And yet that I should this assert outright,

The precious gift is his whom most of men

I love, Orestes.... Nay, hope flatters me.

Alas! alas!

Would, herald-like, it had a kindly voice!

So should I not turn to and fro in doubt;

But either it had told me with all clearness

To loathe this tress, if cut from hated head;

190

Or, being of kin, had sought to share my grief,