TH. Of its own accord, or did an earthquake turn it?
IPH. Of its own accord, and it closed its eyes.
TH. But what is the cause? is it pollution from the strangers?
IPH. That very thing, naught else, for they have done dreadful things.
TH. What, did they slay any of the barbarians upon the shore?
IPH. They came possessing the stain of domestic murder.
TH. What? for I am fallen into a longing to learn this.
IPH. They put an end to a mother's life by conspiring sword.
TH. Apollo! not even among barbarians would any one have dared this.
IPH. By persecutions they were driven out of all Greece.
TH. Is it then on their account that thou bearest the image without?
IPH. Ay, under the holy sky, that I may remove it from blood stains.
TH. But how didst thou discover the pollution of the strangers?
IPH. I examined them, when the image of the Goddess turned away.
TH. Greece hath trained thee up wise, in that thou well didst perceive
this.
IPH. And now they have cast out a delightful bait for my mind.
TH. By telling thee any charming news of those at Argos?
IPH. That my only brother Orestes fares well.
TH. So that, forsooth, thou mightest preserve them because of their
pleasant news!
IPH. And that my father lives and fares well.
TH. But thou hast with reason attended to the interest of the Goddess.
IPH. Ay, because hating all Greece that destroyed me.
TH. What then shall we do, say, concerning the two strangers?
IPH. We needs must respect the established law.