_By the turning of the periacti and other mechanical changes the scene
is shifted to the familiar Acropolis of Athens itself, the open Central
Doors being arranged to represent the Porch of the Temple of 'Athene,
Guardian of the City.' Enter by Distance side-door Orestes, who
advances to the Centre and clasps the Statue of Pallas._ {226}
_Orestes_ has come as suppliant, but no longer with the stain of blood
on his hands; that during his long wanderings has been by due rites
washed away.
_Suddenly by the same door the Furies enter upon the Stage, their faces
to the ground and tracking Orestes' steps._ {235}
_Chorus of Furies_: they have been long off the track, at last the
'dumb informer' is clear again, already they catch the loved scent of
blood.--There he is clasping in confidence the statue of the Goddess,
but watch, he escapes not: no trial, as he hopes, for the matricide;
his own blood they must suck from his living members, and when they
have had their fill of this drink undrinkable they will drag him down
alive to bear the fate of a matricide. _Orestes not yet perceiving
them continues his prayer_: long experience has taught him the various
cleansing rites, and they have all been paid; he has dwelt amongst men
and no impurity has been brought on them; this and all-cleansing Time
show that the stain of matricide is removed, and with pure hands he can
clasp Athene, queen of this land, and pledge the Argive alliance for
her City [_one of the political hits of the piece_] if she will
befriend him. _The Furies suddenly spring up_: Not Apollo nor Athene
can save thee from thy doom! _Orestes clings convulsively to the
Statue_. Thou resistest? then feel our spell! {296}
_Chanting in marching rhythm they rapidly descend the Orchestra
staircase, form about the Altar and then proceed to_