For dreadful among Gods and mortals too

The suppliant's curse, should I abandon him.

[Exeunt

Scene changes to Athens, in front of the Temple of Athena Polias, on the Acropolis[[489]]

Enter Orestes

Orest. [clasping the statue of the Goddess.] O Queen Athena, I at Loxias' hest

Am come: do thou receive me graciously,

Sin-stained though I have been: no guilt of blood

Is on my soul, nor is my hand unclean,

But now with stain toned down and worn away,