“Priest Urgis—with Electra—I ask, Why force me hither? For I, too, was happy—quite happy with Queen Atlana. Further, I have a brother; from him part me not. For we are strangers, captives—and sorrow much for Pelasgia. Yet are we ever able to cheer each other. I need him; he needeth me. Priest Urgis, I beseech thee, let me go to my brother!”
So heartrending was her tone that Hellen could endure no further. Thus he cried:
“But—here is thy brother, Æole—thy brother who hath not power to save thee!”
He extended his arms as she turned, bewildered. Upon perceiving his suffering expression, she uttered a cry that brought more tears to Electra’s eyes, and sprang to embrace him.
Priest Urgis, enraged, arose, and ordered the pair to separate. At the same moment King Atlano entered. There was a falling back, a dread hush, as the king’s eyes fastened upon the pathetic tableau. Scowling, until his face grew black, he advanced menacingly toward the unhappy brother and sister.
But he was impeded. Someone had caught at his robe. He turned to perceive it was Electra.
“King Atlano, in the name of our Father Poseidon, I ask that Æole and myself may go from this place.”
“Electra, ask naught in the name of Poseidon that is not his will. By his wish thou art here. Thou hast but to obey.”
“Never hath a princess been pressed into the temple. I shall call to the queen, to the rulers.”
“Thinkest thou any call of thine will reach them? Thou wilt be too well watched. It is the will of thine uncle thou art here; therefore, yield to it.”