1 00:04:42,320 --> 00:04:43,651 Strike! 2 00:06:51,280 --> 00:06:52,884 O, wretched Argos! 3 00:06:53,640 --> 00:06:57,725 Our armies under Agamemnon conquered the world. 4 00:06:58,160 --> 00:06:59,969 How far have we fallen since! 5 00:07:00,280 --> 00:07:04,888 When he returned in triumph, we called him "The Blessed One". 6 00:07:05,400 --> 00:07:07,368 "The Blessed One"... 7 00:07:07,640 --> 00:07:11,440 They buried him in a field like a dog. Butchers! 8 00:07:31,760 --> 00:07:36,084 Aegisthus is marrying her off to a peasant. 9 00:07:36,480 --> 00:07:37,641 Poor Electra. 10 00:07:38,360 --> 00:07:42,410 He sent away all her noble suitors. 11 00:07:43,080 --> 00:07:45,208 He fears her vengeance. 12 00:07:48,080 --> 00:07:50,811 It's strange he did not kill her. 13 00:07:51,120 --> 00:07:54,090 Keeping her locked up all these years... 14 00:07:54,400 --> 00:07:55,970 Her mother stopped him. 15 00:07:56,640 --> 00:08:00,929 She's frightened of the people, black-hearted whore! 16 00:08:01,640 --> 00:08:05,804 So she buries her alive in this base marriage. 17 00:12:33,440 --> 00:12:39,800 The sun looked down from its golden chariot... 18 00:12:40,640 --> 00:12:46,807 at the earth stretched out below. 19 00:12:48,000 --> 00:12:55,009 And when it saw the wrongs of men... 20 00:12:56,640 --> 00:13:03,888 Abruptly changed its course. 21 00:13:05,640 --> 00:13:11,522 Darkness fell over the east. 22 00:13:12,640 --> 00:13:18,409 Fires raged in the west. 23 00:13:19,400 --> 00:13:26,409 Black clouds gathered from the north... 24 00:13:27,840 --> 00:13:34,450 And nature was laid waste. 25 00:13:35,640 --> 00:13:43,411 But the day will come and the land will rejoice. 26 00:13:43,760 --> 00:13:47,048 The mountains will be green again. 27 00:13:47,520 --> 00:13:50,126 And the earth will drink its fill. 28 00:14:03,560 --> 00:14:09,329 And like a fawn in the forest... 29 00:14:10,920 --> 00:14:15,687 You shall lead the dance... 30 00:14:17,760 --> 00:14:24,450 Gathering armfuls... 31 00:14:27,160 --> 00:14:31,449 of flowers and smiles. 32 00:16:40,840 --> 00:16:42,888 I am Electra... 33 00:16:43,440 --> 00:16:47,650 daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. 34 00:16:48,240 --> 00:16:50,083 O, bitter fate! 35 00:16:50,680 --> 00:16:52,842 O, cruel, bitter fate! 36 00:16:53,240 --> 00:16:55,766 Do not sigh, my child. 37 00:16:56,280 --> 00:16:59,648 Pray to the gods and they will hear you. 38 00:17:00,000 --> 00:17:04,642 Neither god nor mortal hears me. 39 00:17:06,360 --> 00:17:08,408 I weep for the slain... 40 00:17:10,440 --> 00:17:12,249 and the exiled one. 41 00:17:13,080 --> 00:17:14,764 She means her brother... 42 00:17:15,160 --> 00:17:17,162 Her brother, Orestes. 43 00:17:26,840 --> 00:17:30,367 True son of a noble father... 44 00:17:31,160 --> 00:17:32,650 Where is he now? 45 00:17:34,040 --> 00:17:37,123 In what land? Under what roof? 46 00:17:37,840 --> 00:17:41,242 If only he were her to behold his sister's plight! 47 00:17:41,600 --> 00:17:44,001 Driven from her father's house... 48 00:17:46,320 --> 00:17:48,368 out into the wilderness... 49 00:17:53,040 --> 00:17:55,441 while our strumpet mother... 50 00:17:55,840 --> 00:17:59,401 sleeps with another man in her bed of crime. 51 00:18:12,200 --> 00:18:13,645 Good women... 52 00:18:15,920 --> 00:18:18,651 If you know my father's grave... 53 00:18:20,840 --> 00:18:22,330 Lead me there... 54 00:18:25,680 --> 00:18:29,605 There let me vent my sorrow. 55 00:19:28,280 --> 00:19:35,721 Sad is the path, every step a tear... 56 00:19:47,920 --> 00:19:52,920 Let our bitter tears sweeten life's woes... 57 00:21:43,640 --> 00:21:46,405 Just as the baby swan... 58 00:21:47,640 --> 00:21:51,087 weeps beside the bank... 59 00:21:52,760 --> 00:21:54,888 wailing for its father, 60 00:21:56,000 --> 00:21:58,606 trapped in the hunter's net... 61 00:22:01,400 --> 00:22:04,768 so I weep for you, my father. 62 00:22:11,240 --> 00:22:14,687 Sweet father... 63 00:22:15,640 --> 00:22:18,007 Can you hear me? 64 00:22:18,800 --> 00:22:22,885 See my hair, shorn for you... 65 00:22:25,720 --> 00:22:29,167 for you I rend my cheeks... 66 00:23:14,000 --> 00:23:15,650 I knew you would be here. 67 00:23:23,200 --> 00:23:26,044 Where is your brother, the brave Orestes? 68 00:23:26,160 --> 00:23:28,606 Is he not here to defend his father's grave? 69 00:23:28,880 --> 00:23:30,325 He will come. 70 00:23:30,680 --> 00:23:31,761 When? 71 00:23:32,080 --> 00:23:34,287 He will rid the earth of you. 72 00:23:38,640 --> 00:23:39,926 He will come! 73 00:23:45,400 --> 00:23:46,640 He will never dare! 74 00:23:46,880 --> 00:23:49,770 He knows I've set a high price on his head. 75 00:26:21,440 --> 00:26:22,680 Orestes... 76 00:26:30,720 --> 00:26:35,009 Pylades! My true friend! 77 00:26:35,640 --> 00:26:36,687 You've come. 78 00:26:37,280 --> 00:26:40,045 As soon as I got your message. 79 00:26:40,320 --> 00:26:43,005 Your slave led me here. 80 00:26:44,240 --> 00:26:48,529 Only you have shared all my grief. 81 00:26:58,840 --> 00:27:01,081 The Oracle has spoken. 82 00:27:01,720 --> 00:27:04,166 I must avenge my father's murder. 83 00:27:04,600 --> 00:27:05,601 How? 84 00:27:07,160 --> 00:27:09,606 I cannot get inside the palace. 85 00:27:10,600 --> 00:27:13,365 So here I stay, by the border... 86 00:27:14,400 --> 00:27:16,846 where no one knows me. 87 00:27:17,560 --> 00:27:20,723 Now I must find my sister. 88 00:27:21,080 --> 00:27:25,563 I heard she is married and lives far from the palace. 89 00:27:26,080 --> 00:27:29,641 She will tell me all and perhaps... 90 00:27:31,640 --> 00:27:33,210 agree to help me. 91 00:27:39,640 --> 00:27:41,608 The sun will soon be up. 92 00:27:46,760 --> 00:27:48,842 Let us head for the village. 93 00:27:49,520 --> 00:27:55,527 Some shepherd may tell us what we need to know. 94 00:29:36,800 --> 00:29:40,407 Why do you toil for me... 95 00:29:42,160 --> 00:29:44,845 when your heart is so heavy? 96 00:29:45,200 --> 00:29:48,921 You are a friend in evil days. 97 00:29:49,360 --> 00:29:53,490 To help you gives me plealsure. 98 00:29:54,040 --> 00:29:56,361 Leave the house to me. 99 00:29:56,840 --> 00:30:00,686 A working man deserves a well-kept home. 100 00:30:01,120 --> 00:30:05,011 So be it. It's not far to the spring. 101 00:30:05,480 --> 00:30:08,882 And I will go and plough. 102 00:31:03,520 --> 00:31:05,807 A woman with a pitcher! 103 00:31:17,640 --> 00:31:19,961 Her cropped hair... 104 00:31:20,320 --> 00:31:22,163 shows she is a slave. 105 00:31:22,440 --> 00:31:24,044 Shall we ask her? 106 00:31:24,360 --> 00:31:28,684 No. We must find someone who's more likely to know. 107 00:32:56,800 --> 00:32:59,087 She must be at the spring. 108 00:33:41,360 --> 00:33:47,163 Like a fawn in the forest... 109 00:33:47,560 --> 00:33:52,043 You will lead the dance... 110 00:33:52,560 --> 00:33:58,806 Gathering armfuls... 111 00:34:00,240 --> 00:34:04,484 of flowers and smiles. 112 00:34:07,000 --> 00:34:09,162 A mountain-man has come from Mycenae... 113 00:34:09,440 --> 00:34:11,807 to ask us all to the fair. 114 00:34:12,080 --> 00:34:15,129 It's time for our sparkling dresses. 115 00:34:15,480 --> 00:34:19,610 No joy for me in singing and dancing. 116 00:34:19,800 --> 00:34:21,643 We will lend you our clothes... 117 00:34:22,000 --> 00:34:23,286 bracelets and necklaces... 118 00:34:23,560 --> 00:34:25,881 And your beauty will dazzle the sun. 119 00:34:27,120 --> 00:34:32,411 I will never dance again with the maidens of Argos. 120 00:35:04,640 --> 00:35:06,768 Hide me. 121 00:35:10,840 --> 00:35:13,605 Two men are lurking by your house. 122 00:35:14,760 --> 00:35:18,560 Aegisthus' men... I fear for my life. 123 00:35:22,080 --> 00:35:25,289 Do not be afraid. We are friends. 124 00:35:30,320 --> 00:35:33,767 One of you lives here... 125 00:35:36,720 --> 00:35:38,609 Her name is Electra. 126 00:35:46,240 --> 00:35:49,642 I swear I will not harm her. 127 00:35:52,360 --> 00:35:53,850 I know her brother. 128 00:36:08,400 --> 00:36:10,926 Wait! 129 00:36:12,280 --> 00:36:17,411 I bring you news... of your brother. 130 00:36:32,440 --> 00:36:34,488 Is he alive? 131 00:36:36,440 --> 00:36:37,851 Or dead? 132 00:36:38,680 --> 00:36:40,091 He is alive. 133 00:36:42,240 --> 00:36:44,925 May the gods bless you for those words. 134 00:36:45,000 --> 00:36:47,731 Your brother... shares that blessing. 135 00:36:54,880 --> 00:36:59,169 Where is he? Far away? 136 00:37:00,120 --> 00:37:03,602 He suffers in many lands. 137 00:37:07,440 --> 00:37:11,729 Has he enough to eat? 138 00:37:12,520 --> 00:37:13,567 Yes. 139 00:37:14,160 --> 00:37:17,004 But there is no joy in exile. 140 00:37:19,120 --> 00:37:21,726 What message do you bring me? 141 00:37:22,040 --> 00:37:24,884 He wants to know about you. 142 00:37:25,360 --> 00:37:29,445 Look at me. Ask no more... 143 00:37:29,720 --> 00:37:32,803 I look. And I weep for you. 144 00:37:34,600 --> 00:37:35,931 Why do you live... 145 00:37:36,240 --> 00:37:38,129 so far from the palace? 146 00:37:42,640 --> 00:37:44,768 Because of my ill-starred marriage. 147 00:37:45,120 --> 00:37:49,284 Now it's for your brother I weep. Whom did you marry? 148 00:37:52,520 --> 00:37:56,286 Not one my father would have chosen. 149 00:37:57,400 --> 00:38:01,485 A poor man - but a good man. 150 00:38:03,200 --> 00:38:04,486 He respects me. 151 00:38:04,880 --> 00:38:07,724 Respects you? How? 152 00:38:10,800 --> 00:38:12,564 He has never touched me. 153 00:38:17,720 --> 00:38:22,408 Why? Some vow perhaps? 154 00:38:24,880 --> 00:38:28,805 He says Aegisthus forced me into this marriage. 155 00:38:29,200 --> 00:38:31,407 Perhaps he fears Orestes. 156 00:38:32,400 --> 00:38:34,846 He honours Orestes. 157 00:38:38,640 --> 00:38:43,009 How could your own mother agree to this? 158 00:38:43,400 --> 00:38:45,084 Women care only for their men. 159 00:38:45,400 --> 00:38:48,768 Why should Aegisthus humble you so? 160 00:38:50,640 --> 00:38:53,450 So that my children should be humble. 161 00:38:53,760 --> 00:38:55,649 And now grow into avengers? 162 00:38:56,000 --> 00:38:59,846 He lives in dread of vengeance. 163 00:39:06,000 --> 00:39:08,606 Do they know you are still a virgin? 164 00:39:08,880 --> 00:39:11,167 I have kept it a secret. 165 00:39:14,640 --> 00:39:18,042 Our words are safe with them. 166 00:40:32,760 --> 00:40:34,728 If Orestes were here... 167 00:40:35,480 --> 00:40:37,369 to see you now! 168 00:40:38,360 --> 00:40:42,729 Even if he were... 169 00:40:44,360 --> 00:40:47,842 I would not know him. 170 00:41:24,160 --> 00:41:25,924 Let me hear... 171 00:41:29,680 --> 00:41:34,288 the harshest truth... to tell your brother... 172 00:41:35,640 --> 00:41:38,564 that it may steel his heart. 173 00:41:49,440 --> 00:41:53,286 Then tell him this... 174 00:41:53,640 --> 00:41:56,928 His mother lives enthroned in spoils. 175 00:41:57,160 --> 00:42:01,927 Her every whim indulged by Trojan slaves. 176 00:42:05,400 --> 00:42:10,850 She cast me out like a mangy dog. 177 00:42:11,880 --> 00:42:16,090 Me! Her own daughter. 178 00:42:25,400 --> 00:42:30,930 Tell him I have to fetch water from the spring... 179 00:42:32,640 --> 00:42:34,802 dressed in these rags... 180 00:42:37,200 --> 00:42:39,965 these filthy tatters... 181 00:42:40,680 --> 00:42:45,766 ashamed to call myself a woman. 182 00:42:48,760 --> 00:42:51,889 And tell him too about the murderer... 183 00:42:52,640 --> 00:42:55,689 riding in the dead king's chariot... 184 00:42:56,000 --> 00:42:59,163 brazenly holding my father's sceptre! 185 00:43:03,400 --> 00:43:07,564 They lefl: his body out there for the vultures to eat. 186 00:43:08,400 --> 00:43:11,290 And for his wretched grave... 187 00:43:11,640 --> 00:43:17,647 never an offering, never a branch of myrtle... 188 00:43:19,760 --> 00:43:23,446 That sneering, drunken lecher... 189 00:43:23,680 --> 00:43:26,729 my mother's precious husband... 190 00:43:27,280 --> 00:43:30,727 reviles the grave and raving shrieks: 191 00:43:30,920 --> 00:43:33,207 "Where is Orestes?" 192 00:43:36,640 --> 00:43:39,120 "Will he never come back?" 193 00:43:52,800 --> 00:43:59,160 Tell him all this. The proof is here... 194 00:44:02,520 --> 00:44:04,170 in my hands... 195 00:44:06,880 --> 00:44:09,360 my tormented mind... 196 00:44:11,520 --> 00:44:13,966 in my cropped head... 197 00:44:24,880 --> 00:44:27,087 When Orestes comes... 198 00:44:29,640 --> 00:44:31,005 what must he do? 199 00:44:31,480 --> 00:44:36,611 The question shames you, stranger. 200 00:44:36,920 --> 00:44:41,448 He has to kill the murderers? 201 00:44:42,440 --> 00:44:45,330 Yes. Dare what they dared. 202 00:44:48,320 --> 00:44:53,087 His mother? And your mother too? 203 00:44:55,520 --> 00:44:57,010 Her too. 204 00:45:01,880 --> 00:45:03,769 Will you help him? 205 00:45:04,640 --> 00:45:08,690 As she helped Aegisthus... 206 00:45:14,280 --> 00:45:15,930 With an axe! 207 00:46:23,600 --> 00:46:26,285 Your husband is coming home. 208 00:46:42,560 --> 00:46:46,281 Gods! This is your husband? 209 00:46:50,200 --> 00:46:52,202 Who are these strangers? 210 00:46:53,120 --> 00:46:54,929 What do they want? 211 00:47:01,360 --> 00:47:04,603 Young women shouldn't talk to strangers. 212 00:47:04,840 --> 00:47:07,320 No need to fret about her. 213 00:47:07,640 --> 00:47:10,325 They bring news of Orestes. 214 00:47:15,720 --> 00:47:18,485 Do not take offence. 215 00:47:18,800 --> 00:47:21,280 What news? Is he alive? 216 00:47:24,640 --> 00:47:25,926 And why are they here? 217 00:47:26,280 --> 00:47:28,726 To see for themselves... 218 00:47:29,760 --> 00:47:34,084 What their eyes can't see her tongue will tell. 219 00:47:35,160 --> 00:47:37,845 They are welcome to our house. 220 00:47:42,640 --> 00:47:45,962 My home is yours, for your good tidings. 221 00:47:49,840 --> 00:47:52,207 This is a simple man. 222 00:47:52,600 --> 00:47:54,682 Not one of the great in Argos... 223 00:47:55,120 --> 00:47:57,726 yet he stands high among our people. 224 00:48:02,480 --> 00:48:06,610 True nobility is often hard to tell. 225 00:48:08,040 --> 00:48:11,249 I have known princes with worthless sons... 226 00:48:11,680 --> 00:48:15,446 and noble sons from humble stock. 227 00:48:16,320 --> 00:48:20,769 I have known meanness in the richest men... 228 00:48:21,760 --> 00:48:25,128 and generosity in the poorest. 229 00:48:26,600 --> 00:48:27,886 Come in. 230 00:48:28,440 --> 00:48:32,331 It is an honour to welcome the friends of friends. 231 00:48:32,800 --> 00:48:37,203 Your greeting is worthy of Agamemnon's son... 232 00:48:38,200 --> 00:48:41,488 absent or not. 233 00:48:53,480 --> 00:48:57,963 A poor man should not receive such lordly guests. 234 00:48:58,240 --> 00:49:01,961 Good men grasp the will and not the deed. 235 00:49:02,400 --> 00:49:06,371 Quick then! To my father's old tutor. 236 00:49:07,080 --> 00:49:10,243 He tends his flocks in the valley. 237 00:49:10,640 --> 00:49:13,962 Bid him bring what food he can. 238 00:49:15,640 --> 00:49:21,841 He will rejoice to know the child he saved still lives. 239 00:49:24,440 --> 00:49:27,171 Meanwhile, look to our guests. 240 00:49:28,080 --> 00:49:30,606 Offer them all we have. 241 00:49:34,560 --> 00:49:36,722 And you, friends, lend her a hand. 242 00:49:57,080 --> 00:49:59,526 There in the bay of Nauplia... 243 00:50:01,080 --> 00:50:04,562 A warrior back from Troy. 244 00:50:05,280 --> 00:50:09,251 Sang the wonders of the shield... 245 00:50:10,640 --> 00:50:14,201 of fleet-footed Achilles. 246 00:50:14,640 --> 00:50:19,009 On it the winged horses of the sun blazed forth. 247 00:50:20,000 --> 00:50:24,050 And round them swirled unnumbered stars. 248 00:50:24,920 --> 00:50:26,922 This shield it was... 249 00:50:27,400 --> 00:50:30,210 and Agamemnon's golden sword... 250 00:50:30,560 --> 00:50:35,487 which struck dark dread into the heart of Hector. 251 00:50:39,120 --> 00:50:41,168 Under his flying spear... 252 00:50:41,520 --> 00:50:43,761 horses leapt forth... 253 00:50:44,120 --> 00:50:47,681 raising clouds of dust. 254 00:50:49,000 --> 00:50:53,085 This was the warrior she struck down. 255 00:50:53,680 --> 00:50:56,923 Leader of all the Greeks, her husband! 256 00:51:25,920 --> 00:51:30,084 Where is the daughter of Agamemnon... 257 00:51:30,440 --> 00:51:33,603 whom I tended as a boy? 258 00:51:33,920 --> 00:51:38,642 A steep climb for old bones. 259 00:51:49,760 --> 00:51:51,569 Is it you, my child? 260 00:51:52,360 --> 00:51:58,242 I bring a new-born lamb, fresh cheese... 261 00:51:59,600 --> 00:52:02,843 and my oldest wine. 262 00:52:04,640 --> 00:52:07,530 Give them to your guests. 263 00:52:08,360 --> 00:52:10,601 I will sit down here... 264 00:52:14,000 --> 00:52:18,210 and dry my tears... 265 00:52:19,160 --> 00:52:21,083 with these rags. 266 00:52:21,720 --> 00:52:25,088 Why do you weep, old friend? 267 00:52:26,880 --> 00:52:29,724 When I passed your father's grave... 268 00:52:30,120 --> 00:52:33,966 I could not help but stop... 269 00:52:34,520 --> 00:52:36,522 and mourn awhile. 270 00:52:37,840 --> 00:52:42,880 On the tomb lay myrtle branches... 271 00:52:43,320 --> 00:52:46,164 and a lock of golden hair. 272 00:52:48,080 --> 00:52:53,803 Who dared leave them there? 273 00:52:54,120 --> 00:52:56,771 Surely, no man of Argos... 274 00:52:57,080 --> 00:53:00,721 Then I thought, his son perhaps... 275 00:53:01,080 --> 00:53:04,084 had stolen across the border... 276 00:53:04,400 --> 00:53:07,290 to deck his unhallowed grave. 277 00:53:07,680 --> 00:53:10,843 These are wild words, old man. 278 00:53:11,200 --> 00:53:13,043 My brother is fearless! 279 00:53:13,440 --> 00:53:16,683 He will not return in stealth. 280 00:53:19,160 --> 00:53:23,006 I long to hear about Orestes. 281 00:53:24,000 --> 00:53:26,162 Guide me to the strangers. 282 00:53:26,600 --> 00:53:30,446 Age has dimmed my eyes. 283 00:54:13,280 --> 00:54:15,169 I greet you, strangers. 284 00:54:15,480 --> 00:54:17,130 Greetings, old one. 285 00:54:17,440 --> 00:54:20,569 This was my father's tutor. 286 00:54:24,200 --> 00:54:28,364 Then it was he who saved your brother! 287 00:54:29,240 --> 00:54:31,561 None else. 288 00:54:42,640 --> 00:54:44,961 What is he groping for? 289 00:54:45,880 --> 00:54:48,770 I wonder too. 290 00:55:07,080 --> 00:55:11,165 Pray to the gods, my child. 291 00:55:35,480 --> 00:55:40,407 Be ready for a boon beyond dreams. 292 00:55:40,800 --> 00:55:45,362 Old man, your words are straying... 293 00:55:45,840 --> 00:55:51,006 Straying? When I behold your brother? 294 00:55:51,440 --> 00:55:55,240 My brother...? 295 00:55:56,680 --> 00:56:00,287 Orestes, Agamemnon's son. 296 00:56:06,240 --> 00:56:09,244 Proof! Give me proof! 297 00:56:09,760 --> 00:56:13,765 The scar behind his ear... 298 00:56:15,240 --> 00:56:18,528 when he fell hunting a fawn. 299 00:56:18,760 --> 00:56:20,250 I remember... 300 00:56:22,200 --> 00:56:25,761 And he bears his father's sword. 301 00:57:56,760 --> 00:57:58,125 The day has come! 302 00:57:58,520 --> 00:58:00,488 The day has come at last! 303 00:58:00,720 --> 00:58:03,451 Like the banished sun he returns... 304 00:58:03,760 --> 00:58:06,764 He returns to scatter the clouds. 305 00:58:07,640 --> 00:58:09,290 At last! 306 00:58:09,640 --> 00:58:11,324 The gods! 307 00:58:11,640 --> 00:58:14,803 At last the gods have smiled! 308 00:58:52,800 --> 00:58:57,203 Old man, I need your counsel. 309 00:58:58,240 --> 00:59:00,925 Have we any friends left in Argos? 310 00:59:01,240 --> 00:59:04,289 Who can I turn to? And where? 311 00:59:04,640 --> 00:59:07,962 A man has no friends in adversity. 312 00:59:08,360 --> 00:59:12,684 Count only on luck and your own strong arm. 313 00:59:13,040 --> 00:59:14,451 What must be done? 314 00:59:16,280 --> 00:59:18,362 You must kill them both. 315 00:59:20,840 --> 00:59:21,966 I know. 316 00:59:25,040 --> 00:59:26,246 How? 317 00:59:28,200 --> 00:59:30,487 There is a way... 318 00:59:31,000 --> 00:59:32,240 speak! 319 00:59:32,720 --> 00:59:35,849 Today is the feast of the wine-treading... 320 00:59:36,240 --> 00:59:41,121 Aegisthus will sacrifice to Bacchus. 321 00:59:42,360 --> 00:59:45,409 The revels will last till daybreak. 322 00:59:46,800 --> 00:59:47,926 Where? 323 00:59:49,920 --> 00:59:52,685 Over in the vineyards. 324 00:59:53,000 --> 00:59:54,411 Will there be many there? 325 00:59:54,720 --> 00:59:57,291 Himself, his slaves and the harvesters. 326 00:59:57,640 --> 01:00:01,486 If I win, will they follow me! 327 01:00:04,320 --> 01:00:07,483 When they know who you are they will! 328 01:00:14,400 --> 01:00:16,448 How shall I draw near? 329 01:00:16,760 --> 01:00:19,206 First, dispel his fears. 330 01:00:19,600 --> 01:00:23,321 Then he will bid you to his table. 331 01:00:23,680 --> 01:00:27,162 The rest is in your hands alone. 332 01:00:30,840 --> 01:00:32,365 Will my mother be there? 333 01:00:32,680 --> 01:00:37,720 She shuns being seen with him. The people abhor her. 334 01:00:37,800 --> 01:00:42,442 She will drive there at dawn. 335 01:00:43,840 --> 01:00:48,368 Then how shall they both be slain? 336 01:00:51,880 --> 01:00:55,248 Leave her to me. 337 01:00:58,280 --> 01:01:02,080 The day is dying fast. It's time to go. 338 01:01:02,880 --> 01:01:06,407 Who will guide me? 339 01:01:07,600 --> 01:01:08,761 I will. 340 01:01:57,240 --> 01:02:00,608 When this is done, go to Clytemnestra... 341 01:02:00,920 --> 01:02:02,968 - Tell her... - What shall I tell her? 342 01:02:03,360 --> 01:02:06,409 That I have given birth to a son. 343 01:02:06,680 --> 01:02:08,091 What do you hope to gain by that? 344 01:02:08,440 --> 01:02:11,603 It will make her stop on her way. 345 01:02:13,560 --> 01:02:16,006 You hope to stir her heart? 346 01:02:16,360 --> 01:02:19,330 A son's birth would stir it. 347 01:02:22,360 --> 01:02:24,806 Even so... 348 01:02:25,120 --> 01:02:28,681 Let her come. She will never leave. 349 01:02:44,440 --> 01:02:48,126 The hour draws near. 350 01:02:54,360 --> 01:02:58,729 O Zeus... avenger of my enemies... 351 01:02:59,680 --> 01:03:03,082 Look kindly on our wrongs. 352 01:03:03,640 --> 01:03:05,051 Help us! 353 01:03:05,400 --> 01:03:09,086 Befriend us, for our cause is just. 354 01:03:09,440 --> 01:03:12,808 Let them avenge their father's murder. 355 01:03:19,880 --> 01:03:24,647 And you, father, under the cold earth... 356 01:03:26,600 --> 01:03:29,524 and you, O Earth, our mother... 357 01:03:29,800 --> 01:03:32,963 Strengthen your children now... 358 01:03:34,560 --> 01:03:38,121 Summon the dead to our help. 359 01:03:38,520 --> 01:03:42,241 All those who fought beside you... 360 01:03:42,560 --> 01:03:46,121 And all who scorn evil deeds. 361 01:03:50,320 --> 01:03:55,087 Can you hear, our slaughtered father? 362 01:03:55,400 --> 01:03:58,290 He hears. We must go. 363 01:04:10,800 --> 01:04:12,928 Be brave! 364 01:04:20,080 --> 01:04:22,003 Death to Aegisthus! 365 01:04:24,840 --> 01:04:30,529 If he should fail it is death for us both. 366 01:05:49,200 --> 01:05:50,611 The king! 367 01:07:24,600 --> 01:07:27,365 Who are you, strangers? 368 01:07:28,400 --> 01:07:29,765 Where are you from? 369 01:07:31,640 --> 01:07:33,369 We are from Thessaly... 370 01:07:33,640 --> 01:07:35,802 bound for Alpheios on a pilgrimage. 371 01:07:36,200 --> 01:07:38,771 I sacrifice to the god tonight. 372 01:07:39,240 --> 01:07:44,406 Be my guests and tomorrow godspeed on your way. 373 01:07:47,840 --> 01:07:50,923 It would be an affront to refuse. 374 01:08:56,320 --> 01:09:00,962 To Bacchus may we drink for many a year. 375 01:09:02,640 --> 01:09:04,802 May he bring us joy... 376 01:09:05,080 --> 01:09:07,287 and misery to our foes. 377 01:09:29,360 --> 01:09:32,807 They say the Thessalians are skilled carvers. 378 01:09:33,160 --> 01:09:34,286 Take the knife. 379 01:09:34,640 --> 01:09:38,565 Show us. 380 01:09:53,760 --> 01:09:56,923 We will see who carves best. 381 01:10:15,320 --> 01:10:17,322 Come! Quickly! 382 01:10:24,200 --> 01:10:25,884 What now? 383 01:10:26,480 --> 01:10:31,168 Cries in the valley like distant thunder. 384 01:10:40,480 --> 01:10:43,882 The wind brings them nearer. 385 01:10:45,440 --> 01:10:47,568 I hear them too. 386 01:10:49,480 --> 01:10:52,404 Whose voices are they? 387 01:10:52,680 --> 01:10:55,729 In the turmoil who can tell? 388 01:10:56,040 --> 01:10:57,804 It bodes no good. 389 01:10:58,120 --> 01:11:00,521 All is lost. Lost! 390 01:11:00,720 --> 01:11:01,960 Wait! 391 01:11:02,280 --> 01:11:04,248 They will not seize me alive. 392 01:11:04,520 --> 01:11:07,205 Wait till we hear the truth. 393 01:11:07,560 --> 01:11:12,361 A king's murder is no small thing. 394 01:11:47,640 --> 01:11:50,769 Women of Argos! 395 01:12:01,920 --> 01:12:08,201 Orestes has won! Let his friends rejoice! 396 01:12:14,680 --> 01:12:15,761 Aegisthus is dead? 397 01:12:16,080 --> 01:12:19,846 Dead - and gone for ever. 398 01:12:23,360 --> 01:12:28,082 All-watching justice of the gods... 399 01:12:28,800 --> 01:12:31,041 You have come at last! 400 01:12:31,840 --> 01:12:34,241 When the king fell... 401 01:12:34,760 --> 01:12:37,161 his guards seized their spears. 402 01:12:37,560 --> 01:12:40,040 But, tough alone... 403 01:12:41,400 --> 01:12:44,802 Orestes and Pylades stood fast. 404 01:12:45,160 --> 01:12:47,322 Then Orestes spoke. 405 01:12:47,640 --> 01:12:53,363 "I come to sever your bonds and to avenge my father." 406 01:12:54,360 --> 01:12:58,445 They heard and lowered their spears. 407 01:12:58,720 --> 01:13:01,690 An old palace slave remembered him. 408 01:13:02,080 --> 01:13:05,926 They crowned his head with a laurel wreath. 409 01:13:06,640 --> 01:13:12,807 The palace sleeps on unaware and a new king reigns. 410 01:13:13,160 --> 01:13:17,131 He will bring the spoils of his triumph. 411 01:13:17,920 --> 01:13:19,285 O, earth... 412 01:13:21,480 --> 01:13:24,484 And you, O darkness... 413 01:13:24,840 --> 01:13:27,571 Let light stream forth! 414 01:13:54,360 --> 01:13:57,443 Let my eyes feast on freedom! 415 01:13:59,280 --> 01:14:03,524 Garlands of myrtle for his hair. 416 01:14:03,760 --> 01:14:07,003 The kings are back on their thrones. 417 01:14:07,360 --> 01:14:10,443 Singing and laughter ring through the land. 418 01:15:36,320 --> 01:15:42,282 Brave Orestes, take this wreath to crown your victory... 419 01:15:42,640 --> 01:15:47,043 won in no vain stadium... 420 01:15:48,280 --> 01:15:50,886 but over a deadly foe. 421 01:16:03,320 --> 01:16:04,810 And you good Pylades... 422 01:16:07,720 --> 01:16:09,643 accept this wreath. 423 01:16:16,360 --> 01:16:18,886 For our victory... 424 01:16:19,240 --> 01:16:25,247 honour the gods, and only then, my deed. 425 01:16:27,120 --> 01:16:33,651 Here is his body. Do with it what you will. 426 01:17:01,640 --> 01:17:05,326 Your master is now your slave. 427 01:17:14,400 --> 01:17:16,209 What troubles you? 428 01:17:16,480 --> 01:17:19,643 I would speak but dare not. 429 01:17:19,920 --> 01:17:21,410 What is there to fear? 430 01:17:21,760 --> 01:17:24,161 Blame for reviling the dead. 431 01:17:24,520 --> 01:17:26,249 Nobody will blame you. 432 01:17:26,480 --> 01:17:29,450 The country is rife with discord. 433 01:17:29,720 --> 01:17:33,088 He was hated by all. 434 01:17:34,360 --> 01:17:35,771 Speak then. 435 01:17:39,000 --> 01:17:40,968 Day after day... 436 01:17:41,920 --> 01:17:47,006 I repeated the words I would shout to his face. 437 01:18:06,600 --> 01:18:08,489 Vile murderer! 438 01:18:13,360 --> 01:18:20,721 You who plunged us into direst misery. 439 01:18:21,640 --> 01:18:27,443 Answer! Speak! What was the wrong we did? 440 01:18:29,640 --> 01:18:30,880 Coward! 441 01:18:32,160 --> 01:18:34,481 While others fought... 442 01:18:34,800 --> 01:18:38,282 you wallowed in adulterous beds... 443 01:18:38,640 --> 01:18:43,806 vainly believing that a woman who betrays her husband... 444 01:18:44,200 --> 01:18:47,966 can be true to you or any man. 445 01:18:48,360 --> 01:18:51,682 You and my mother knew... 446 01:18:52,120 --> 01:18:54,726 that your marriage was unnatural. 447 01:18:54,800 --> 01:18:57,201 You lived like criminals together... 448 01:18:57,520 --> 01:18:59,761 shackled by mutual deceit. 449 01:19:00,640 --> 01:19:05,123 People whispered as you passed. "There is Clytemnestra's pet." 450 01:19:05,480 --> 01:19:09,610 "She is the man "and he her hireling fancy." 451 01:19:11,120 --> 01:19:13,851 But you felt no shame... 452 01:19:14,240 --> 01:19:17,801 at being a woman's plaything. 453 01:19:18,160 --> 01:19:20,208 Puffed up like a peacock... 454 01:19:20,520 --> 01:19:22,841 preening like a whore. 455 01:19:23,160 --> 01:19:27,085 No brains but for revels and for women. 456 01:19:27,640 --> 01:19:30,883 No eyes but for ensnaring them. 457 01:19:35,600 --> 01:19:37,250 Fop! 458 01:19:41,360 --> 01:19:43,647 You never paused to think... 459 01:19:44,240 --> 01:19:46,846 that fortunes change... 460 01:19:47,480 --> 01:19:53,123 that in calamity, a man's reputation is his only stay. 461 01:19:58,200 --> 01:20:02,171 Away with you, hollow fool. 462 01:20:02,480 --> 01:20:08,089 You died as you lived, without honour. 463 01:22:52,600 --> 01:22:54,170 She is coming. 464 01:22:56,240 --> 01:22:57,571 Our mother? 465 01:23:12,040 --> 01:23:14,361 Is this a sign of pity? 466 01:23:14,680 --> 01:23:19,242 How can I kill the one who gave me birth? 467 01:23:20,000 --> 01:23:22,890 Just as she killed your father. 468 01:23:35,080 --> 01:23:36,605 Here she comes... 469 01:23:39,160 --> 01:23:40,889 in all her splendour! 470 01:23:42,720 --> 01:23:46,202 How could any god demand so bloody a deed? 471 01:23:46,600 --> 01:23:49,331 Who are we to doubt their wisdom? 472 01:23:49,640 --> 01:23:52,166 To steep my hands in my mother's blood... 473 01:23:52,480 --> 01:23:55,484 Avenge your father or the gods will curse you! 474 01:23:55,720 --> 01:23:57,688 What if a demon spoke through the oracle? 475 01:23:58,000 --> 01:23:59,764 From the sacred tripod? 476 01:24:04,560 --> 01:24:06,005 No, my brother. 477 01:24:15,000 --> 01:24:17,765 Ours is a dreadful fate. 478 01:24:24,360 --> 01:24:25,771 Wait here. 479 01:24:26,440 --> 01:24:31,162 If you must think, think this... 480 01:24:31,920 --> 01:24:36,289 She killed him with Aegisthus' hand. 481 01:25:12,520 --> 01:25:16,081 Help me down. 482 01:25:22,840 --> 01:25:26,731 These Trojan maids are always at my side. 483 01:25:27,120 --> 01:25:29,487 A recompense, however small... 484 01:25:29,760 --> 01:25:32,809 for Iphigenia, my lost daughter. 485 01:25:36,320 --> 01:25:39,210 I will help her down. 486 01:25:42,080 --> 01:25:45,482 Do I soil your royal hands? 487 01:25:45,800 --> 01:25:49,361 Do not tire yourself. Leave it to the slaves. 488 01:25:49,840 --> 01:25:52,923 Why? Am I not a slave too? 489 01:25:53,280 --> 01:25:56,090 Like them... uprooted? 490 01:25:59,080 --> 01:26:00,684 Must we have words again? 491 01:26:00,920 --> 01:26:02,968 Did you not cast me out? 492 01:26:11,560 --> 01:26:17,727 A woman's nature drips poison on her tongue... 493 01:26:18,480 --> 01:26:21,529 when flouted before strangers. 494 01:26:24,800 --> 01:26:27,485 But I will speak gently... 495 01:26:28,560 --> 01:26:32,690 And having done, let these good women... 496 01:26:34,480 --> 01:26:38,087 hate me if they must. 497 01:26:43,800 --> 01:26:45,006 So I begin. 498 01:26:54,560 --> 01:26:57,689 I agreed to marry Agamemnon... 499 01:26:58,120 --> 01:27:01,090 not to see my children die. 500 01:27:01,640 --> 01:27:05,122 Yet he, luring to Aulis our sweet Iphigenia... 501 01:27:05,480 --> 01:27:07,926 to wed the great Achilles... 502 01:27:08,640 --> 01:27:11,371 he threw her across an altar there... 503 01:27:12,680 --> 01:27:20,167 and severed her maiden throat. 504 01:27:22,560 --> 01:27:25,962 Were it to save his country or his children... 505 01:27:26,680 --> 01:27:28,648 I might have forgiven him. 506 01:27:29,040 --> 01:27:33,090 But why should my child pay for Helen's folly? 507 01:27:34,440 --> 01:27:37,444 Had Menelaus been captured... 508 01:27:37,760 --> 01:27:41,924 should I have killed Orestes to set Menelaus free? 509 01:27:42,280 --> 01:27:45,841 Would your father have agreed? 510 01:27:46,840 --> 01:27:48,569 But there is more... 511 01:27:54,120 --> 01:27:58,125 He brought Cassandra back with him from Troy... 512 01:27:58,520 --> 01:28:01,603 and expected me to share their bed. 513 01:28:03,720 --> 01:28:05,404 When women are unfaithful... 514 01:28:05,760 --> 01:28:08,491 they are condemned whatever their excuse. 515 01:28:08,800 --> 01:28:10,882 Men, never. 516 01:28:13,520 --> 01:28:16,888 Why should I alone suffer and not he? 517 01:28:22,480 --> 01:28:23,891 I killed him. 518 01:28:24,760 --> 01:28:27,889 To do it there was but one way. 519 01:28:28,200 --> 01:28:29,770 I sided with his foes. 520 01:28:30,120 --> 01:28:33,602 What friend of his would help me? 521 01:28:36,640 --> 01:28:39,564 She speaks the truth but how vile a truth. 522 01:28:39,920 --> 01:28:43,925 Wise is the woman who bows before her husband. 523 01:28:46,440 --> 01:28:50,525 Now, if you wish to speak, you may... 524 01:28:50,800 --> 01:28:52,370 without fear. 525 01:28:53,160 --> 01:28:55,401 Prove me wrong, if you can. 526 01:28:57,680 --> 01:29:02,208 Speak without fear, mother? 527 01:29:03,480 --> 01:29:05,960 Need I say it again? 528 01:29:08,520 --> 01:29:11,808 You would not punish me? 529 01:29:12,440 --> 01:29:15,762 I am ready to listen. 530 01:29:20,880 --> 01:29:22,450 What a pity"- 531 01:29:24,720 --> 01:29:28,850 so great a beauty hides so small a brain! 532 01:29:29,280 --> 01:29:33,285 You use Iphigenia's death to absolve you of all your sins. 533 01:29:33,640 --> 01:29:36,610 You forget how well I know you. 534 01:29:36,880 --> 01:29:38,803 The moment your husband left... 535 01:29:39,160 --> 01:29:41,811 before there was any talk of sacrifice... 536 01:29:42,080 --> 01:29:45,527 you lived before the mirror, decking and painting yourself. 537 01:29:46,080 --> 01:29:47,809 No decent woman... 538 01:29:48,160 --> 01:29:50,925 parades her beauty while her husband is away. 539 01:29:51,120 --> 01:29:52,042 Enough! 540 01:29:54,640 --> 01:29:56,961 You said you would listen. 541 01:29:57,320 --> 01:29:58,367 Speak! 542 01:30:00,320 --> 01:30:02,527 Speak and have done! 543 01:30:08,080 --> 01:30:10,765 When the Trojans were winning... 544 01:30:11,200 --> 01:30:14,761 you alone, of all Greek women, smiled... 545 01:30:15,080 --> 01:30:18,527 When the faltered, the smile would fade. 546 01:30:18,760 --> 01:30:22,765 Better Greece lost than Agamemnon home. 547 01:30:23,800 --> 01:30:26,565 Why, if he killed his daughter... 548 01:30:27,000 --> 01:30:30,163 should you torment your other children? 549 01:30:30,480 --> 01:30:34,565 You stole our heritage and gave it to your lover. 550 01:30:37,400 --> 01:30:42,884 My sister was dead. Why did you bury me alive? 551 01:30:49,120 --> 01:30:50,963 If, as you say... 552 01:30:51,560 --> 01:30:54,928 blood must be paid in blood... 553 01:30:55,240 --> 01:30:56,765 do you not fear... 554 01:30:57,080 --> 01:30:58,969 your turn will come? 555 01:31:01,480 --> 01:31:02,845 My daughter... 556 01:31:03,520 --> 01:31:07,684 I know you loved your father better than me. 557 01:31:09,640 --> 01:31:11,483 So I forgive you. 558 01:31:11,880 --> 01:31:15,885 I know not all my deeds were good... 559 01:31:16,240 --> 01:31:17,844 whatever I may say. 560 01:31:19,600 --> 01:31:24,606 It pains me to see you up so soon and so illkempt. 561 01:31:24,880 --> 01:31:26,211 My poor child. 562 01:31:28,600 --> 01:31:30,443 What have I done? 563 01:31:31,160 --> 01:31:34,164 Your pity comes too late. 564 01:31:35,600 --> 01:31:38,524 Why did you let your husband... 565 01:31:38,760 --> 01:31:41,206 taunt me all these years? 566 01:31:42,040 --> 01:31:45,965 He has a temper but you provoke him too. 567 01:31:46,280 --> 01:31:48,408 Because I am full of pain. 568 01:31:48,640 --> 01:31:52,565 But soon it will be gone. 569 01:31:53,800 --> 01:31:57,600 Then you will see how gentle he can be. 570 01:32:00,400 --> 01:32:02,880 Will he stoop to kindness? 571 01:32:03,200 --> 01:32:06,807 You see? You are off again! 572 01:32:08,200 --> 01:32:10,043 I will say no more. 573 01:32:10,720 --> 01:32:12,722 I fear him still. 574 01:32:17,840 --> 01:32:20,286 Now tell me why am I here? 575 01:32:23,120 --> 01:32:26,886 On the tenth day after childbirth... 576 01:32:27,200 --> 01:32:29,726 an offering must be made to the gods. 577 01:32:30,080 --> 01:32:33,926 Knowing nothing of these rites, I sent for you. 578 01:32:34,240 --> 01:32:36,447 This is a midwife's task. 579 01:32:36,720 --> 01:32:38,961 I gave birth by myself. 580 01:32:39,400 --> 01:32:42,165 Where were your friends? 581 01:32:42,520 --> 01:32:45,000 The poor have no friends. 582 01:32:45,360 --> 01:32:50,400 Then I will come and pray the gods for your child's fortune. 583 01:32:52,240 --> 01:32:55,847 Our house is poor. Do you not mind? 584 01:33:00,640 --> 01:33:04,884 If you prefer, you may go and fetch the child. 585 01:33:05,240 --> 01:33:07,811 We will hold the rite out here. 586 01:33:19,600 --> 01:33:21,921 What? Now? 587 01:33:22,840 --> 01:33:24,968 My husband is waiting. 588 01:33:27,080 --> 01:33:30,562 You have caused enough delay already... 589 01:33:34,280 --> 01:33:39,286 I see there is no time... you must come in... 590 01:33:39,800 --> 01:33:42,246 Everything is ready for the sacrifice. 591 01:33:49,120 --> 01:33:50,087 Mother! 592 01:33:56,000 --> 01:34:02,485 Be careful of your veils. The walls are dirty with soot. 593 01:34:22,560 --> 01:34:25,803 The hour of reckoning has come. 594 01:34:27,920 --> 01:34:31,766 I'll winds blow across the land. 595 01:34:33,080 --> 01:34:37,165 Like the time they murdered... 596 01:34:37,640 --> 01:34:39,608 our good king Agamemnon... 597 01:34:39,800 --> 01:34:41,643 and the stones cracked open... 598 01:35:15,880 --> 01:35:18,850 Her own children are killing her! 599 01:37:02,520 --> 01:37:06,570 O, Earth! O, Zeus! 600 01:37:10,080 --> 01:37:12,606 Look on this hateful murder! 601 01:37:12,880 --> 01:37:17,442 Hateful, hateful... 602 01:37:17,800 --> 01:37:24,604 My mother, by my own hand slaughtered... 603 01:37:25,200 --> 01:37:27,248 And I am to blame. 604 01:37:29,520 --> 01:37:34,003 My hate, like a raging, scorching flame... 605 01:37:34,280 --> 01:37:36,681 destroyed my mother. 606 01:37:46,080 --> 01:37:47,889 My brother! 607 01:37:48,800 --> 01:37:55,126 Why does Apollo hound me? 608 01:37:57,400 --> 01:38:01,962 Why does he banish me from Greece forever? 609 01:38:19,600 --> 01:38:21,967 Where shall I go? 610 01:38:23,000 --> 01:38:28,609 And I, the cause, where shall I go? 611 01:38:31,760 --> 01:38:36,766 What friend, what man... 612 01:38:37,200 --> 01:38:40,522 will ever look at me again? 613 01:38:40,880 --> 01:38:42,450 And I... 614 01:38:44,640 --> 01:38:49,567 what man will lead me to a bridal bed? 615 01:38:58,920 --> 01:39:00,649 Did you see... 616 01:39:02,200 --> 01:39:03,690 how she knelt... 617 01:39:04,000 --> 01:39:06,287 and clasped my knees... 618 01:39:06,600 --> 01:39:08,807 lifting her hand... 619 01:39:10,400 --> 01:39:15,122 as if to stroke my cheek. 620 01:39:17,480 --> 01:39:20,131 I nearly dropped the knife. 621 01:39:26,360 --> 01:39:29,091 Instead, I closed my eyes and struck. 622 01:39:29,720 --> 01:39:33,247 And I was there to help you. 623 01:39:35,320 --> 01:39:39,405 I held the knife with you. 624 01:40:16,600 --> 01:40:18,045 Cover her body. 625 01:40:20,560 --> 01:40:25,327 Bury her wounds beneath her veils. 626 01:40:51,840 --> 01:40:56,209 You who were dear and hated... 627 01:41:03,760 --> 01:41:09,369 rest under these veils. 628 01:44:24,640 --> 01:44:29,362 There never was, nor ever will be... 629 01:44:30,320 --> 01:44:36,646 a royal house more noble and more wretched.