Maid.
"Shoo! flies, shoo!"
Third Maid.
"Far from my plains begone!" And with her broom menaced us.
Fourth Maid.
"Shoo! flies, shoo!"
Third Maid.
"Come not here to mock my tears, Suck not the foam from my bitter mouth."
Fourth Maid.
"Go, hide yourself," she cried to us: "Eat meat, and drink but little, Go to bed—begone!" But she…
Third Maid.
I would soon…
Fourth Maid.
Know how to answer her!
Third Maid.
"But when you are hungry," I told her, "you also eat!" She sprang at me, her eyes ablaze, Her fingers clawing, and she shouted:
Second Maid.
And you?
Third Maid.
"You love to squat," I said, "Where the odor of dust attracts you, At graves you scratch!"
Second Maid.
What said she then?
Third Maid.
Yelling, she fled to her corner.
First Maid.
Why does the Queen Allow a demon such as she, To come and go about the house?
Second Maid.
Her own child!
First Maid.
Ah! were she my daughter, Rest assured, I'd place her Well behind the bars!
Fourth Maid.
Are they not cruel enough to her? Feeding her with food for beasts! (Sighing:) Have you not seen the Master beat her?
Fifth Maid (very young, in a trembling voice).
I fain would kneel before her, And kiss her naked feet! Has she not a King as father, She who suffers these insults? Her feet, I would anoint them, And dry them with my hair.
The Surveillante (pushing her away).
Will you go in!
Fifth Maid.
There is nothing, know you, As royal as she in this world. She lies in rags before the door, But no one here would dare to face her.
The Surveillante (pushing her towards the low door, which is open, at the left of the stage).
Go!
Fifth Maid (laying hold of the door).
How dare you breathe This air that she breathes! May I see you all some day Hung in a darksome barn, Ah, hung, and justly, too, For the evils Elektra suffers!
The Surveillante (closing the door upon her).
Do you hear her? We whom Elektra dares insult, When to our own table she is asked, We are treated, well, like dogs.
First Maid.
Yes, she has often said: Not a dog would stoop To work like yours: In vain you seek with water to efface The ineffaceable blood of murder, Which always oozes and remains.
Third Maid.
"But the sin," she added, "The sin which night and day renews itself, What water shall efface?"
First Maid.
"Your body seems stiff with dirt, Of which it is the slave."
(The maids carry the jugs into the house, at left.)
The Surveillante (who has opened the door for them).
When she sees us with our children, Then she cries:— "Nothing is more unclean than these children, who like dogs, Upon the slippery, bloodstained steps of yonder house, You have conceived and nursed." Yes or no, this did she say?
First Maid.
Did she say this, yes or no?
(The Surveillante goes in, the door is closed.)
Second Maid (going).
All (within).
Yes, yes.
Third and Fourth Maids.
Yes, yes, yes, yes.
The Fifth Maid.
Yes, yes. (From within:) They have beaten me,
(Elektra comes out of the house.)
Elektra.
All alone! Ah! All alone! The father dead, consigned to the dark, cold, desolate depths... Agamemnon! Agamemnon! O my father! Can't I behold again Thy countenance so dear to me? (In a low voice:) 'Tis the hour, yours and mine, Yes, 'tis the hour when they struck thee, Thy wife and he who in thy couch, Thy royal couch, sleeps with her. They struck thee naked in thy bath, That bath was red with foaming blood. He took thee, he the coward, by the shoulders, And dragged thee thus, head foremost, from the room; Thy feet trailing on the ground. Thine eyes, wide open, looked around thee. Thou shalt return like this, step by step, and suddenly, And thine eyes shall be wide open staring, And the royal circlet shall again adorn thy brow— The purple circlet of thy wound. Agamemnon! O my father! I would see thee once again today! As yesterday thou camest like a shadow, In the shadow yonder, Approach thy child! O my father! O my father!
Agamemnon! May your day be born, As from the stars a rain of fire descends, And may the blood from severed throats fall upon thy tomb! And like urns upturned, May it flow from out the assassin's side; Like a swollen brook or like a river in flood, Thou shalt come forth, O life of dead lives...
(Solemnly pathetic:) And thy war horses, O my father, They also shall to thy tomb be led. They shall neigh aloud, foreseeing their fate, And knowing their hour of death has come. We shall offer up to thee thy dogs, The dogs that licked thy feet, That went with thee to hunt, that thy hands caressed, Their blood shall be before thee, to save thee again, And we, thine offspring, thy son Orestes And thy two daughters, their duty done, Under the purple vault of vapors, Like those of the sun when it burns red, We three shall dance around thy tomb.
(More inspired and pathetic:) Skipping high, I shall o'erleap the dead, And all who there behold me, Dancing like a shade, shall say: "'Tis a mighty monarch Who is here extolled today By those who are his kin and offspring, Ah! happy parent, whose children thus Do honor at his tomb, and dance the royal dances. Agamemnon! Agamemnon!"
Chrysothemis (her younger sister, standing before the door; in a low voice).
Elektra!
(Elektra, frightened, and as if awaking suddenly from a dream, looks towards Chrysothemis.)
Elektra.
Ah! that countenance!
Chrysothemis (still at the door).
Is it so hateful to thee?
Elektra (sharply).
What dost thou wish? Speak, explain thyself, then go!
(Chrysothemis raises her hands as if to defend herself.)
Elektra.
What means that gesture? Thus my father raised his hands that day When the terrible axe felled him dead. What dost thou wish? Daughter of my mother, Daughter of Klytaimnestra?
Chrysothemis (in a low voice).
They plot treason!
Elektra.
The two?
Chrysothemis.
Who?
Elektra.
Who but our mother and that other, The wicked Aegisthes, the daring assassin, Whose heart, whose audacity are but seen in private. And what is their design?
Chrysothemis.
To throw thee into a dark tower, Where thou shalt moan, deprived of sun and moon. (Elektra laughs.) 'Tis true—I heard them.
Elektra.
How did you learn this?
Chrysothemis (in low tones).
At the door, Elektra.
Elektra (blazing up).
There is no need to open a door here! The hoarse death rattles, ah, and the cries they stifle, All re-echo ceaselessly from these walls, There is no need to open! But, motionless, beside me sit And call aloud for death to strike her and him.
Chrysothemis.
In the shadow remain motionless? No, no! there's fire in my breast; 'Tis why I always come and go; In no chamber can I rest, now here, now there I wander madly, up and down... Did they not call my name? I hasten thither, but, alas!
An empty chamber, nothing more I see! And such my anguish That my strength forsakes me; And my breath seems choked So no tears can flow, All turned to stone! My sister, I beseech thee!
Elektra.
Well?
Chrysothemis.
'Tis thou who bindest to the earth thy sister As with bands of steel! But for thee I could escape. Were it not thine hate which never sleeps, Which nothing lessens, which they all suspect, Ah! they would let us leave our jail, my sister! I wish to go! I would not stay here, perhaps to die! Let me die, but let me, ah! live first! Before age approach me, I would know a child's caress, I would clasp it in my arms, Against my breast would shield it, Laughing, while the tempest round us roar, And shake the doors in rage!
Dost thou understand, my sister? Answer then, I pray...
Elektra.
Most miserable body!
Chrysothemis (still greatly exalted).
Ah, mercy, for thee and for myself! ​What use this torment? Our father dead, Our brother absent! Like two birds upon a branch, We anxiously await; On all sides we look... But no one comes...nor brother... Nor message even, nor the hint of a message... Nothing! Time with its brush draws nigh to us, To line our features; without, the skies are bright Or overcast, the women still slender yesterday, Are grown stout, to the fountain they drag Wearily their steps, then suddenly of their burden freed, Draw joyously the sparkling water— Another life is nestling at their breasts, And the child begins to grow in stature. No, no, a woman am I, a woman's lot I crave! Better death than mere existence! (She sobs bitterly.)
Elektra.
Thou howlest? Go in! Thy place is there! What tumult this?
(With irony:) Prepare they for thy wedding? I hear steps running, And within they shout. 'Tis death, or else a child is born! If for a pillow they are short a corpse, Then 'tis necessary that they kill!
Chrysothemis.
Go, go quickly! she must not see thee. Cross not her path: Death watches through her eyes! She had a dream.
(The noise of many footsteps approaching is heard within.)
Get thee hence! They are marching hither. She has dreamed, Dreamed I know not what. I heard her tell the servants: They say she dreamed of Orestes, Yes, Orestes himself. She cried aloud in her dream, As though she were being strangled.
(Torches and shadows fill the entrance, at right of door.)
Behold them all! Behold the long line of torch bearers! Driving beasts before them, bearing spears. Sister, fear has made her terrible. (Urging:) Go, remain not in her path.
Elektra.
I must speak to my mother today.
Chrysothemis.
I fear to wait.
(Chrysothemis makes her escape through the door of the court.—Before the windows, brilliantly illuminated, a noisy procession passes rapidly; sounds of animals which are being led and driven, harsh cries that are immediately suppressed, the cracking of a whip.—Klytaimnestra appears in the large bay-window. Her sallow, bloated countenance is paler on account of the fire of the torches and the purple color of her tunic. She leans on one side upon the arm of a companion dressed in dark violet, on the other upon an ivory cane encrusted with precious stones. A yellow figure, whose black hair, drawn back from the face, suggests an Egyptian, and whose posture recalls that of a serpent raising itself, supports her train. The Queen is covered with precious stones and talismans, her arms are hidden under bracelets, her fingers sparkle with rings. Her eyelids are unusually large and she seems unable to keep them open without effort.—Elektra raises herself to her full height.)
Klytaimnestra (suddenly opens her eyes, and trembling with anger, leans out of the window, threatening Elektra with her cane).
What dost thou wish? Behold her, there! That neck extended, ​That pointed tongue, And say that she is free To live beside me!
(Breathing with difficulty:) With her eyes she would destroy me! O Gods, why does her look oppress me so, Why overwhelm me, why rob me of my strength? Why is my body, living though it be, Like unto a desert place, And this one here, begot of him, Why have I not removed her? Whence this affliction, Gods most venerable?
Elektra (very calm).
The Gods! But art thou, too, not a Goddess, Yes, like unto them?
Klytaimnestra (to her maids).
What did she say? Did you understand her words?
The Companion.
That thou also art of divine origin.
The Train Bearer (in a hissing voice).
She mocks!
(Klytaimnestra closes her heavy eyelids.)
Klytaimnestra (softly).
O lost sweet voice, Whose tones resound so far, so far. She reads my thoughts, But who could know her own?
(The Companion and The Train Bearer whisper together.)
Elektra (slowly approaching Klytaimnestra).
Thou who are not still the same, The vermin hangs on to thee!
At thine ear it hisses, And shares with thee thy thoughts. Hence thou art always Either drunk or dreaming!
Klytaimnestra.
I would descend, That she may speak to me, alone.
(She leaves the window and appears with her maids at the door.)
Klytaimnestra (from the threshold).
Today she is less ferocious. She speaks, too, like a sage.
The Companion (smiling maliciously).
She does not speak her thoughts.
The Train Bearer.
Her words are lies.
Klytaimnestra (flying into a passion).
Ye two, be silent. Ye are but the breath of Aegisthes. When I am awake at night, Are ye agreed as to my suffering? Thou criest: That my eyelids are too heavy, And that my liver is too swollen. Thou whisperest at the other ear: That thou hast seen awful demons, With pointed beaks, That suck my veins. And hast thou not shown me The marks it left behind? And by your counsel I struck them down, Struck, yes, struck those victims numberless. Will you still torment me, And cross me even unto death? Weary am I of hearing: "'Tis the truth I speak, the other lies." Where art thou, O Truth? No one knows thee. When it speaks to me— (Still much oppressed:) Of what I love to hear, I am happy and I listen... To what is pleasing to me, Were it even my daughter, yes, even she, Ah! How sweet to free my tortured soul, That the warm breeze, from whence soe'er it come, May blow upon it. The sick, when evening falls, Seated by the shore, their sores expose, And their grievous wounds, ​To the sweet caresses Of the evening breezes... And of this alone they think: To suffer no longer. Leave me alone with her.
(With an imperious gesture of her cane, she sends The Companion and The Train Bearer into the house. They go in reluctantly. The torches also go out, and but a faint light remains, coming from the house, which lights up the faces of the two women in the court. Klytaimnestra comes forward.)
Klytaimnestra (in a low voice).
No longer happy are my nights. To all dreams what remedy is there?
Elektra (approaching).
Thou dreamest, my mother?
Klytaimnestra.
When one is wakeful, one dreams. There is a remedy—it exists. For every evil, there's a remedy. Seest thou I am covered with precious stones; In each one resides a force. We are only ignorant of how to use them. But thou, if thou wishest, In this matter mayest serve me.
Elektra.
I, my mother?
Klytaimnestra (with fervor).
Yes, yes. Thou art sensible, Thou understandest readily. In all this thou mayest be useful to me. A word is but a little thing... 'Tis only a breath! Learn then that from sunset unto dawn, When I toss restless on my bed, A trifle keeps me wakeful. Not even a word, nor yet an ill, is a thing imponderable; A trifle, did I say?... Not even a nightmare, and yet so terrible is it, That my soul, at its approach, is terrified, And my being is paralyzed with dread! And I can live despite this; Behold me, am I ill? Can one yet live and rot, Like dirt? Can one decay, and yet be not ill, Like a robe worm-eaten? If I sleep, I dream, ah! I dream, That the marrow in my bones has melted; And when I awake (the hour glass scarcely indicating ten), Behind the curtain a reflection I behold, But not the golden dawn of day, No, 'tis still the torch that flares, Like a human eye watching me. All these dreams must end—they must... From whence come they, the strange demon shall flee, So soon as the right blood shall flow.
Elektra.
Strange!
Klytaimnestra (savagely).
When to all that creep about me I shall open the veins of a body, In the red vapor of blood, I shall march And then sleep, As do the children of Thule in the purple mist: I wish to dream no more.
Elektra.
When the right blood under the hatchet flow, All thy dreams shall end.
Klytaimnestra (quickly).
What is this blood, of what pure animal?
Elektra (laughing mysteriously).
The blood of an impure animal.
Klytaimnestra.
One of my prisoners?
Elektra.
No, a free man.
Klytaimnestra.
And what remedies?
Elektra.
Marvelous remedies that must be strictly taken.
Klytaimnestra (impatiently).
Then speak!
Elektra.
Canst thou not understand me?
Klytaimnestra.
No, explain quickly. (She solemnly adjures Elektra.) Tell me the name of this holocaust!
Elektra.
A woman.
Klytaimnestra (with impatience).
Is she among my servants? Is she still a virgin? Or a woman who hath mated?
Elektra (quietly).
Ah! hath mated—that is it!
Klytaimnestra (urging).
Tell me the place and hour of this sacrifice!
Elektra (calmly).
What matters time or place, day or night?
Klytaimnestra.
Tell me the rites! What must I do? Shall I myself...
Elektra.
No, thou shalt not go to the chase, net and axe in hand— Not on this occasion.
Klytaimnestra.
Who then shall act?
Elektra.
A man!
Klytaimnestra.
Aegisthes?
Elektra (laughing).
I said—a man!
Klytaimnestra.
Who? Answer quickly. Is he one of ours? Or must he be a stranger?
Elektra (her eyes on the ground, her thoughts elsewhere).
Ah, a stranger, And yet of this house.
Klytaimnestra.
Explain thine enigma. Go on, Elektra. I am pleased to see thee Less rude than usual...
Elektra.
Wilt thou allow my brother to return here, my mother?
Klytaimnestra.
I have forbidden that his name be mentioned.
Elektra.
Art thou, then, afraid of him?
Klytaimnestra.
Who said so?
Elektra.
Why tremble, my mother?
Klytaimnestra.
Who could be afraid of a poor fool!
Elektra.
What?
Klytaimnestra.
The poor wretch lies with the watch dogs, And, mean soul, confounds the beast with man.
Elektra.
The child was very healthy.
Klytaimnestra.
'Tis why they gave him a sorry lodging. And the dogs for company.
Elektra.
Ah!
Klytaimnestra (lowering her eyelids).
In vain I sent them gold, That they might treat him as befits a king's son!
Elektra.
Thou liest! The gold was sent to tempt his death.
Klytaimnestra.
Who told thee so?
Elektra.
I see it in thine eyes. And by thy trembling I divine he lives. And that day and night thou thinkest of him. And that thine heart stands still When they say: he comes!
Klytaimnestra.
Of those without I have no fear. I am mistress here. I have servants, too, who watch, And, if it please me, I can set Night and day before my door three sentries armed, Who shall guard me with watchful eye. Some day I'll find the means to make thee speak. Thou hast already owned thou knowest the proper victim And the remedy I need. If thou keep silent, free, Then thou shalt speak in chains. Those who starve shall speak. Dreams can be suppressed. Those who suffer them, never finding The true remedy, are simply fools! But I shall know who must bleed and die, So I may sleep at last!
(Elektra springs out of the shadow toward Klytaimnestra, whom she approaches gradually. She speaks to her with increasing exaltation.)
Elektra.
Who must bleed? Thine own throat, when the hunter hath taken thee! As in the heated belly of a beast of brass, I hear him entering thy chamber, I hear the curtain of thy bed drawn back: But who would slay the sleeping victim! He awakes thee. Screaming, thou fleest. He follows after, tracking thy footsteps through thy house! Dost thou run to right, there stands the bed! To left, there foams the bath of blood, And the shadow and the torches envelope thee In their black and scarlet net...
(Klytaimnestra shivers as with a chill.)
Down the stairs, below the arches, From arch to arch, he chaseth thee... And I, I, I, I, who sent him to thee, I shall be the dog hunting the beast; If thou seekest cover, I hurl myself on thee. And we shall go thus to the wall before us, and there... In the darkness, seest thou not already a shadow, Ah, a vague form whose eyes are brilliant? 'Tis my father, heedless, indifferent, Knowing that this must be; 'Tis at his feet that thou shalt fall. Thou shalt seek to call aloud, But the air shall choke thy breath And thy voice shalt sink, soundless, to the earth. Unconscious, thou stretches already thy neck, And fanciest the cold steel attacks already thy life. But no, the time is not. The rite must be observed. Thou art silent, thou awaitest me, thy heart beating wildly; Before thee yawns now a pit, black with age. May thou suffer the most awful horrors, Like shipwrecked sailors whose shouts In vain are raised against the tempest. Now thou art granted what thou seekest. As those who have been bound in jails, Who from the depths of wells, invoke the end, And see in it their savior... O thou who art in thyself encaged, ​Thou, too, shalt have no power to cry! I am before thee, thou canst read in thy haggard eyes The awful word which on thy face Is writ: In the lakes dug by thyself thy soul is strangled, The axe doth fall, and I am there, I see thee, I see thee die! Ended are thy dreams, and those that were forced on me: And he who then shalt live shall know the joy of life!
(They stand facing each other, gazing into each other's eyes—Elektra, filled with an intense anger; Klytaimnestra, breathing with difficulty.—At this instant the vestibule is illumined.—The Companion hastens in. She whispers something in Klytaimnestra's ear. The latter seems at first not to understand. Suddenly she recovers herself. She makes a sign for light. The servants enter, running, with torches, and place themselves behind Klytaimnestra.—Klytaimnestra makes another sign for more light. The Train Bearer enters. Her features now relax gradually, and an evil expression of triumph replaces her looks of anguish.—Servants continue to enter in larger numbers and stand behind Klytaimnestra. The court is now brilliantly illumined and the lurid light is reflected from the walls. Without losing sight of Elektra for an instant, Klytaimnestra has the news repeated. Then, permeated with a savage joy, she extends both her hands menacingly towards Elektra.—The Companion picks up her cane and, supporting herself on both, she quickly gathers up her robe to mount the steps. She enters the house running. The servants, carrying the lights, follow her, as though they were pursued.)
Elektra.
What did they tell her? Whence came her joy? My head! Nothing tells me what has pleased that woman!
(Chrysothemis, screaming like a wounded animal, rushes in by the door of the court.)
Chrysothemis (crying).
Orestes! Orestes is dead!
(Elektra, engrossed in thought, signs her to go.)
Elektra.
Be silent!
Chrysothemis.
Orestes is dead! (Elektra moves her lips.) When I came out, they all knew already! All were speaking of it... Yes, all knew it, save we two.
Elektra. (in a hollow voice).
No one knows that!
Chrysothemis.
They all know.
Elektra.
No one can know, For it is not true.
(Chrysothemis, despairingly, casts herself on the ground.)
Elektra (raising Chrysothemis by force).
It is not true! It is not true, I tell thee, it is not true!
Chrysothemis.
The guests, the two strangers, Sent to bring the news: An old man and a youth, Are standing in the entrance, All around them gathered, Listening, and all, yes, all, now know.
Elektra (with the greatest energy).
It is not true!
Chrysothemis.
No one thinks of us. Dead, Elektra, dead! In a strange country! Dead! so far away, ​Down yonder. His horses ran away, they trampled on him.
(Overcome by savage despair, she falls prone upon the threshold of the house, beside Elektra.—A young servant comes hurriedly out of the house, and collides with the two girls, who are lying before the threshold.)
Young Servant.
Give place! Who spies thus upon the threshold? Ah! She again! Eh! Some one! Eh!
Old Servant (sad of countenance, appearing at the door of the court).
What is it? What wishest thou?
Young Servant.
Let a horse be saddled at once, Or a mule, or if necessary a cow—make haste.
Old Servant.
For whom?
Young Servant.
For him who commands thee. Dost thou hear me? Quick, for me! Yes, yes, for me! Make haste, I must join the master at once, I bear a message to him— A message to be carried quickly, And on horseback. (The old man also goes out.)
Elektra (to herself in a low voice, but with great energy).
It's for us to act here now.
Chrysothemis (questioning her anxiously).
Elektra?
Elektra (precipitately).
Yes, we must act.
Chrysothemis.
What is it, Elektra?
Elektra (in a low voice).
Even today, Better this evening.
Chrysothemis.
What is it, sister?
Elektra.
What? The task Which falls to us, (Very mournfully:) Since, alas! he cannot come.
Chrysothemis (more and more distressed).
What is this task?
Elektra.
We, thou and I, must overcome The woman and that man!
Chrysothemis (in a low voice and shuddering).
Sister, speakest thou of our mother?
Elektra (fiercely).
Of her and of him. Without hesitating we must act. Be silent. Words are useless. We must think of this alone: How shall we act?
Chrysothemis.
I?
Elektra.
Yes, thou and I What other?
Chrysothemis (frightened).
We, we two, to attempt this thing? We, we two, with these hands of ours?
Elektra.
Trust in me alone. (Mysteriously:) The axe... (Louder:) The axe with which my father...
Chrysothemis.
Thou, thou hast it! Thou, my sister!
Elektra.
I kept it for my brother. But let us grasp it now!
Chrysothemis.
Thou? Dost thou mean to strike this man Aegisthes?
Elektra (savagely).
Or her, then him, or him, Then her, what matters it!
Chrysothemis.
Ah! I am afraid.
Elektra.
No one watches at the door.
Chrysothemis.
To strike the sleeper!
Elektra.
Who sleeps is the victim bound, If they sleep not together, alone I'll go. But should I need thee——
Chrysothemis (in self defence).
Elektra!
Elektra.
Shoul I need thee! For thou art strong— (Approaching Chrysothemis:) So strong art thou— Ah! How thy peaceful nights have made thee robust. All thy being is full of vigor. Like a young colt's thy spirit, Slender are thy limbs, Flexible thy body, and so supple Thy two frail hips Thou canst slip through any opening Or enter by the window! And how strong, my sister, are thine arms When thou strugglest, ah! What force is in thine arms— What they seize they crush, Yes, thou couldst crush me or a man With but little effort, So full thy being of healthy vigor. Like a foaming stream falling from a rock, So flows the strength in thy long hair untied. Through thy fresh skin, thy young blood boils. I feel it, with my cheek I feel The velvet texture of thy robust arms. Ah! How strong thou art, strong and beautiful, Like some fruit which summer ripens.
Chrysothemis.
Leave me!
Elektra.
No; I keep thee here! With my poor weak arms I hold thy body, and if thou resistest I clasp thee closer, linking thee to me. I'll even root myself in thee, So my will may reach thy blood.
Chrysothemis.
Leave me!
(She moves away a few paces.)
Elektra (following her, and seizing hold of her dress.)
No; think not of it.
Chrysothemis.
Elektra, please! Oh thou so wise, Let us escape. Ah! Let us be free!
Elektra.
'Tis now I wish to be thy sister, But such a sister as I never was before! I wish in thy chamber to sit beside thee To await thy lover, To anoint thy body for him, And my hands in a perfumed bath plunge thee, And thy head upon thy breast, sweet swan, trembling, Thou wilt receive the homage of thy spouse.
Chrysothemis (closing her eyes).
No, sister, no! Such things say not here.
Elektra.
Oh! Yes, even more than a sister I shall be to thee henceforth: I wish to be thy slave To wait upon thee, night and day, ​Pouring thy water. And when thy child is born, I would raise it in my arms So that its smile should reach thee And thy soul be filled with joy. Then, thy anguish banished by this new light, O, my sister, thy happy tears would flow.
Chrysothemis.
Take me away, I die between these walls.
Elektra (at the knees of Chrysothemis).
Thy mouth is beautiful when it opens, And it cries with anger. From that strong mouth a cry most terrible Shall be heard, as terrible as Thanato's cry! 'Tis when at thy feet they lie, as I do now.
Chrysothemis.
What dost thou mean?
Elektra (rising).
Before thou leavest the house and me, Thou must act.
(Chrysothemis tries to speak.—Elektra closes her mouth.)
Elektra.
Behold, but one road leads hence, If thou wouldst find it open, swear that thou wilt act.
Chrysothemis (freeing herself).
Leave me!
Elektra (seizing her again).
Swear that thou wilt come, This very night, To the foot of the stairs.
Chrysothemis.
Leave me!
Elektra (holding her dress).
Fear not, child, To keep the least spot of blood, When thou layest aside the reddened garments, Thou shalt put on the nuptial veil.
Chrysothemis.
Leave me!
Elektra (still more urgingly).
Be not a coward! Overcome the horror of this moment. Long nights of pleasure shall repay thee.
Chrysothemis.
Count not on it!
Elektra.
Say that thou wilt come!
Chrysothemis.
Count not on it!
Elektra.
See, I am at thy feet, which I embrace!
Chrysothemis.
Count not on it!
(Escaping through the door of the house.)
Elektra.
I hate thee! (With savage resolution:) Let us go alone!
(Silently, in the manner of a wild animal, she creeps along the wall of the house, to the threshold of the door.—Elektra stops creeping, looking around her.—She creeps forward again.—Again she looks around her and listens.—Elektra begins to creep forward again.—Orestes appears in the doorway of the court, and his silhouette is clearly defined in black by the dying light of the day.—Orestes comes forward.—Elektra raises her eyes and sees him; he turns slowly towards her, and his eyes fall upon her.—Elektra gets up quickly.)
Elektra (trembling).
What dost thou wish, stranger? ​What seekest thou, oh, shadow, Why spy thus upon me? I here accomplish my task. And what is it to thee? Leave me alone!
Orestes.
I must wait.
Elektra.
Wait?
Orestes.
But art thou not of the house? Perhaps a servant here?
Elektra.
Yes, I serve in this house. Be happy that nothing calls thee here. Begone!
Orestes.
I have told thee: I must wait here until they call me.
Elektra.
Till they call thee? Thou liest. I know full well that the Master is absent. And she, what could she want of thee?
Orestes.
I and another who accompanied me, We bring a message to the Queen. They send us to her as witnesses That her son Orestes died before our eyes, Crushd by his chargers. I was the same age as he and his dearest friend.
Elektra.
Darest thou appear before me In my dark retreat, sad Herald! Thy awful message, go announce it To those who now divert themselves! If thine eyelid shine hers is not closed. Thy mouth is silent, hers is motionless, filled with earth. Thou livest, and he, a hundred times better than thou, A hundred times more noble also, And who for a hundred reasons would have lived, is dead!
Orestes (calmly).
Let Orestes be. He loved to live. The gods above love not the shouts of human joy. He deserved the tomb.
Elektra.
But I! To be there and say the child Wilt come not, never, never again. That the child, below, amidst the shadow of Styx is drawn... While these people live rejoicing, May their brood, in this lair, live and eat and drink and sleep... Ah, more miserable than the forest beasts, I live alone, always!
Orestes.
Who, then, art thou!
Elektra.
What matters it to thee who I am?
Orestes.
Thou must be of kinship with the dead—Agamemenon and Orestes.
Elektra.
Kinship? I am of their blood. I am the true blood of the king of kings, Agamemnon. Elektra, even.
Orestes.
No.
Elektra.
He contradicts me. He breathes upon me and would take away my name.
Orestes.
Elektra!
Elektra.
A child without a father...
Orestes.
Elektra!
Elektra.
Without a brother, and this boy jeers at me!
Orestes.
Elektra! Elektra! Do I see thee? ​Do I really see thee, thyself? Have they, then, treated thee thus? Perhaps... they have dared to beat thee?
Elektra.
Leave me! Remove your gaze from off my dress.
Orestes.
Ah! what have they made thy nights, the traitors? Oh! thy terrible looks!
Elektra.
Leave me!
Orestes.
Oh! thy poor cheeks!
Elektra.
Go in there, thou wilt see my sister who prepares For a joyous festival!
Orestes.
Listen, Elektra!
Elektra.
What is it to me who thou art? Let me be in peace!
Orestes.
Time presses, listen to me, listen! (In a low voice:) Orestes lives! (Elektra turns round quickly.) Hush, or you betray him!
Elektra.
Is he not free? Where is he?
Orestes.
He is safe and sound, as I.
Elektra.
Save him, then, before they slay him.
Orestes.
By my father's body, 'Tis that brings me here!
Elektra. (struck by the accent).
But who, then, art thou?
(The old servant with the sad countenance, followed by three other servants, comes silently from the court. He prostrates himself before Orestes, whose feet he kisses, while the others embrace the hands and the skirts of Orestes' robe.)
Elektra (recovering herself with difficulty).
Who, then, art thou? Ah! I am afraid!
Orestes (softly).
The dogs of the house knew me— (Louder:) But not my own sister!
Elektra (with a cry).
Orestes! (Very low, trembling:) Orestes! Orestes! Orestes! No, nothing moves. Ah! thy dear countenance which I behold, Thy looks of old, sweeter than the sweetest dream. Beloved, adored countenance of a brother, 'Tis thee indeed! Ah! vanish not from me, Ah! remain before my eyes, Go not unless it is to take me hence With thee, or to tell me that I must die: Death I love, coming to me through thee! Orestes! Orestes! Orestes!
(Orestes stoops towards Elektra, and they embrace.)
Elektra (violently).
No, thou must not embrace me! Go! I am ashamed before thee. What dost thou behold in me? I am the awful shadow of thy sister, My poor child. I know thou tremblest before me, Altho' I was the daughter of a mighty king. I believe that I was beautiful: When I look now within my mirror, What does it whisper to me? So, too, when upon the whiteness of my naked body, The cold night rays reflect, As in a pale, calm lake. ​My hair was once like those Before whom all men tremble, These, knotted, soiled, disordered, Doth thou understand, my brother? What was mine I had to leave behind. My modesty was sacrificed, Virtue, better than all else, virtue Enveloping yet frail, which clothes All womanhood as with a silver mantle And protects their pure, white souls from stain, Doth thou understand, my brother? This sweet thing, I had to offer up in homage to my father. Doth thou believe that when my body My eyes enchanted, his plaintive sighs, His groans did not disturb my nights: The dead are jealous, and he To a single hate—the hate with hollow eyes—affianced me. He made me prophetess inspired, And nothing else was heard from me, But cries of vengeance—nothing else. Why shudder, then, my brother? Speak! Speak to me! Why doth thy body tremble so?
Orestes.
It trembles, every member, Knowing well the path before it.
Elektra.
Thou wilt act? Thou alone? Poor child?
Orestes.
Those who wish this action...
Elektra.
Thou wishest to act!
Orestes.
...The gods shall aid my weakness.
Elektra.
Thrice happy he who can act!
Orestes.
I wish to act and now.
Elektra.
Action is like a bed on which the soul reposes.
Orestes.
I wish, I wish to act.
Elektra.
Like a bed of balm, Where our soul reposes, She who is the sore, The purulence and the flame!
Orestes.
I wish to act!
Elektra.
Happy he who comes to end the work, Happy he who awaited it, Happy he who saw it! Happy he who knows the man, Happy he who approaches him. Happy he who unearths the axe, Happy he who hands him the torch: Happy, thrice happy he who opens for him the door!
(Orestes' Preceptor, a robust old man, with keen eyes, appears upon the threshold of the door of the court.)
The Preceptor (running quickly to them).
Fools to chatter thus, When a breath, a cry, a trifle, May undo us, ah, and our work! (To Orestes, precipitately:) She awaits thee. Her servants are seeking thee, Orestes!
(Orestes gets up, repressing a shudder.—The door of the house is illumined. A maid appears, a torch in her hand, behind her The Companion.—Elektra, who has shrunk back, keeps in the shadow. ​—The Companion bows low before the two strangers, and makes a sign to them to follow her.—Orestes and The Preceptor move forward to enter.—The Maid fastens the torch in an iron ring in the facing of the door.—Orestes, suddenly seized with dizziness, closes his eyes for an instant.—The Preceptor is opposite him, they exchange a rapid glance, the door closes upon them.—Elektra, alone, waits in terrible anxiety. Her head lowered, like a wild beast in its cage, she walks up and down before the door.)
Elektra (stopping suddenly).
I had not the time to give him the axe! They have gone and I had not the time To give him that axe. There are no gods in heaven!
(Another moment of terrible, anxious waiting.)
(In the distance, within the palace, a sharp, piercing cry from Klytaimnestra.)
Elektra (screaming like a demon).
Strike, strike again! (Another cry within the palace.)
(Elektra places herself before the threshold, leaning against the door.)
(Chrysothemis and a crowd of servants come out of the building at left.)
Chrysothemis.
What is happening?
First Maid.
She screams as in her sleep.
Second Maid.
Men have gone in.
Third Maid.
All the doors are locked!
Second Maid.
I saw men go in, believe me.
Fourth Maid (shouting).
Assassins! Assassins are there!
First Maid (crying).
Oh!
Second and Third Maid.
What then?
First Maid.
Look! there's some one at the door.
Chrysothemis.
It's Elektra. Yes, Elektra! Elektra! Why dost thou not speak?
First and Second Maid.
Elektra! Elektra! Why dost thou not speak?
Third and Fourth Maid.
Elektra! Elektra!
Fourth Maid (alone).
I must go and look for men! (She runs out at right.)
Chrysothemis.
Open the door for us, Elektra!
Six Maids.
Elektra, open the door!
Chrysothemis.
Elektra!
Fourth Maid (returning).
Stand Back! Aegisthes! Back! Quick, to your rooms! Here Aegisthes comes.
Six Maids.
Aegisthes!
First, Second and Third Maid.
Aegisthes!
Fourth Maid.
And if he finds us here, if anything has happened
Chrysothemis.
Get back!
First, Second and Third Maid.
Back!
Six Maids.
Back!
(They disappear into the house, at left.)
First, Second and Third Maid.
Back!
(Aegisthes enters, at right, through the door of the court.)
Aegisthes.
(stopping short on the threshold) Torches there! Torches! To light me! Not even a varlet stirs! Is that how they serve, the rascals!
(Elektra takes the torch from the ring, descends to meet him running, and bows low before him.)
(Aegisthes shirks back, startled by the confused apparition which he discerns by the trembling light of the torch.)
Aegisthes.
Ah! who is this frightful woman? I forbade them to admit a stranger, Whoever thou art, approach not! (he recognizes her.) Thou! Thou? Who sent thee to meet me?
Elektra.
Shall I light thee?
Aegisthes.
But, I think the news must greatly interest thee. Who are these two strangers Who say Orestes is dead?
Elektra.
Enter. An aimable hostes has received them. They are now engaged with her.
Aegisthes.
Is it true what they announce, That Orestes is really dead? In such a way that no doubt remains?
Elektra.
O Master, 'tis not by word alone That they affirm their speech, With such proofs as theirs no doubt is possible.
Aegisthes.
What is there in thy voice? What has happened that thou speakest thus? Why waver thus with the torch?
Elektra.
It is easy to understand, Simply that, being now wiser and more prudent, I take the side of the strongest party. Allow me to light thy steps.
Aegisthes (hesitating a little).
To the door.
(Elektra envelopes him with a disquieting dance, then suddenly bows low before him.)
Why dancest thou? Take care!
Elektra.
Here's the stairs, don't fall!
Aegisthes (on the threshold).
How comes it, all is dark? And who are these people?
Elektra.
Those who wish to salute thee in person, Master. And I, who often by my awkward presence, exasperated thee, now know When the Master must enter within the shadow.
(Aegisthus enters the house.—Silence.—Noise within.)
Aegisthes (appearing at a small window, the curtain of which he tears down).
Help! Murder! Murder! Help! Help! Does no one hear me! (He is dragged away.)
Elektra (raising herself high).
Agamemnon hears thee!
(Aegisthes' face appears again at the window.)
Aegisthes.
Ah! misfortune!
(He is borne away.—Elektra, standing facing the door, pants horribly.—Women rush in from the left, Chrysothemis amongst them.—As if bewildered, they hurl themselves towards the door of the court, then suddenly they stop and turn around.)
Chrysothemis.
Elektra! Sister! Come with us! 'Tis our brother who is there! Yes, 'tis Orestes who delivers us!
Men (in the house).
Orestes! Orestes!
Voices Behind the Scenes.
Orestes!
(Tumult in the house; noise of voices, amongst which is distinguished the distant call of the Chorus: "Orestes!")
Chrysothemis.
Come! He is in the hall, All around him are gathered, Embracing his knees. Those who hid their hate of Aegisthes, Have attacked the traitor's partisans, And everywhere, in each court, lie corpses, Even those who live are covered with blood And marked by many wounds.
(The tumult of battle, a mortal struggle between the slaves who side with Orestes and those who remain faithful to Aegisthes, has gradually spread to the interior courts, with which, at right, the door of the court communicates.)
Chorus (behind the scenes—men and women).
Orestes! Orestes!
Chrysothemis.
Their joy is supreme! They all embrace each other, shouting with joy.
(Increasing tumult within, which, when Elektra begins, grows gradually fainter, to right and at rear, on the side of the exterior courts.—The women have rushed out.)
Chrysothemis.
A thousand torches burn and intermingle; Hearest thou? Hearest thou?
(Chrysothemis, alone, remains.—Light comes from without.)
Ah! dost thou not hear?
Women and Men (farther away).
Orestes! Orestes!
Elektra (crouched on the threshold).
If I do not hear? If I do not hear the music, It comes from me, myself. These thousand torch bearers whose steps I hear, Whose myriad steps I hear re-echoing All around me, O sweet harmony, All, I know await me; Full well I know for what they thus await me: I must lead them in the dance, And I cannot. An ocean vast, Immeasurable, surrounds my body, I cannot rise from it!
Chrysothemis.
Dost thou not hear? They all bear him in their triumphant arms!
Elektra (speaking to herself, without paying attention to Chrysothemis).
We are with the Gods. (With enthusiasm:) Our bodies are transfixed by the golden sword of the Gods, But all their glory is not too much for us!
Chrysothemis.
All the faces are transformed, In each eye, upon each cheek, The happy tears we see. All weep with joy. Dost thou not hear?
Elektra.
Shadows I have sown; I reap now joy upon joy.
Chrysothemis.
Ah! how good the Gods are!
Elektra.
I was a corpse amidst the living, And now I am the fire of life, And my flame devours the blackness of the world.
Chrysothemis.
Another life begins for us, For all men here. 'Tis the Gods in their infinite goodness, Who have granted it to us.
Elektra.
My countenance seems paler than the pale face of the moon.
Chrysothemis.
Who has always loved us?
Elektra.
He who sees me must either die suddenly Or if not, faint with joy.
Chrysothemis.
Who has always loved us?
Elektra.
See ye not my countenance? See ye not the flame which I exhale?
Chrysothemis.
Our dear brother is there, and love Flows over us as oil and myrrh. He is our Lord! Who can live without love?
Elektra.
Ah! Love kills us, But none can live without knowing love!
Chrysothemis.
Elektra, I must go to our brother!
(Elektra descends from the threshold. She has thrown back her head like a bachanal. She bends her knees, extenders her arms and her steps are those of some unknown dance.—Chrysothemis re-appears at the door; behind her are torch bearers, a crowd of men and women.)
Chrysothemis.
Elektra!
(Elektra stops, looks at her fixedly.)
Elektra.
Be silent and dance! All who come hither! From the ring! Form the ring! I bear the burden of happiness, And I dance before ye. Let him who is as happy as we, imitate me: Be silent and dance!
(She again dances a few steps in a triumphant dance.—Elektra falls prone.—Chrysothemis runs to her.—Elektra lies prostrate and rigid.)
Chrysothemis (rushing to the door of the house and knocking).
Orestes! Orestes! (Silence.)
End.
This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published before January 1, 1930.
This work may be in the public domain in countries and areas with longer native copyright terms that apply the rule of the shorter term to foreign works.
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