Iphigenia monologue — Iphigenia in Tauris

Not so, my king! I cannot part Without thy blessing, or in anger from thee. Banish us not! the sacred right of guests Still let us claim: so not eternally Shall we be sever'd. Honour'd and belov'd As mine own father was, art thou by me: And this impression in my soul remains. Should e'en the meanest peasant of thy land Bring to my ear the tones I heard from thee Or should I on the humblest see thy garb, I will with joy receive him as a god, Prepare his couch myself, beside our hearth Invite him to a seat, and only ask Touching thy fate and thee. Oh, may the gods To thee the merited reward impart Of all thy kindness and benignity! Farewell! Oh, do not turn away, but give One kindly word of parting in return! So shall the wind more gently swell our sails, And from our eyes with soften'd anguish flow The tears of separation. Fare thee well! And graciously extend to me thy hand, In pledge of ancient friendship.