ORESTES IN TORMENT

I left the oracle torn by inner strife —
Apollo's command cannot be disobeyed.
Although it's my father who's been betrayed
vengeance balks at taking a mother's life.

Is it justice to murder those who kill?
My mother should be punished for her crime,
and no doubt she'll repent of it in time . . .
I've no choice but to follow the god's will.

There's power in my nature to forgive . . .
How can I slay her staring in her face?
She'll wear a look my mind cannot erase . . .
If not for Electra I'd let her live!