ORESTES (_armed_), IPHIGENIA, THOAS
ORESTES (_addressing his followers_)
Redouble your exertions! hold them back!
Few moments will suffice; maintain your ground,
And keep a passage open to the ship
For me and for my sister.
(_To_ IPHIGENIA, _without perceiving_ THOAS.)
Come with speed!
We are betray'd,--brief time remains for flight.
(_He perceives the king_.)
THOAS (_laying his hand on his sword_)
None in my presence with impunity
His naked weapon wears.
IPHIGENIA
Do not profane
Diana's sanctuary with rage and blood.
Command your people to forbear awhile,
And listen to the priestess, to the sister.
ORESTES
Say, who is he that threatens us?
IPHIGENIA
In him
Revere the king, who was my second father.
Forgive me, brother, that my childlike heart
Hath plac'd our fate thus wholly in his hands.
I have betray'd your meditated flight,
And thus from treachery redeem'd my soul.
ORESTES
Will he permit our peaceable return?
IPHIGENIA
Thy gleaming sword forbids me to reply.
ORESTES (_sheathing his sword_)
Then speak! thou seest I listen to thy words.