IPHIGENIA. As doth the flower revolve to meet the sun, Once more my spirit to sweet comfort turns, Struck by thy words' invigorating ray. How dear the counsel of a present friend, Lacking whose godlike power, the lonely one In silence droops! for, lock'd within his breast, Slowly are ripen'd purpose and resolve, Which friendship's genial warmth had soon matur'd.
PYLADES. Farewell! I haste to re-assure our friends, Who anxiously await us: then with speed I will return, and, hid within the brake, Attend thy signal.--Wherefore, all at once, Doth anxious thought o'ercloud thy brow serene?
IPHIGENIA. Forgive me! As light clouds athwart the sun, So cares and fears float darkling o'er my soul.
PYLADES. Oh, banish fear! With danger it hath form'd A close alliance,--they are constant friends.
IPHIGENIA. It is an honest scruple, which forbids That I should cunningly deceive the king, And plunder him who was my second sire.
PYLADES. Him thou dost fly, who would have slain thy brother.
IPHIGENIA. To me, at least, he hath been ever kind.
PYLADES. What Fate commands is not ingratitude.
IPHIGENIA. Alas! it still remains ingratitude; Necessity alone can justify it.
PYLADES. Thee, before gods and men it justifies.
IPHIGENIA. But my own heart is still unsatisfied.
PYLADES. Scruples too rigid are a cloak for pride.
IPHIGENIA. I cannot argue, I can only feel.
PYLADES. Conscious of right, thou shouldst respect thyself.
IPHIGENIA. Then only doth the heart know perfect ease, When not a stain pollutes it.
PYLADES. In this fane Pure hast thou kept thy heart. Life teaches us To be less strict with others and ourselves; Thou'lt learn the lesson too. So wonderful Is human nature, and its varied ties Are so involv'd and complicate, that none May hope to keep his inmost spirit pure, And walk without perplexity through life. Nor are we call'd upon to judge ourselves; With circumspection to pursue his path, Is the immediate duty of a man. For seldom can he rightly estimate, Or his past conduct or his present deeds.
IPHIGENIA. Almost thou dost persuade me to consent.
PYLADES. Needs there persuasion when no choice is granted? To save thyself, thy brother, and a friend, One path presents itself, and canst thou ask If we shall follow it?