_Orestes_ calls loudly for admission, telling the slave who opens that he is a traveller, and must do his message to those within ere night falls; to a lady if a lady rules, though a lord is seemlier. _Enter Clytaemnestra_, who gives a formal offer of hospitality (having noticed his irreverent tone), and to whom he bluffly gives a message from a fellow traveller, who learning he was bound for Argos, begged him to seek out Orestes' kinsmen and give the news of his death. _Clytaemnestra_ affects a burst of grief; the curse has taken another victim as he was disentangling himself from the net. _Orestes_ regrets he cannot hope for the welcome of those who bear good news. _Clytaemnestra_ (with a dim feeling of suspicion) assures him he shall want for nothing 'that is fitting', orders Orestes to be led one way, and the rest another, and goes to call Aegisthus 'and friends.' _Exeunt Clytaemnestra by Left Inferior Door to the Women's Quarters, Orestes and Porter through Central and Pylades, etc., through Right Inferior Door. Chorus, in marching rhythm_, catch the touch of suspense, and invoke Hermes and the Spirit of Persuasion for Orestes. { 720}
_Enter from Women's Quarters, Cilissa_, Orestes' Nurse, bidden to seek Aegisthus, as the stranger looks like one meaning to cook some ill. She is in tears at the death of her boy, and details all the petty cares she had over his helpless infancy, and how they are now all profitless.
_Chor._ And how equipped then doth she bid him come? { 753} _Nurse_ How? Speak again that I may better learn. _Chor._ By spearmen followed, or himself alone? _Nurse_ She bids him bring his guards with lances armed. _Chor._ Nay, say not that to him thy lord doth hate, But bid him 'come alone,' (that so he hear Without alarm), 'full speed, with joyous mind,' Since 'secret speech with messenger goes best.' _Nurse_ And art thou of good cheer at this my tale? _Chor._ But what if Zeus will turn the tide of ill? _Nurse_ How so? Orestes, our One hope is gone. _Chor._ Not yet; a sorry seer might know thus much. _Nurse_ What say'st thou? Know'st thou aught besides my tale? _Chor._ Go tell thy message; do thine errand well: The Gods for what they care for, care enough. _Nurse_ I then will go, complying with thy words: May all, by God's gift, end most happily! { 769}