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 oracle:
That I myself unarmed with shield or host {36}
Should subtly work the righteous deed of blood,
and details his plan: the Attendant, whose age will save him from
recognition, shall announce the death of Orestes, while Orestes and
Pylades shall perform the rites enjoined at his father's tomb; then,
when the wrong-doers believe themselves secure, the avenger will easily
gain admittance. [_At this moment a woman's wail is heard within._]
Orestes wonders if it may be his own Electra and would stop, the
Attendant hurries him away to do the God's behest. {85}
_Exeunt Orestes and Pylades on left to Tomb of Agamemnon; Attendant
back through the Distance side-door. Enter from Palace Electra moaning
and weeping._