Our pious faithfulness in vain consoles

Her grieving heart; her cruel woes reject

Our aid; the noble passion of her soul

Will not be ruled, but grows on ills renewed.

Alas, my fears forebode some desperate deed,55

Which may the gods forbid!

Octavia [heard speaking from within her chamber]: O fate of mine, that can no equal know!

Thy woes, Electra, were no match for these;

For thou couldst soothe with tears the grief thou hadst60

For thy dear father's fall; thou couldst avenge