Dutch. (Uncorking a whiskey flask.) Plucky little catamount. I drink its health.
(Drinks.)
Ruth. What do you want here?[42]
Hofmannsthal, in his Electra, uses pantomime as only one detail, but no words could so paint the mad triumph of the sister of Orestes as does her “incredible dance.”
(Electra has raised herself. She steps down from the threshold, her head thrown back like a Mœnad. She lifts her knees, stretches out her arms; it is an incredible dance in which she steps forward.
Chrysothemis appearing again at the door, behind her torches, a Throng, faces of Men and Women.)
Chrysothemis. Electra!
Electra. (Stands still, gazing at her fixedly.) Be silent and dance.
Come hither all of you!
Join with me all! I bear the burden of joy,
And I dance before you here. One thing alone
Remains for all who are as happy as we;
To be silent and dance.
(She does a few more steps of tense triumph, and falls a-heap. Chrysothemis runs to her. Electra lies motionless. Chrysothemis runs to the door of the house and knocks.)
Chrysothemis. Orestes! Orestes! (Silence.)