What are they up to, those palace folk? They're never in a hurry, and it's all this waiting gets one down, what with the blazing sun and only that big black stone to look at. Just think! They're all in there, crowded up behind the stone, gloating over the cruel things they're going to do to us.

Oh this horrible, horrible suspense! Do you know, I have a feeling that all of you are drifting miles and miles away, leaving me alone. The stone is not yet rolled aside, but each of us is shut up with his dead, and lonely as a raindrop.

Dogs! How dare you bewail your lot? Have you forgotten your disgrace? Then by Jupiter, I shall refresh your memories. We must start without her it seems. Go seek Électre in the palace, and bring her here; by force if needs be.

Mercy! Mercy!

Take your usual places. The men on my right; women and children on my left.

Sire, these people are at breaking point. Roll away the stone.

They are coming forth!

Heaven help us! Have mercy!

I forbid you to drag my fathers name into this mummery!

Stop young fellow! stop that!

Électre!

Électre!