The timely shelter of a faithful friend.

[Enter Strophius in a chariot, accompanied by his son Pylades.]

Strophius: I, Strophius, had left my Phocian realm,

And now, illustrious with th' Olympic palm,

I home return. My hither course is bent

To 'gratulate my friend, by whose assault920

Has Ilium fallen after years of war.

[Noticing Electra's distress.]

But why these flowing tears and looks of woe?

And why these marks of fear? I recognize