The Libation Bearers Electra makes her first speech of the play.
She holds up he libation cup, but she does not know what to say.
She cannot bring Agamemnon love from her mother, who was his
murderer. Perhaps she should pour silently, and then turn back
to the house without looking back, like one who throws out
waste. She asks the serving women to join her, saying that
although they are slaves, she and they share a common hatred for
the house. The leader of the chorus says that her loyalty lies
with the king; "I revere your father's death-mound like an
altar." The leader then tells Electra to speak a blessing for
those who love her. Electra is confused, as she has no loved
ones in the house. The leader says, "all those who hate
Aigisthos." Electra still does not recognize that there is
anyone else on her side besides the serving women. Then the
leader reminds her of Orestes, her brother in exile. The chorus
continues to teach Electra what to say, for she is "unseasoned"
and cannot think of the words. The lead