---
title: "Orestes · Ὀρέστης"
author: "Euripides"
translator: "Edward P. Coleridge"
languages: [grc, en]
shelf: "Classical Greek"
section: 2 of 3
url: https://scriptura.si/works/euripides-orestes/2/
cite: "Euripides, tr. Edward P. Coleridge, Orestes · Ὀρέστης, section 2. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/euripides-orestes/2/"
---

# Orestes · Ὀρέστης

*Euripides, tr. Edward P. Coleridge*

After killing his mother, Orestes waits with Electra for Argos to pass sentence.

> Greek: ed. Gilbert Murray, from the Perseus Digital Library (canonical-greekLit, tlg0006.tlg016, CC BY-SA 4.0).

> English: Edward P. Coleridge, from the Perseus Digital Library (tlg0006.tlg016.perseus-eng2). Notes are not included.

> Rows follow the references the two texts share (line numbers), cut where both reach the end of a sentence.

## 2. Lines 585–1120

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/euripides-orestes/2/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/euripides-orestes/2/#p-N

[¶0] You, yes! you, old man, have been my ruin by begetting a wicked daughter; for it was owing to her audacious deed that I lost my father and became my mother’s murderer.

> Greek: σύ τοι φυτεύσας θυγατέρʼ, ὦ γέρον, κακὴν
ἀπώλεσάς με· διὰ τὸ γὰρ κείνης θράσος
πατρὸς στερηθεὶς ἐγενόμην μητροκτόνος.

[¶1] You see, Telemachus did not kill the wife of Odysseus, because she did not marry husband upon husband,
but the marriage-bed remained untainted in her home.

> Greek: ὁρᾷς, Ὀδυσσέως ἄλοχον οὐ κατέκτανε
Τηλέμαχος· οὐ γὰρ ἐπεγάμει πόσει πόσιν,
μένει δʼ ἐν οἴκοις ὑγιὲς εὐνατήριον.

[¶2] And you see Apollo, who makes the navel of the earth his home, dispensing to mortals unerring prophecies, whom we obey in all he says; I killed my mother in obedience to him.

> Greek: ὁρᾷς δʼ Ἀπόλλωνʼ, ὃς μεσομφάλους ἕδρας
ναίων βροτοῖσι στόμα νέμει σαφέστατον,
ᾧ πειθόμεσθα πάνθʼ ὅσʼ ἂν κεῖνος λέγῃ·
τούτῳ πιθόμενος τὴν τεκοῦσαν ἔκτανον.

[¶3] Find him guilty of the crime, slay him; his was the sin, not mine. What ought I to have done? or is the god not competent to expiate the pollution when I refer it to him? Where then should anyone flee, if he will not rescue me from death after giving his commands?

> Greek: ἐκεῖνον ἡγεῖσθʼ ἀνόσιον καὶ κτείνετε·
ἐκεῖνος ἥμαρτʼ, οὐκ ἐγώ. τί χρῆν με δρᾶν;
ἢ οὐκ ἀξιόχρεως ὁ θεὸς ἀναφέροντί μοι
μίασμα λῦσαι; ποῖ τις οὖν ἔτʼ ἂν φύγοι,
εἰ μὴ ὁ κελεύσας ῥύσεταί με μὴ θανεῖν;

[¶4] Do not say that the deed was done badly, but unfortunately for the ones who did it.

> Greek: ἀλλʼ ὡς μὲν οὐκ εὖ μὴ λέγʼ εἴργασται τάδε,
ἡμῖν δὲ τοῖς δράσασιν οὐκ εὐδαιμόνως.

[¶5] A blessed life those mortals lead who make wise marriages; but those for whom it does not fall out well are unfortunate in their public and private concerns.

> Greek: γάμοι δʼ ὅσοις μὲν εὖ καθεστᾶσιν βροτῶν,
μακάριος αἰών· οἷς δὲ μὴ πίπτουσιν εὖ,
τά τʼ ἔνδον εἰσὶ τά τε θύραζε δυστυχεῖς.

[¶6] Chorus Leader:
Women by nature always meddle in the doings of men, with unfortunate results.

> Greek: Χορός:
αἰεὶ γυναῖκες ἐμποδὼν ταῖς συμφοραῖς
ἔφυσαν ἀνδρῶν πρὸς τὸ δυστυχέστερον.

[¶7] Tyndareus:
Since you are so bold and suppress nothing, but answer me back in such a way as to vex my heart, you will lead me to go to greater lengths in procuring your execution;

> Greek: Τυνδάρεως:
ἐπεὶ θρασύνῃ κοὐχ ὑποστέλλῃ λόγῳ,
οὕτω δʼ ἀμείβῃ μʼ ὥστε μʼ ἀλγῆσαι φρένα,
μᾶλλόν μʼ ἀνάξεις ἐπὶ σὸν ἐξελθεῖν φόνον·

[¶8] and I shall regard this as a fine addition to my labors in coming here to adorn my daughter’s grave. Yes, I will go to the chosen band of Argives and set the city, willing or not, on you and your sister, to pay the penalty of stoning.

> Greek: καλὸν πάρεργον δʼ αὐτὸ θήσομαι πόνων
ὧν εἵνεκʼ ἦλθον θυγατρὶ κοσμήσων τάφον.
μολὼν γὰρ εἰς ἔκκλητον Ἀργείων ὄχλον
ἑκοῦσαν οὐχ ἑκοῦσαν ἐπισείσω πόλιν
σοὶ σῇ τʼ ἀδελφῇ, λεύσιμον δοῦναι δίκην.

[¶9] She deserves to die even more than you, for it was she who embittered you against your mother, always carrying tales to your ear to increase your hate the more, announcing dreams from Agamemnon, and Aegisthus’ bed,
may the gods in Hades loathe it! for even here on earth it was bitter; till she set the house ablaze with fires never kindled by Hephaestus.

> Greek: μᾶλλον δʼ ἐκείνη σοῦ θανεῖν ἐστʼ ἀξία,
ἣ τῇ τεκούσῃ σʼ ἠγρίωσʼ, ἐς οὖς ἀεὶ
πέμπουσα μύθους ἐπὶ τὸ δυσμενέστερον,
ὀνείρατʼ ἀγγέλλουσα τὰ Ἀγαμέμνονος,
καὶ τοῦθʼ — ὃ μισήσειαν — Αἰγίσθου λέχος —
οἱ νέρτεροι θεοί· καὶ γὰρ ἐνθάδʼ ἦν πικρόν·
ἕως ὑφῆψε δῶμʼ ἀνηφαίστῳ πυρί.

[¶10] Menelaus, I tell you this, and I will do it, too: if you then consider my hatred or our marriage connection of any account, do not ward off this man’s doom in defiance of the gods,
but leave him to be stoned to death by the citizens, or do not set foot on Spartan land. Remember you have been told all this, and do not choose the ungodly as friends, pushing aside the more righteous. Servants, lead me from this house. Exit Tyndareus.

> Greek: Μενέλαε, σοὶ δὲ τάδε λέγω δράσω τε πρός·
εἰ τοὐμὸν ἔχθος ἐναριθμῇ κῆδός τʼ ἐμόν,
μὴ τῷδʼ ἀμύνειν φόνον ἐναντίον θεοῖς·
ἔα δʼ ὑπʼ ἀστῶν καταφονευθῆναι πέτροις,
ἢ μὴ ʼπίβαινε Σπαρτιάτιδος χθονός.
τοσαῦτʼ ἀκούσας ἴσθι, μηδὲ δυσσεβεῖς
ἕλῃ, παρώσας εὐσεβεστέρους φίλους·
ἡμᾶς δʼ ἀπʼ οἴκων ἄγετε τῶνδε, πρόσπολοι.

[¶11] Orestes:
Go, so that the remainder of my speech may come to this man without interruption, free from your old age.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
στεῖχʼ, ὡς ἀθορύβως οὑπιὼν ἡμῖν λόγος
πρὸς τόνδʼ ἵκηται, γῆρας ἀποφυγὼν τὸ σόν.

[¶12] Menelaus, why are you pacing round and round in thought, going back and forth, in a dilemma?

> Greek: Μενέλαε, ποῖ σὸν πόδʼ ἐπὶ συννοίᾳ κυκλεῖς,
διπλῆς μερίμνης διπτύχους ἰὼν ὁδούς;

[¶13] Menelaus:
Let me alone! When I think it over,
I am perplexed to know where to turn in these events.

> Greek: Μενέλαος:
ἔασον· ἐν ἐμαυτῷ τι συννοούμενος
ὅποι τράπωμαι τῆς τύχης ἀμηχανῶ.

[¶14] Orestes:
Do not come to a final decision now, but after first hearing what I have to say, then make up your mind.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
μή νυν πέραινε τὴν δόκησιν, ἀλλʼ ἐμοὺς
λόγους ἀκούσας πρόσθε, βουλεύου τότε.

[¶15] Menelaus:
Good advice! Speak. There are times when silence would be better than speech, and the reverse also.

> Greek: Μενέλαος:
λέγʼ· εὖ γὰρ εἶπας· ἔστι δʼ οὗ σιγὴ λόγου
κρείσσων γένοιτʼ ἄν. ἔστι δʼ οὗ σιγῆς λόγος.

[¶16] Orestes:
I will speak now. A long statement has advantages over a short one and is more intelligible to listen to. Give me nothing of your own, Menelaus, but repay what you received from my father. As Menelaus makes a deprecating gesture. I am not speaking of possessions; if you save my life,
you will save my dearest possession.
I have done wrong; I ought to have a little wrong-doing from you to requite that evil, for my father Agamemnon also did wrong in gathering the Hellenes and going to Ilium, not that he had sinned himself,
but he was trying to find a cure for the sin and wrong-doing of your wife. So this is one thing you are bound to pay me back. For he really gave his life, as friends should, toiling hard in battle with you, so that you might have your wife again.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
λέγοιμʼ ἂν ἤδη. τὰ μακρὰ τῶν σμικρῶν λόγων
ἐπίπροσθέν ἐστι καὶ σαφῆ μᾶλλον κλύειν.
ἐμοὶ σὺ τῶν σῶν, Μενέλεως, μηδὲν δίδου,
ἃ δʼ ἔλαβες ἀπόδος πατρὸς ἐμοῦ λαβὼν πάρα.
— οὐ χρήματʼ εἶπον· χρήματʼ, ἢν ψυχὴν ἐμὴν
σῴσῃς, ἅπερ μοι φίλτατʼ ἐστὶ τῶν ἐμῶν. —
ἀδικῶ· λαβεῖν χρή μʼ ἀντὶ τοῦδε τοῦ κακοῦ
ἄδικόν τι παρὰ σοῦ· καὶ γὰρ Ἀγαμέμνων πατὴρ
ἀδίκως ἀθροίσας Ἑλλάδʼ ἦλθʼ ὑπʼ Ἴλιον,
οὐκ ἐξαμαρτὼν αὐτός, ἀλλʼ ἁμαρτίαν
τῆς σῆς γυναικὸς ἀδικίαν τʼ ἰώμενος.
ἓν μὲν τόδʼ ἡμῖν ἀνθʼ ἑνὸς δοῦναί σε χρή.
ἀπέδοτο δʼ, ὡς χρὴ τοῖς φίλοισι τοὺς φίλους,
τὸ σῶμʼ ἀληθῶς, σοὶ παρʼ ἀσπίδʼ ἐκπονῶν,
ὅπως σὺ τὴν σὴν ἀπολάβοις ξυνάορον.

[¶17] Pay back to me the same thing you got there. For one day exert yourself, on my behalf standing up in my defense, not ten full years.

> Greek: ἀπότεισον οὖν μοι ταὐτὸ τοῦτʼ ἐκεῖ λαβών,
μίαν πονήσας ἡμέραν, ἡμῶν ὕπερ
σωτήριος στάς, μὴ δέκʼ ἐκπλήσας ἔτη.

[¶18] As for what Aulis took, the sacrifice of my sister, I let you have that; do not kill Hermione.

> Greek: ἃ δʼ Αὐλὶς ἔλαβε σφάγιʼ ἐμῆς ὁμοσπόρου,
ἐῶ σʼ ἔχειν ταῦθʼ· Ἑρμιόνην μὴ κτεῖνε σύ.

[¶19] For in my present plight, you must have an advantage over me and I must pardon it. But give to my miserable father my life and the life of my sister, a maiden so long; for by my death I shall leave my father’s house without an heir.

> Greek: δεῖ γὰρ σʼ ἐμοῦ πράσσοντος ὡς πράσσω τὰ νῦν
πλέον φέρεσθαι, κἀμὲ συγγνώμην ἔχειν.
ψυχὴν δʼ ἐμὴν δὸς τῷ ταλαιπώρῳ πατρὶ
κἀμῆς ἀδελφῆς, παρθένου μακρὸν χρόνον·
θανὼν γὰρ οἶκον ὀρφανὸν λείψω πατρός.

[¶20] You will say it is impossible. That’s the point; friends are bound to help friends in trouble. But when fortune gives of its best, what need of friends? For the god’s help is enough of itself when he is willing to give it.

> Greek: ἐρεῖς· ἀδύνατον. αὐτὸ τοῦτο· τοὺς φίλους
ἐν τοῖς κακοῖς χρὴ τοῖς φίλοισιν ὠφελεῖν·
ὅταν δʼ ὁ δαίμων εὖ διδῷ, τί δεῖ φίλων;
ἀρκεῖ γὰρ αὐτὸς ὁ θεὸς ὠφελεῖν θέλων.

[¶21] All Hellas believes that you love your wife,
and I am not saying this to flatter or wheedle you; by her I implore you.

> Greek: φιλεῖν δάμαρτα πᾶσιν Ἕλλησιν δοκεῖς·
κοὐχ ὑποτρέχων σε τοῦτο θωπείᾳ λέγω·

[¶22] As Menelaus turns away. Ah me, my misery! to what have I come! Well? (preparing to make a final appeal) I must suffer, for I am making this appeal on behalf of my whole family. O my uncle, my father’s own brother! Imagine that the dead man in his grave
is listening, that his spirit is hovering over you and saying what I say, this much for tears and groans and misfortunes. I have spoken and I have begged for my safety, hunting what all seek, not myself alone.

> Greek: ταύτης ἱκνοῦμαί σʼ — ὦ μέλεος ἐμῶν κακῶν,
ἐς οἷον ἥκω. τί δέ; ταλαιπωρεῖν με δεῖ·
ὑπὲρ γὰρ οἴκου παντὸς ἱκετεύω τάδε.
ὦ πατρὸς ὅμαιμε θεῖε, τὸν κατὰ χθονὸς
θανόντʼ ἀκούειν τάδε δόκει, ποτωμένην
ψυχὴν ὑπὲρ σοῦ, καὶ λέγειν ἃ ἐγὼ λέγω,
ταὔτʼ ἔς τε δάκρυα καὶ γόους καὶ συμφοράς.
εἴρηκα κἀπῄτηκα τὴν σωτηρίαν,
θηρῶν ὃ πάντες κοὐκ ἐγὼ ζητῶ μόνος.

[¶23] Chorus Leader:
I, too, though I am only a woman, beseech you to help those who need it; for you have the power.

> Greek: Χορός:
κἀγώ σʼ ἱκνοῦμαι καὶ γυνή περ οὖσʼ ὅμως
τοῖς δεομένοισιν ὠφελεῖν· οἷός τε δʼ εἶ.

[¶24] Menelaus:
Orestes, you are a man for whom I have a deep regard, and I want to take part in your troubles; it is a duty, too, to help relatives bear their ills,
by dying or killing enemies, if god gives the power to do so. I wish I had that power granted me by the gods. For I have come quite destitute of allies, after my long weary wanderings,
with the small strength of my surviving friends. We should never get the better of Pelasgian Argos by fighting; if we should prevail by soothing speeches, we will come to some hope there. For how can you win a great cause by small
[efforts? It is foolish even to wish it.]

> Greek: Μενέλαος:
Ὀρέστʼ, ἐγώ τοι σὸν καταιδοῦμαι κάρα
καὶ ξυμπονῆσαι σοῖς κακοῖσι βούλομαι·
καὶ χρὴ γὰρ οὕτω τῶν ὁμαιμόνων κακὰ
ξυνεκκομίζειν, δύναμιν ἢν διδῷ θεός,
θνῄσκοντα καὶ κτείνοντα τοὺς ἐναντίους·
τὸ δʼ αὖ δύνασθαι πρὸς θεῶν χρῄζω τυχεῖν.
ἥκω γὰρ ἀνδρῶν συμμάχων κενὸν δόρυ
ἔχων, πόνοισι μυρίοις ἀλώμενος,
σμικρᾷ σὺν ἀλκῇ τῶν λελειμμένων φίλων.
μάχῃ μὲν οὖν ἂν οὐχ ὑπερβαλοίμεθα
Πελασγὸν Ἄργος· εἰ δὲ μαλθακοῖς λόγοις
δυναίμεθʼ, ἐνταῦθʼ ἐλπίδος προσήκομεν.
σμικροῖσι μὲν γὰρ μεγάλα πῶς ἕλοι τις ἄν;
[πόνοισιν; ἀμαθὲς καὶ τὸ βούλεσθαι τάδε.]

[¶25] For when the people fall into a vigorous fury, they are as hard to quench as a raging fire; but if you gently slacken your hold and yield a little to their tension, cautiously watching your opportunity,
they may possibly calm down; if their gusts abate, you may obtain whatever you want from them easily. They have pity, and a hot temper too, an invaluable quality if you watch it closely. So for you I will go and try to persuade Tyndareus
and the city to moderation. A ship also dips if its sheet is hauled too taut, but rights itself again if it is let go.

> Greek: ὅταν γὰρ ἡβᾷ δῆμος εἰς ὀργὴν πεσών,
ὅμοιον ὥστε πῦρ κατασβέσαι λάβρον·
εἰ δʼ ἡσύχως τις αὑτὸν ἐντείνοντι μὲν
χαλῶν ὑπείκοι καιρὸν εὐλαβούμενος,
ἴσως ἂν ἐκπνεύσειεν· ἢν δʼ ἀνῇ πνοάς,
τύχοις ἂν αὐτοῦ ῥᾳδίως ὅσον θέλεις.
ἔνεστι δʼ οἶκτος, ἔνι δὲ καὶ θυμὸς μέγας,
καραδοκοῦντι κτῆμα τιμιώτατον.
ἐλθὼν δὲ Τυνδάρεών τέ σοι πειράσομαι
πόλιν τε πεῖσαι τῷ λίαν χρῆσθαι καλῶς.
καὶ ναῦς γὰρ ἐνταθεῖσα πρὸς βίαν ποδὶ
ἔβαψεν, ἔστη δʼ αὖθις, ἢν χαλᾷ πόδα.

[¶26] The god hates excessive eagerness, and the citizens do also; I must save you, I don’t deny it,
by cleverness, not by violence against those who are stronger. I could not do it by strength, as you perhaps imagine; for it is not easy to triumph single-handed over the troubles that beset you. I would never have tried to bring the Argive land over to softness;
but it is necessary. [for the wise to be slaves to fortune.] Exit Menelaus.
Orestes:
O you that have no use, except to lead an army in a woman’s cause! O worst of men in your friends’ defense,
do you turn your back on me and flee, the deeds of Agamemnon lost and gone?
After all, father, you had no friends in adversity. Alas! I am betrayed; no longer do I have any hope of finding a refuge where I may escape the death-sentence of Argos; for this man was my haven of safety.

> Greek: μισεῖ γὰρ ὁ θεὸς τὰς ἄγαν προθυμίας,
μισοῦσι δʼ ἀστοί· δεῖ δέ μʼ — οὐκ ἄλλως λέγω —
σῴζειν σε σοφίᾳ, μὴ βίᾳ τῶν κρεισσόνων.
ἀλκῇ δέ σʼ οὐκ ἄν, ᾗ σὺ δοξάζεις ἴσως,
σῴσαιμʼ ἄν· οὐ γὰρ ῥᾴδιον λόγχῃ μιᾷ
στῆσαι τροπαῖα τῶν κακῶν ἅ σοι πάρα.
οὐ γάρ ποτʼ Ἄργους γαῖαν ἐς τὸ μαλθακὸν
προσηγόμεσθα· νῦν δʼ ἀναγκαίως ἔχει.
[δούλοισιν εἶναι τοῖς σοφοῖσι τῆς τύχης]
Ὀρέστης:
ὦ πλὴν γυναικὸς οὕνεκα στρατηλατεῖν
τἄλλʼ οὐδέν, ὦ κάκιστε τιμωρεῖν φίλοις,
φεύγεις ἀποστραφείς με, τὰ δʼ Ἀγαμέμνονος
φροῦδʼ; ἄφιλος ἦσθʼ ἄρʼ, ὦ πάτερ, πράσσων κακῶς.
οἴμοι, προδέδομαι, κοὐκέτʼ εἰσὶν ἐλπίδες,
ὅποι τραπόμενος θάνατον Ἀργείων φύγω·
οὗτος γὰρ ἦν μοι καταφυγὴ σωτηρίας.

[¶27] But I see Pylades, the best of friends, coming at a run from Phocis—a pleasant sight! A man who can be trusted in troubles is a better sight than a calm to sailors.

> Greek: ἀλλʼ εἰσορῶ γὰρ τόνδε φίλτατον βροτῶν
Πυλάδην δρόμῳ στείχοντα Φωκέων ἄπο,
ἡδεῖαν ὄψιν· πιστὸς ἐν κακοῖς ἀνὴρ
κρείσσων γαλήνης ναυτίλοισιν εἰσορᾶν.

[¶28] Pylades:
I have come through the city quickly, as I should,
having heard and myself clearly seen the citizens assembling, against you and your sister, to kill you at once. What is happening? How is it with you? How are you doing, my best of comrades, friends and kin? For you are all these to me.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
θᾶσσον ᾗ με χρῆν προβαίνων ἱκόμην διʼ ἄστεως,
σύλλογον πόλεως ἀκούσας, τὸν δʼ ἰδὼν αὐτὸς σαφῶς,
ἐπὶ σὲ σύγγονόν τε τὴν σήν, ὡς κτενοῦντας αὐτίκα.
τί τάδε; πῶς ἔχεις; τί πράσσεις, φίλταθʼ ἡλίκων ἐμοὶ
καὶ φίλων καὶ συγγενείας; πάντα γὰρ τάδʼ εἶ σύ μοι.

[¶29] Orestes:
I am ruined, to make plain to you my troubles in brief.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
οἰχόμεσθʼ, ὡς ἐν βραχεῖ σοι τἀμὰ δηλώσω κακά.

[¶30] Pylades:
You must destroy me also; for friends have all in common.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
συγκατασκάπτοις ἂν ἡμᾶς· κοινὰ γὰρ τὰ τῶν φίλων.

[¶31] Orestes:
Menelaus is the worst of men to me and my sister.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
Μενέλεως κάκιστος ἐς ἐμὲ καὶ κασιγνήτην ἐμήν.

[¶32] Pylades:
It is natural for the husband of an evil woman to become evil.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
εἰκότως, κακῆς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα γίγνεσθαι κακόν.

[¶33] Orestes:
He no more repaid me by coming here, than if he had never come.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
ὥσπερ οὐκ ἐλθὼν ἔμοιγε ταὐτὸν ἀπέδωκεν μολών.

[¶34] Pylades:
Oh, has he really arrived in this land?

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
ἦ γάρ ἐστιν ὡς ἀληθῶς τήνδʼ ἀφιγμένος χθόνα;

[¶35] Orestes:
He took a long time, but he was very soon detected as evil to his friends.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
χρόνιος· ἀλλʼ ὅμως τάχιστα κακὸς ἐφωράθη φίλοις.

[¶36] Pylades:
And did he bring his wife, the worst of women, with him on his ship?

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
καὶ δάμαρτα τὴν κακίστην ναυστολῶν ἐλήλυθεν;

[¶37] Orestes:
It was not he who brought her here, but she who brought him.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
οὐκ ἐκεῖνος, ἀλλʼ ἐκείνη κεῖνον ἐνθάδʼ ἤγαγεν.

[¶38] Pylades:
Where is she, the one woman who proved the ruin of so many Achaeans?

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
ποῦ ʼστιν ἣ πλείστους Ἀχαιῶν ὤλεσεν γυνὴ μία;

[¶39] Orestes:
In my house; if, that is, I ought to call it mine.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
ἐν δόμοις ἐμοῖσιν, εἰ δὴ τούσδʼ ἐμοὺς καλεῖν χρεών.

[¶40] Pylades:
And what did you say to your father’s brother?

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
σὺ δὲ τίνας λόγους ἔλεξας σοῦ κασιγνήτῳ πατρός;

[¶41] Orestes:
Not to see me and my sister killed by the citizens.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
μή μʼ ἰδεῖν θανόνθʼ ὑπʼ ἀστῶν καὶ κασιγνήτην ἐμήν.

[¶42] Pylades:
By the gods! What did he say to that? I would like know this.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
πρὸς θεῶν, τί πρὸς τάδʼ εἶπε; τόδε γὰρ εἰδέναι θέλω.

[¶43] Orestes:
He was cautious, the usual policy of ignoble friends.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
εὐλαβεῖθʼ, ὃ τοῖς φίλοισι δρῶσιν οἱ κακοὶ φίλοι.

[¶44] Pylades:
What excuse did he advance? When I have learned that, I know everything.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
σκῆψιν ἐς ποίαν προβαίνων; τοῦτο πάντʼ ἔχω μαθών.

[¶45] Orestes:
There was a new arrival, the father who begot those noble daughters.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
οὗτος ἦλθʼ, ὁ τὰς ἀρίστας θυγατέρας σπείρας πατήρ.

[¶46] Pylades:
You mean Tyndareus; he was angry with you, perhaps, for his daughter’s sake?

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
Τυνδάρεων λέγεις· ἴσως σοι θυγατέρος θυμούμενος;

[¶47] Orestes:
You understand. And Menelaus preferred the family relationship with him to that with my father.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
αἰσθάνῃ. τὸ τοῦδε κῆδος μᾶλλον εἵλετʼ ἢ πατρός.

[¶48] Pylades:
He did not have the courage to share your troubles, when he was here?

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
κοὐκ ἐτόλμησεν πόνων σῶν ἀντιλάζυσθαι παρών;

[¶49] Orestes:
No, for he was not born a warrior, though strong among women!

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
οὐ γὰρ αἰχμητὴς πέφυκεν, ἐν γυναιξὶ δʼ ἄλκιμος.

[¶50] Pylades:
Your case is desperate, it seems, and you must die.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
ἐν κακοῖς ἄρʼ εἶ μεγίστοις· καί σʼ ἀναγκαῖον θανεῖν;

[¶51] Orestes:
The citizens must give their vote about us on the murder.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
ψῆφον ἀμφʼ ἡμῶν πολίτας ἐπὶ φόνῳ θέσθαι χρεών.

[¶52] Pylades:
And what is that to decide? Tell me, for I am alarmed.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
ἣ κρινεῖ τί χρῆμα; λέξον· διὰ φόβου γὰρ ἔρχομαι.

[¶53] Orestes:
Our life or death; a brief speech on a large subject.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
ἢ θανεῖν ἢ ζῆν· ὁ μῦθος οὐ μακρὸς μακρῶν πέρι.

[¶54] Pylades:
Leave the palace with your sister now and try to escape.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
φεῦγέ νυν λιπὼν μέλαθρα σὺν κασιγνήτῃ σέθεν.

[¶55] Orestes:
Don’t you see? We are being watched by guards on every side.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
οὐχ ὁρᾷς; φυλασσόμεσθα φρουρίοισι πανταχῇ.

[¶56] Pylades:
I saw that the streets of the city were secured with armed men.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
εἶδον ἄστεως ἀγυιὰς τεύχεσιν πεφραγμένας.

[¶57] Orestes:
We are as closely beleaguered as a city by its foes.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
ὡσπερεὶ πόλις πρὸς ἐχθρῶν σῶμα πυργηρούμεθα.

[¶58] Pylades:
Ask me now of my state; for I too am ruined.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
κἀμὲ νῦν ἐροῦ τί πάσχω· καὶ γὰρ αὐτὸς οἴχομαι.

[¶59] Orestes:
By whom? This would be a further trouble to add to mine.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
πρὸς τίνος; τοῦτʼ ἂν προσείη τοῖς ἐμοῖς κακοῖς κακόν.

[¶60] Pylades:
Strophius, my father, in a fit of anger, has banished me from his house.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
Στρόφιος ἤλασέν μʼ ἀπʼ οἴκων φυγάδα θυμωθεὶς πατήρ.

[¶61] Orestes:
Bringing against you a private charge, or one in which the citizens share?

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
ἴδιον ἢ κοινὸν πολίταις ἐπιφέρων ἔγκλημά τι;

[¶62] Pylades:
He says it is an unholy crime to have helped you slay your mother.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
ὅτι συνηράμην φόνον σοι μητρός, ἀνόσιον λέγων.

[¶63] Orestes:
Alas! It seems my troubles will cause you grief as well.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
ὦ τάλας, ἔοικε καὶ σὲ τἀμὰ λυπήσειν κακά.

[¶64] Pylades:
I am not like Menelaus in character; this must be endured.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
οὐχὶ Μενέλεω τρόποισι χρώμεθʼ· οἰστέον τάδε.

[¶65] Orestes:
Are you not afraid that Argos will desire your death as well as mine?

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
οὐ φοβῇ μή σʼ Ἄργος ὥσπερ κἄμʼ ἀποκτεῖναι θέλῃ;

[¶66] Pylades:
I am not theirs to punish; I belong to Phocis.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
οὐ προσήκομεν κολάζειν τοῖσδε, Φωκέων δὲ γῇ.

[¶67] Orestes:
A terrible thing is the mob, whenever it has villains to lead it.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
δεινὸν οἱ πολλοί, κακούργους ὅταν ἔχωσι προστάτας.

[¶68] Pylades:
But with honest leaders its counsels are always honest.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
ἀλλʼ ὅταν χρηστοὺς λάβωσι, χρηστὰ βουλεύουσʼ ἀεί.

[¶69] Orestes:
Very well; we must consult together.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
εἶἑν. ἐς κοινὸν λέγειν χρή.

[¶70] Pylades:
About what necessity?

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
τίνος ἀναγκαίου πέρι;

[¶71] Orestes:
Suppose I go and tell the citizens—

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
εἰ λέγοιμʼ ἀστοῖσιν ἐλθὼν —

[¶72] Pylades:
That your action was just?

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
ὡς ἔδρασας ἔνδικα;

[¶73] Orestes:
In avenging my father?

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
πατρὶ τιμωρῶν ἐμαυτοῦ;

[¶74] Pylades:
I am afraid they would be glad to catch you.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
μὴ λάβωσί σʼ ἄσμενοι.

[¶75] Orestes:
Well, am I to crouch in fear and die without a word?

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
ἀλλʼ ὑποπτήξας σιωπῇ κατθάνω;

[¶76] Pylades:
That is cowardly.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
δειλὸν τόδε.

[¶77] Orestes:
How then should I act?

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
πῶς ἂν οὖν δρῴην;

[¶78] Pylades:
Suppose you stay here, what means of safety do you have?

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
ἔχεις τινʼ, ἢν μένῃς, σωτηρίαν;

[¶79] Orestes:
I have none.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
οὐκ ἔχω.

[¶80] Pylades:
And if you go, is there any hope of escaping your troubles?

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
μολόντι δʼ ἐλπίς ἐστι σωθῆναι κακῶν;

[¶81] Orestes:
There might be, possibly.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
εἰ τύχοι, γένοιτʼ ἄν.

[¶82] Pylades:
Then that is better than staying.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
οὐκοῦν τοῦτο κρεῖσσον ἢ μένειν.

[¶83] Orestes:
Then I will go.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
ἀλλὰ δῆτʼ ἔλθω.

[¶84] Pylades:
At least you die in this way, you will die more honorably.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
θανὼν γοῦν ὧδε κάλλιον θανῇ.
Ὀρέστης:
εὖ λέγεις· φεύγω τὸ δειλὸν τῇδε.
Πυλάδης:
μᾶλλον ἢ μένων.

[¶85] Orestes:
You are right; in this way I escape cowardice.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
καὶ τὸ πρᾶγμά γʼ ἔνδικόν μοι.

[¶86] Pylades:
Better than by staying.
Orestes:
After all, my action was just.
Pylades:
Pray that this may be the only view they take.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
τῷ Δοκεῖν εὔχου μόνον.

[¶87] Orestes:
Some one or two might pity me—

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
καί τις ἄν γέ μʼ οἰκτίσειε …

[¶88] Pylades:
Yes, your noble birth is a great point.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
μέγα γὰρ ἡ εὐγένειά σου.

[¶89] Orestes:
Resenting my father’s death.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
θάνατον ἀσχάλλων πατρῷον.

[¶90] Pylades:
That is all quite clear.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
πάντα ταῦτʼ ἐν ὄμμασιν.

[¶91] Orestes:
I must go, for to die ignobly is a coward’s part.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
ἰτέον, ὡς ἄνανδρον ἀκλεῶς κατθανεῖν.

[¶92] Pylades:
Well said.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
αἰνῶ τάδε.

[¶93] Orestes:
Shall we tell my sister?

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
ἦ λέγωμεν οὖν ἀδελφῇ ταῦτʼ ἐμῇ;

[¶94] Pylades:
God forbid!

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
μὴ πρὸς θεῶν.

[¶95] Orestes:
True, there might be tears.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
δάκρυα γοῦν γένοιτʼ ἄν.

[¶96] Pylades:
That would be a grave omen.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
οὐκοῦν οὗτος οἰωνὸς μέγας.

[¶97] Orestes:
Yes, silence is clearly better.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
δηλαδὴ σιγᾶν ἄμεινον.

[¶98] Pylades:
And you will gain time.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
τῷ χρόνῳ δὲ κερδανεῖς.

[¶99] Orestes:
There is only one obstacle in my way.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
κεῖνό μοι μόνον πρόσαντες.

[¶100] Pylades:
What fresh objection now?

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
τί τόδε καινὸν αὖ λέγεις;

[¶101] Orestes:
I am afraid the goddesses will prevent me by madness.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
μὴ θεαί μʼ οἴστρῳ κατάσχωσι.

[¶102] Pylades:
But I will take care of you.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
ἀλλὰ κηδεύσω σʼ ἐγώ.

[¶103] Orestes:
It is annoying to have to touch a sick man.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
δυσχερὲς ψαύειν νοσοῦντος ἀνδρός.

[¶104] Pylades:
Not to me, when it is you.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
οὐκ ἔμοιγε σοῦ.

[¶105] Orestes:
Beware of becoming a partner in my madness.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
εὐλαβοῦ λύσσης μετασχεῖν τῆς ἐμῆς.

[¶106] Pylades:
Let that pass.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
τόδʼ οὖν ἴτω.

[¶107] Orestes:
You will not hesitate?

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
οὐκ ἄρʼ ὀκνήσεις;

[¶108] Pylades:
No, for hesitation is a grave mischief among friends.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
ὄκνος γὰρ τοῖς φίλοις κακὸν μέγα.

[¶109] Orestes:
On then, pilot of my course!

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
ἕρπε νυν οἴαξ ποδός μοι.

[¶110] Pylades:
A service I am glad to render.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
φίλα γʼ ἔχων κηδεύματα.

[¶111] Orestes:
And guide me to my father’s tomb.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
καί με πρὸς τύμβον πόρευσον πατρός.

[¶112] Pylades:
For what purpose?

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
ὡς τί δὴ τόδε;

[¶113] Orestes:
That I may appeal to him to save me.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
ὥς νιν ἱκετεύσω με σῶσαι.

[¶114] Pylades:
Yes, that is the proper way.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
τό γε δίκαιον ὧδʼ ἔχει.

[¶115] Orestes:
May I not see my mother’s grave!

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
μητέρος δὲ μηδʼ ἴδοιμι μνῆμα.

[¶116] Pylades:
No; she was an enemy. But hasten, so that the vote of Argos may not catch you first,
supporting those limbs, slow from sickness, on mine; for I will carry you through the town, thinking little of the mob and unashamed. For how shall I prove my friendship, if not by helping you in sore distress?

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
πολεμία γὰρ ἦν.
ἀλλʼ ἔπειγʼ, ὡς μή σε πρόσθε ψῆφος Ἀργείων ἕλῃ,
περιβαλὼν πλευροῖς ἐμοῖσι πλευρὰ νωχελῆ νόσῳ·
ὡς ἐγὼ διʼ ἄστεώς σε, σμικρὰ φροντίζων ὄχλου,
οὐδὲν αἰσχυνθεὶς ὀχήσω. ποῦ γὰρ ὢν δείξω φίλος,
εἴ σε μὴ ʼν δειναῖσιν ὄντα συμφοραῖς ἐπαρκέσω;

[¶117] Orestes:
Ah! the old saying again, “get friends, not relations only.”

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
τοῦτʼ ἐκεῖνο, κτᾶσθʼ ἑταίρους, μὴ τὸ συγγενὲς μόνον·

[¶118] For a man who fuses into your ways, though he is an outsider, is better for a man to possess as a friend than a whole host of relations. Exeunt Orestes and Pylades.

> Greek: ὡς ἀνὴρ ὅστις τρόποισι συντακῇ, θυραῖος ὢν
μυρίων κρείσσων ὁμαίμων ἀνδρὶ κεκτῆσθαι φίλος.

[¶119] Chorus:
The great prosperity and the prowess, proudly boasted throughout Hellas and by the streams of Simois,
went back again from good fortune for the Atreidae long ago, from an old misfortune to their house, when strife came to the sons of Tantalus over a golden ram, to end in most pitiable banqueting and
the slaughter of high-born children; and this is why murder exchanges for murder, through blood, and does not leave the two Atreidae.

> Greek: Χορός:
ὁ μέγας ὄλβος ἅ τʼ ἀρετὰ
μέγα φρονοῦσʼ ἀνʼ Ἑλλάδα καὶ
παρὰ Σιμουντίοις ὀχετοῖς
πάλιν ἀνῆλθʼ ἐξ εὐτυχίας Ἀτρείδαις
πάλαι παλαιᾶς ἀπὸ συμφορᾶς δόμων,
ὁπότε χρυσείας ἔρις ἀρνὸς
ἤλυθε Τανταλίδαις,
οἰκτρότατα θοινάματα καὶ
σφάγια γενναίων τεκέων·
ὅθεν φόνῳ φόνος ἐξαμεί-
βων διʼ αἵματος οὐ προλεί-
πει δισσοῖσιν Ἀτρείδαις.

[¶120] Chorus:
What seemed good was not good,
to cut a mother’s flesh with ruthless hand and show the sword stained black with blood to the sun’s bright beams; “to commit a noble crime” is an impious, subtle, malignant madness!

> Greek: Χορός:
τὸ καλὸν οὐ καλόν, τοκέων
πυριγενεῖ τεμεῖν παλάμᾳ
χρόα μελάνδετον δὲ φόνῳ
ξίφος ἐς αὐγὰς ἀελίοιο δεῖξαι·
τὸ δʼ εὖ κακουργεῖν ἀσέβεια ποικίλα
κακοφρόνων τʼ ἀνδρῶν παράνοια.

[¶121] The wretched daughter of Tyndareus in terror of death screamed to him: “My son, this is unholy, your bold attempt upon your mother’s life; do not, while honoring your father,”
“fasten on yourself an eternity of shame.”

> Greek: θανάτου γὰρ ἀμφὶ φόβῳ
Τυνδαρὶς ἰάχησε τάλαι-
να· Τέκνον, οὐ τολμᾷς ὅσια
κτείνων σὰν ματέρα· μὴ πατρῴ-
αν τιμῶν χάριν ἐξανά-
ψῃ δύσκλειαν ἐς αἰεί.

[¶122] Chorus:
What affliction on earth surpasses this? What calls for keener grief or pity, than to shed with your hand a mother’s blood? Oh! what a dreadful crime he committed,
and now is raving mad, a prey to the Furies, whirling blood with racing eyes, the son of Agamemnon! O the wretch! when
he saw a mother’s bosom over her robe of golden weave, and yet he made her his victim, in recompense for his father’s sufferings.

> Greek: Χορός:
τίς νόσος ἢ τίνα δάκρυα καὶ
τίς ἔλεος μείζων κατὰ γᾶν
ἢ ματροκτόνον αἷμα χειρὶ θέσθαι;
οἷον ἔργον τελέσας
βεβάκχευται μανίαις,
Εὐμενίσι θήραμα, φόνον
δρομάσι δινεύων βλεφάροις,
Ἀγαμεμνόνιος παῖς.
ὦ μέλεος, ματρὸς ὅτε
χρυσεοπηνήτων φαρέων
μαστὸν ὑπερτέλλοντʼ ἐσιδὼν
σφάγιον ἔθετο ματέρα, πατρῴ-
ων παθέων ἀμοιβάν.

[¶123] Electra:
Women, has my poor Orestes left the house,
mastered by the heaven-sent madness?

> Greek: Ἠλέκτρα:
γυναῖκες, ἦ που τῶνδʼ ἀφώρμηται δόμων
τλήμων Ὀρέστης θεομανεῖ λύσσῃ δαμείς;

[¶124] Chorus Leader:
Not at all; he has gone to the Argive people to stand the appointed trial for his life, in which he and you must live or die.

> Greek: Χορός:
ἥκιστα· πρὸς δʼ Ἀργεῖον οἴχεται λεών,
ψυχῆς ἀγῶνα τὸν προκείμενον πέρι
δώσων, ἐν ᾧ ζῆν ἢ θανεῖν ὑμᾶς χρεών.

[¶125] Electra:
Oh! Why did he do it? Who persuaded him?

> Greek: Ἠλέκτρα:
οἴμοι· τί χρῆμʼ ἔδρασε; τίς δʼ ἔπεισέ νιν;

[¶126] Chorus Leader:
Pylades; but this messenger will no doubt soon tell us what happened to your brother there.

> Greek: Χορός:
Πυλάδης· ἔοικε δʼ οὐ μακρὰν ὅδʼ ἄγγελος
λέξειν τὰ κεῖθεν σοῦ κασιγνήτου πέρι.

[¶127] Messenger:
Wretched, unhappy daughter of the general Agamemnon, my lady Electra, hear the sad tidings I bring you.

> Greek: Ἄγγελος:
ὦ τλῆμον, ὦ δύστηνε τοῦ στρατηλάτου
Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖ, πότνιʼ Ἠλέκτρα, λόγους
ἄκουσον οὕς σοι δυστυχεῖς ἥκω φέρων.

[¶128] Electra:
Alas! we are ruined; your words show it; you have clearly come with tidings of woe.

> Greek: Ἠλέκτρα:
αἰαῖ, διοιχόμεσθα· δῆλος εἶ λόγῳ.
κακῶν γὰρ ἥκεις, ὡς ἔοικεν, ἄγγελος.

[¶129] Messenger:
The Pelasgians have decided by vote that you, poor lady, and your brother are to die this day.

> Greek: Ἄγγελος:
ψήφῳ Πελασγῶν σὸν κασίγνητον θανεῖν
καὶ σέ, ὦ τάλαινʼ, ἔδοξε τῇδʼ ἐν ἡμέρᾳ.

[¶130] Electra:
Alas! my expectations are realized; I have long feared this,
and have been wasting away in mourning for what was sure to happen. But what was the trial, what was said by the Argives, to condemn us and ratify our death? Tell me, old friend; must I die by stoning or the sword?
For I share my brother’s misfortunes.

> Greek: Ἠλέκτρα:
οἴμοι· προσῆλθεν ἐλπίς, ἣν φοβουμένη
πάλαι τὸ μέλλον ἐξετηκόμην γόοις.
ἀτὰρ τίς ἁγών, τίνες ἐν Ἀργείοις λόγοι
καθεῖλον ἡμᾶς κἀπεκύρωσαν θανεῖν;
λέγʼ, ὦ γεραιέ· πότερα λευσίμῳ χερὶ
ἢ διὰ σιδήρου πνεῦμʼ ἀπορρῆξαί με δεῖ,
κοινὰς ἀδελφῷ συμφορὰς κεκτημένην;

[¶131] Messenger:
I had just come from the country and was entering the gates, needing to learn what was decided about you and Orestes, for I was always well disposed to your father when he was alive, and it was your house that reared me,
poor indeed, yet loyal in the service of friends. I saw a crowd going and taking their seats on the height, where they say Danaus first gathered his people for a meeting, making amends to Aegyptus. So, when I saw the throng, I asked a citizen:

> Greek: Ἄγγελος:
ἐτύγχανον μὲν ἀγρόθεν πυλῶν ἔσω
βαίνων, πυθέσθαι δεόμενος τά τʼ ἀμφὶ σοῦ
τά τʼ ἀμφʼ Ὀρέστου· σῷ γὰρ εὔνοιαν πατρὶ
ἀεί ποτʼ εἶχον, καί μʼ ἔφερβε σὸς δόμος
πένητα μέν, χρῆσθαι δὲ γενναῖον φίλοις.
ὁρῶ δʼ ὄχλον στείχοντα καὶ θάσσοντʼ ἄκραν,
οὗ φασι πρῶτον Δαναὸν Αἰγύπτῳ δίκας
διδόντʼ ἀθροῖσαι λαὸν ἐς κοινὰς ἕδρας.
ἀστῶν δὲ δή τινʼ ἠρόμην ἄθροισμʼ ἰδών·

[¶132] “What news in Argos? Tidings of the enemy haven’t ruffled the city of Danaus, have they?” But he said: “Don’t you see Orestes there, on his way to he tried for his life?” I saw an unexpected sight, which I wish I had not seen,
Pylades and your brother approaching together, the one with his head down, weakened by sickness; the other sharing his friend’s sorrow like a brother, tending his illness with constant care.

> Greek: Τί καινὸν Ἄργει; μῶν τι πολεμίων πάρα
ἄγγελμʼ ἀνεπτέρωκε Δαναϊδῶν πόλιν;
ὃ δʼ εἶπʼ· Ὀρέστην κεῖνον οὐχ ὁρᾷς πέλας
στείχοντʼ, ἀγῶνα θανάσιμον δραμούμενον;
ὁρῶ δʼ ἄελπτον φάσμʼ, ὃ μήποτʼ ὤφελον,
Πυλάδην τε καὶ σὸν σύγγονον στείχονθʼ ὁμοῦ,
τὸν μὲν κατηφῆ καὶ παρειμένον νόσῳ,
τὸν δʼ ὥστʼ ἀδελφὸν ἴσα φίλῳ λυπούμενον,
νόσημα κηδεύοντα παιδαγωγίᾳ.

[¶133] Now when the Argives were fully gathered,
a herald rose and said: “Who wishes to give his opinion whether Orestes should be slain or not for the murder of his mother?” Then up stood Talthybius, who helped your father sack the Phrygians. He spoke out of both sides of his mouth, a mere tool of those in power as he always is,
expressing high admiration for your father, but not praising your brother, urging his crooked sentiments in specious words, that it would establish laws as to parents that are not good; and all the while he was darting lively glances at the friends of Aegisthus.

> Greek: ἐπεὶ δὲ πλήρης ἐγένετʼ Ἀργείων ὄχλος,
κῆρυξ ἀναστὰς εἶπε· Τίς χρῄζει λέγειν,
πότερον Ὀρέστην κατθανεῖν ἢ μὴ χρεών,
μητροκτονοῦντα; κἀπὶ τῷδʼ ἀνίσταται
Ταλθύβιος, ὃς σῷ πατρὶ συνεπόρθει Φρύγας.
ἔλεξε δʼ, ὑπὸ τοῖς δυναμένοισιν ὢν ἀεί,
διχόμυθα, πατέρα μὲν σὸν ἐκπαγλούμενος,
σὸν δʼ οὐκ ἐπαινῶν σύγγονον, καλοὺς κακοὺς
λόγους ἑλίσσων, ὅτι καθισταίη νόμους
ἐς τοὺς τεκόντας οὐ καλούς· τὸ δʼ ὄμμʼ ἀεὶ
φαιδρωπὸν ἐδίδου τοῖσιν Αἰγίσθου φίλοις.

[¶134] Such is that tribe; heralds always trip across to the lucky side; the one who has power in the city or a post in the government is their friend.

> Greek: τὸ γὰρ γένος τοιοῦτον· ἐπὶ τὸν εὐτυχῆ
πηδῶσʼ ἀεὶ κήρυκες· ὅδε δʼ αὐτοῖς φίλος,
ὃς ἂν δύνηται πόλεος ἔν τʼ ἀρχαῖσιν ᾖ.

[¶135] After him lord Diomedes made a speech; he said they should not kill you and your brother,
but keep clear of guilt by punishing you with exile. Some roared out that his words were good, but others disapproved.
Next stood up a fellow, who cannot close his lips; one whose impudence is his strength; an Argive, but not of Argos, forced on us;
confident in bluster and ignorant free speech, and plausible enough to involve them in some mischief sooner or later; [for whenever a man with a pleasing trick of speech, but of unsound principles, persuades the mob, it is a serious evil to the state; but those who give sound and sensible advice on all occasions,]
[if not immediately useful to the state, yet prove so afterwards. And this is the way in which to regard a party leader; for the position is much the same in the case of an orator and a man in office.] He was for stoning you and Orestes to death,
but it was Tyndareus who kept suggesting arguments of this kind to him as he urged the death of both of you.

> Greek: ἐπὶ τῷδε δʼ ἠγόρευε Διομήδης ἄναξ.
οὗτος κτανεῖν μὲν οὔτε σὲ οὔτε σύγγονον
εἴα, φυγῇ δὲ ζημιοῦντας εὐσεβεῖν.
ἐπερρόθησαν δʼ οἳ μὲν ὡς καλῶς λέγοι,
οἳ δʼ οὐκ ἐπῄνουν. κἀπὶ τῷδʼ ἀνίσταται
ἀνήρ τις ἀθυρόγλωσσος, ἰσχύων θράσει,
Ἀργεῖος οὐκ Ἀργεῖος, ἠναγκασμένος,
θορύβῳ τε πίσυνος κἀμαθεῖ παρρησίᾳ,
πιθανὸς ἔτʼ αὐτοὺς περιβαλεῖν κακῷ τινι·
[ὅταν γὰρ ἡδύς τις λόγοις φρονῶν κακῶς]
[πείθῃ τὸ πλῆθος, τῇ πόλει κακὸν μέγα·]
[ὅσοι δὲ σὺν νῷ χρηστὰ βουλεύουσʼ ἀεί,]
[κἂν μὴ παραυτίκʼ, αὖθίς εἰσι χρήσιμοι]
[πόλει. θεᾶσθαι δʼ ὧδε χρὴ τὸν προστάτην]
[ἰδόνθʼ· ὅμοιον γὰρ τὸ χρῆμα γίγνεται]
[τῷ τοὺς λόγους λέγοντι καὶ τιμωμένῳ.]
ὃς εἶπʼ Ὀρέστην καὶ σὲ ἀποκτεῖναι πέτροις
βάλλοντας· ὑπὸ δʼ ἔτεινε Τυνδάρεως λόγους
τῷ σφὼ κατακτείνοντι τοιούτους λέγειν.

[¶136] Another then stood up and said the opposite; he was not handsome in appearance, but a brave man, rarely coming in contact with the town or the circle in the market-place;
a farmer—and they are the only ones who preserve our land—but clever, and eager to grapple with the arguments, his character without a blemish, his walk in life beyond reproach. He said that they should crown Orestes, the son of Agamemnon, for showing his willingness to avenge a father
by the murder of a wicked and godless woman who would prevent men from taking up arms and going on foreign service, if those who remain behind, corrupt and seduce wives left at home to keep house.

> Greek: ἄλλος δʼ ἀναστὰς ἔλεγε τῷδʼ ἐναντία,
μορφῇ μὲν οὐκ εὐωπός, ἀνδρεῖος δʼ ἀνήρ,
ὀλιγάκις ἄστυ κἀγορᾶς χραίνων κύκλον,
αὐτουργός — οἵπερ καὶ μόνοι σῴζουσι γῆν —
ξυνετὸς δέ, χωρεῖν ὁμόσε τοῖς λόγοις θέλων,
ἀκέραιος, ἀνεπίπληκτον ἠσκηκὼς βίον·
ὃς εἶπʼ Ὀρέστην παῖδα τὸν Ἀγαμέμνονος
στεφανοῦν, ὃς ἠθέλησε τιμωρεῖν πατρί,
κακὴν γυναῖκα κἄθεον κατακτανών,
ἣ κεῖνʼ ἀφῄρει, μήθʼ ὁπλίζεσθαι χέρα
μήτε στρατεύειν ἐκλιπόντα δώματα,
εἰ τἄνδον οἰκουρήμαθʼ οἱ λελειμμένοι
φθείρουσιν, ἀνδρῶν εὔνιδας λωβώμενοι.

[¶137] To the better sort, at least, his word carried conviction.

> Greek: καὶ τοῖς γε χρηστοῖς εὖ λέγειν ἐφαίνετο.

[¶138] No one spoke after him. Then your brother came forward and said: “You dwellers in the land of Inachus! [Pelasgians in ancient times, and later Danaids] I helped you no less than my father”
“when I slew my mother; for if the murder of men by women is to be sanctioned, then the sooner you die, the better, or you must become the slaves of women; and that will be doing the very reverse of what you should. As it is, she who betrayed my father’s bed”
“has died, but if you take my life, the law becomes relaxed, and the sooner each one of you dies, the better; for it will never be daring at any rate that they will lack.” Yet, for all he seemed to speak well, he did not persuade the assembly; but that villain who spoke in favor of slaying you and your brother
gained his point by appealing to the mob.

> Greek: κοὐδεὶς ἔτʼ εἶπε. σὸς δʼ ἐπῆλθε σύγγονος,
ἔλεξε δʼ· ὦ γῆν Ἰνάχου κεκτημένοι,
[πάλαι Πελασγοί, Δαναΐδαι δεύτερον,]
ὑμῖν ἀμύνων οὐδὲν ἧσσον ἢ πατρὶ
ἔκτεινα μητέρʼ. εἰ γὰρ ἀρσένων φόνος
ἔσται γυναιξὶν ὅσιος, οὐ φθάνοιτʼ ἔτʼ ἂν
θνῄσκοντες, ἢ γυναιξὶ δουλεύειν χρεών·
τοὐναντίον δὲ δράσετʼ ἢ δρᾶσαι χρεών.
νῦν μὲν γὰρ ἡ προδοῦσα λέκτρʼ ἐμοῦ πατρὸς
τέθνηκεν· εἰ δὲ δὴ κατακτενεῖτʼ ἐμέ,
ὁ νόμος ἀνεῖται, κοὐ φθάνοι θνῄσκων τις ἄν·
ὡς τῆς γε τόλμης οὐ σπάνις γενήσεται.
ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἔπειθʼ ὅμιλον, εὖ δοκῶν λέγειν.
νικᾷ δʼ ἐκεῖνος ὁ κακὸς ἐν πλήθει λέγων,
ὃς ἠγόρευσε σύγγονον σέ τε κτανεῖν.

[¶139] Poor Orestes scarcely persuaded them not to kill him by stoning, promising to die by his own hand, with you, on this day. Pylades, in tears, is now bringing him from the conclave;
and his friends bear him company, with wailing and lamentation; so he comes, a bitter sight and piteous vision. Make ready the sword or prepare the noose for your neck, for you must leave the light; your noble birth
availed you nothing, nor did Phoebus from his seat on the tripod at Delphi; he was your undoing. Exit Messenger.
[]
Chorus Leader:
[Ah, hapless maiden! How silent you are, your face covered and bent to the ground, as if about to dash upon a course of lamentation and wailing.]

> Greek: μόλις δʼ ἔπεισε μὴ πετρουμένους θανεῖν
τλήμων Ὀρέστης· αὐτόχειρι δὲ σφαγῇ
ὑπέσχετʼ ἐν τῇδʼ ἡμέρᾳ λείψειν βίον
σὺν σοί. πορεύει δʼ αὐτὸν ἐκκλήτων ἄπο
Πυλάδης δακρύων· σὺν δʼ ὁμαρτοῦσιν φίλοι
κλαίοντες, οἰκτίροντες· ἔρχεται δέ σοι
πικρὸν θέαμα καὶ πρόσοψις ἀθλία.
ἀλλʼ εὐτρέπιζε φάσγανʼ ἢ βρόχον δέρῃ·
ὡς δεῖ λιπεῖν σε φέγγος· ἡ εὐγένεια δὲ
οὐδέν σʼ ἐπωφέλησεν, οὐδʼ ὁ Πύθιος
τρίποδα καθίζων Φοῖβος, ἀλλʼ ἀπώλεσεν.
Χορός:
ὦ δυστάλαινα παρθένʼ, ὡς ξυνηρεφὲς
πρόσωπον εἰς γῆν σὸν βαλοῦσʼ ἄφθογγος εἶ,
ὡς εἰς στεναγμοὺς καὶ γόους δραμουμένη.

[¶140] Electra:
O Pelasgia, I take up the dirge, doing bloody outrage on my cheeks with white nail, and beating on my head; these are the portion of Persephone, fair young goddess of the nether world.

> Greek: Ἠλέκτρα:
κατάρχομαι στεναγμόν, ὦ Πελασγία,
τιθεῖσα λευκὸν ὄνυχα διὰ παρηίδων,
αἱματηρὸν ἄταν,
κτύπον τε κρατός, ὃν ἔλαχʼ ἁ κατὰ χθονὸς
νερτέρων Περσέφασσα καλλίπαις θεά.

[¶141] Let the Cyclopian land break forth into wailing for the sorrows of our house, laying the steel upon the head to crop it close. This is the piteous, piteous strain that goes up for those who are about to die,
once the battle-leaders of Hellas.

> Greek: ἰαχείτω δὲ γᾶ Κυκλωπία,
σίδαρον ἐπὶ κάρα τιθεῖσα κούριμον,
πήματʼ οἴκων.
ἔλεος ἔλεος ὅδʼ ἔρχεται
τῶν θανουμένων ὕπερ,
στρατηλατᾶν Ἑλλάδος ποτʼ ὄντων.

[¶142] Electra:
It has gone, it has gone, and is lost, all the race of Pelops, and the glory that crowned their happy home once; the envy of heaven seized them and that cruel
murdering vote among the citizens.

> Greek: Ἠλέκτρα:
βέβακε γὰρ βέβακεν, οἴχεται τέκνων
πρόπασα γέννα Πέλοπος ὅ τʼ ἐπὶ μακαρίοις
ζῆλος ὤν ποτʼ οἴκοις·
φθόνος νιν εἷλε θεόθεν, ἅ τε δυσμενὴς
φοινία ψῆφος ἐν πολίταις.

[¶143] Oh, oh! you tribes of short-lived men, full of tears, full of suffering, see how fate runs counter to your hopes! All receive in turn their different
troubles in length of time; and the whole of mortal life is uncertain.

> Greek: ἰὼ ἰώ, πανδάκρυτʼ ἐφαμέρων
ἔθνη πολύπονα, λεύσσεθʼ, ὡς παρʼ ἐλπίδας
μοῖρα βαίνει.
ἕτερα δʼ ἕτερος ἀμείβεται
πήματʼ ἐν χρόνῳ μακρῷ·
βροτῶν δʼ ὁ πᾶς ἀστάθμητος αἰών.

[¶144] Electra:
Oh! to reach that rock which hangs suspended midway between earth and heaven, that fragment from Olympus, which swings on chains of gold, so that I may utter my lament
to Tantalus, my forefather, who begot the ancestors of my house. They saw infatuate ruin, the chase of winged steeds, when Pelops in four-horse chariot
drove over the sea, hurling the body of murdered Myrtilus into the ocean swell, after his race near Geraestus’ strand, foam-flecked from the tossing sea.

> Greek: Ἠλέκτρα:
μόλοιμι τὰν οὐρανοῦ
μέσον χθονός ⟨τε⟩ τεταμέναν
αἰωρήμασι πέτραν,
ἁλύσεσιν χρυσέαισι φερομέναν δίναισι,
βῶλον ἐξ Ὀλύμπου,
ἵνʼ ἐν θρήνοισιν ἀναβοάσω
γέροντι πατρὶ Ταντάλῳ
ὃς ἔτεκεν ἔτεκε γενέτορας ἐμέθεν δόμων,
οἳ κατεῖδον ἄτας,
ποτανὸν μὲν δίωγμα πώλων
τεθριπποβάμονι στόλῳ Πέλοψ ὅτε
πελάγεσι διεδίφρευσε, Μυρτίλου φόνον
δικὼν ἐς οἶδμα πόντου,
λευκοκύμοσιν
πρὸς Γεραιστίαις
ποντίων σάλων
ᾐόσιν ἁρματεύσας.

[¶145] From this came a woeful curse upon my house, brought to birth among the sheep by the son of Maia, when there appeared a baleful, baleful portent of a lamb with golden fleece,
for Atreus, breeder of horses; from which Strife changed the course of the sun’s winged chariot, fitting the westward path of the sky towards the single horse of Dawn;
and Zeus diverted the career of the seven Pleiads into a new track and exchanged... death for death: both the banquet to which Thyestes gave his name, and the treacherous love of Cretan Aerope,
in her treacherous marriage; but the crowning woe has come on me and on my father by the bitter constraints of our house.

> Greek: ὅθεν δόμοισι τοῖς ἐμοῖς
ἦλθʼ ἀρὰ πολύστονος,
λόχευμα ποιμνίοισι Μαιάδος τόκου,
τὸ χρυσόμαλλον ἀρνὸς ὁπότʼ
ἐγένετο τέρας ὀλοὸν ὀλοὸν
Ἀτρέος ἱπποβώτα·
ὅθεν Ἔρις τό τε πτερωτὸν
ἁλίου μετέβαλεν ἅρμα,
τὰν πρὸς ἑσπέραν κέλευθον
οὐρανοῦ προσαρμόσα-
σα μονόπωλον ἐς Ἀῶ,
ἑπταπόρου τε δράμημα Πελειάδος
εἰς ὁδὸν ἄλλαν Ζεὺς μεταβάλλει,
τῶνδέ τʼ ἀμείβει … θανάτους θανά-
των τά τʼ ἐπώνυμα δεῖπνα Θυέστου
λέκτρα τε Κρήσσας Ἀερόπας δολί-
ας δολίοισι γάμοις· τὰ πανύστατα δʼ
εἰς ἐμὲ καὶ γενέταν ἐμὸν ἤλυθε
δόμων πολυπόνοις ἀνάγκαις.

[¶146] Chorus Leader:
Look, here comes your brother, condemned to die, and with him Pylades, most loyal of friends,
true as a brother, guiding his feeble steps, his yoke-fellow, pacing carefully.

> Greek: Χορός:
καὶ μὴν ὅδε σὸς σύγγονος ἕρπει
ψήφῳ θανάτου κατακυρωθείς,
ὅ τε πιστότατος πάντων Πυλάδης,
ἰσάδελφος ἀνήρ, ἰθύνων
νοσερὸν κῶλον [Ὀρέστου],
ποδὶ κηδοσύνῳ παράσειρος.

[¶147] Electra:
Alas! I weep to see you stand before the tomb, my brother, face to face with the funeral pyre.

> Greek: Ἠλέκτρα:
οἲ ἐγώ· πρὸ τύμβου γάρ σʼ ὁρῶσʼ ἀναστένω,
ἀδελφέ, καὶ πάροιθε νερτέρου πυρᾶς.

[¶148] Alas, again! as I take my last look at you, my senses leave me.

> Greek: οἲ ἐγὼ μάλʼ αὖθις· ὥς σʼ ἰδοῦσʼ ἐν ὄμμασιν
πανυστάτην πρόσοψιν ἐξέστην φρενῶν.

[¶149] Orestes:
Be silent! an end to womanish lamenting! resign yourself to your fate. It is piteous, but nevertheless [you must bear the present fate.]

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
οὐ σῖγʼ ἀφεῖσα τοὺς γυναικείους γόους
στέρξεις τὰ κρανθέντʼ; οἰκτρὰ μὲν τάδʼ, ἀλλʼ ὅμως
[φέρειν σʼ ἀνάγκη τὰς παρεστώσας τύχας].

[¶150] Electra:
How can I be silent, when we poor sufferers are no longer to gaze upon the sun-god’s light?

> Greek: Ἠλέκτρα:
καὶ πῶς σιωπῶ; φέγγος εἰσορᾶν θεοῦ
τόδʼ οὐκέθʼ ἡμῖν τοῖς ταλαιπώροις μέτα.

[¶151] Orestes:
Oh! spare me that death! Enough that this unhappy wretch is already slain by Argives; let our present sufferings be.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
σὺ μή μʼ ἀπόκτεινʼ· ἅλις ὑπʼ Ἀργείας χερὸς
τέθνηχʼ ὁ τλήμων· τὰ δὲ παρόντʼ ἔα κακά.

[¶152] Electra:
Alas for your unhappy youth, Orestes, and for your fated
untimely death! When you should have lived, you are going to die.

> Greek: Ἠλέκτρα:
ὦ μέλεος ἥβης σῆς, Ὀρέστα, καὶ πότμου
θανάτου τʼ ἀώρου. ζῆν ἐχρῆν σʼ, ὅτʼ οὐκέτʼ εἶ.

[¶153] Orestes:
By the gods, do not unman me, bringing me to tears by the recollection of my sorrows.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
μὴ πρὸς θεῶν μοι περιβάλῃς ἀνανδρίαν,
ἐς δάκρυα πορθμεύουσʼ ὑπομνήσει κακῶν.

[¶154] Electra:
We are about to die; it is not possible for me not to grieve over our troubles; it is a piteous thing for all men to lose life, that is so sweet.

> Greek: Ἠλέκτρα:
θανούμεθʼ· οὐχ οἷόν τε μὴ στένειν κακά.
πᾶσιν γὰρ οἰκτρὸν ἡ φίλη ψυχὴ βροτοῖς.

[¶155] Orestes:
This is the day appointed for us; we must fit the dangling noose about our necks or whet the sword for use.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
τόδʼ ἦμαρ ἡμῖν κύριον· δεῖ δʼ ἢ βρόχους
ἅπτειν κρεμαστοὺς ἢ ξίφος θήγειν χερί.

[¶156] Electra:
You be the one to kill me, brother, so that no Argive may insult Agamemnon’s son by my death.

> Greek: Ἠλέκτρα:
σύ νύν μʼ, ἀδελφέ, μή τις Ἀργείων κτάνῃ
ὕβρισμα θέμενος τὸν Ἀγαμέμνονος γόνον.

[¶157] Orestes:
Enough that I have a mother’s blood upon me; I will not kill you,
but die by your own hand, however you wish.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
ἅλις τὸ μητρὸς αἷμʼ ἔχω· σὲ δʼ οὐ κτενῶ,
ἀλλʼ αὐτόχειρι θνῇσχʼ ὅτῳ βούλῃ τρόπῳ.

[¶158] Electra:
Agreed; I will not be behind you in using the sword; only I long to throw my arms about your neck.

> Greek: Ἠλέκτρα:
ἔσται τάδʼ· οὐδὲν σοῦ ξίφους λελείψομαι.
ἀλλʼ ἀμφιθεῖναι σῇ δέρῃ θέλω χέρας.

[¶159] Orestes:
Enjoy that empty satisfaction, if embraces have any joy for those who have come so near to death.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
τέρπου κενὴν ὄνησιν, εἰ τερπνὸν τόδε
θανάτου πέλας βεβῶσι, περιβαλεῖν χέρας.

[¶160] Electra:
My dearest, you who have a name that sounds most loved and sweet to your sister, partner in one soul with her!

> Greek: Ἠλέκτρα:
ὦ φίλτατʼ, ὦ ποθεινὸν ἥδιστόν τʼ ἔχων
τῆς σῆς ἀδελφῆς ὄνομα καὶ ψυχὴν μίαν.

[¶161] Orestes:
Oh, you will melt my heart! I want to give you back a fond embrace. And why should such a wretch as I still feel any shame? Embracing Electra Heart to heart, my sister! how sweet to me this close embrace!
In place of children and the marriage bed [this greeting is all that is possible to us poor sufferers].

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
ἔκ τοί με τήξεις· καί σʼ ἀμείψασθαι θέλω
φιλότητι χειρῶν. τί γὰρ ἔτʼ αἰδοῦμαι τάλας;
ὦ στέρνʼ ἀδελφῆς, ὦ φίλον πρόσπτυγμʼ ἐμόν,
τάδʼ ἀντὶ παίδων καὶ γαμηλίου λέχους —
[προσφθέγματʼ ἀμφοῖν τοῖς ταλαιπώροις πάρα].

[¶162] Electra:
Ah! If only the same sword, if it is right, could kill us both, and one coffin of cedar-wood receive us!

> Greek: Ἠλέκτρα:
φεῦ·
πῶς ἂν ξίφος νὼ ταὐτόν, εἰ θέμις, κτάνοι
καὶ μνῆμα δέξαιθʼ ἕν, κέδρου τεχνάσματα;

[¶163] Orestes:
That would be very sweet; but surely you see
we are too destitute of friends to be allowed one tomb between us.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
ἥδιστʼ ἂν εἴη ταῦθʼ· ὁρᾷς δὲ δὴ φίλων
ὡς ἐσπανίσμεθʼ, ὥστε κοινωνεῖν τάφου.

[¶164] Electra:
Did that coward Menelaus, that traitor to my father, not even speak for you, or make an effort to save your life?

> Greek: Ἠλέκτρα:
οὐδʼ εἶφʼ ὑπὲρ σοῦ, μὴ θανεῖν σπουδὴν ἔχων,
Μενέλαος ὁ κακός, ὁ προδότης τοὐμοῦ πατρός;

[¶165] Orestes:
He did not even show himself, but, with his hopes centered on the throne, he was careful not to attempt the rescue of his friends.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
οὐδʼ ὄμμʼ ἔδειξεν, ἀλλʼ ἐπὶ σκήπτροις ἔχων
τὴν ἐλπίδʼ, εὐλαβεῖτο μὴ σῴζειν φίλους.

[¶166] But let us see how we may die a noble death, one most worthy of Agamemnon. I, for my part, will let the city see my noble spirit when I plunge the sword to my heart, and you in turn must imitate my daring.

> Greek: ἀλλʼ εἶʼ ὅπως γενναῖα καὶ Ἀγαμέμνονος
δράσαντε κατθανούμεθʼ ἀξιώτατα.
κἀγὼ μὲν εὐγένειαν ἀποδείξω πόλει,
παίσας πρὸς ἧπαρ φασγάνῳ· σὲ δʼ αὖ χρεὼν
ὅμοια πράσσειν τοῖς ἐμοῖς τολμήμασιν.

[¶167] Pylades, be the arbitrator of our slaughter and, when we both are dead, lay out our bodies decently; carry them to our father’s grave and bury us there with him. Farewell, now; I am leaving for the deed, as you see.

> Greek: Πυλάδη, σὺ δʼ ἡμῖν τοῦ φόνου γενοῦ βραβεύς,
καὶ κατθανόντοιν εὖ περίστειλον δέμας
θάψον τε κοινῇ πρὸς πατρὸς τύμβον φέρων.
καὶ χαῖρʼ· ἐπʼ ἔργον δʼ, ὡς ὁρᾷς, πορεύομαι.

[¶168] Pylades:
Stop! there is first one point I have to blame you for,
if you thought I would care to live when you are dead.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
ἐπίσχες. ἓν μὲν πρῶτά σοι μομφὴν ἔχω,
εἰ ζῆν με χρῄζειν σοῦ θανόντος ἤλπισας.

[¶169] Orestes:
But why are you called on to die with me?

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
τί γὰρ προσήκει κατθανεῖν σʼ ἐμοῦ μέτα;

[¶170] Pylades:
Do you ask? What is life to me without your companionship?

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
ἤρου; τί δὲ ζῆν σῆς ἑταιρίας ἄτερ;

[¶171] Orestes:
You did not kill your mother, as I did to my sorrow.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
οὐκ ἔκτανες σὴν μητέρʼ, ὡς ἐγὼ τάλας.

[¶172] Pylades:
At least I helped you; and so I ought to suffer the same penalty.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
σὺν σοί γε κοινῇ· ταὐτὰ καὶ πάσχειν με δεῖ.

[¶173] Orestes:
Surrender to your father, do not die with me. You still have a city, while I no longer have, and your father’s home, and a great refuge of wealth. You have failed to marry my poor sister, whom I betrothed to you from a deep regard for your companionship;

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
ἀπόδος τὸ σῶμα πατρί, μὴ σύνθνῃσκέ μοι.
σοὶ μὲν γὰρ ἔστι πόλις, ἐμοὶ δʼ οὐκ ἔστι δή,
καὶ δῶμα πατρὸς καὶ μέγας πλούτου λιμήν.
γάμων δὲ τῆς μὲν δυσπότμου τῆσδʼ ἐσφάλης,
ἥν σοι κατηγγύησʼ ἑταιρίαν σέβων·

[¶174] but find another bride and rear a family; for the marriage-tie which bound us is no more. Farewell, be happy, my beloved friend; we cannot, but you may; for we, the dead, are robbed of happiness.

> Greek: σὺ δʼ ἄλλο λέκτρον παιδοποίησαι λαβών,
κῆδος δὲ τοὐμὸν καὶ σὸν οὐκέτʼ ἔστι δή.
ἀλλʼ, ὦ ποθεινὸν ὄμμʼ ὁμιλίας ἐμῆς,
χαῖρʼ· οὐ γὰρ ἡμῖν ἔστι τοῦτο, σοί γε μήν·
οἱ γὰρ θανόντες χαρμάτων τητώμεθα.

[¶175] Pylades:
How far you are from grasping what I mean! May the fruitful earth, the radiant sky refuse to hold my blood, if ever I turn traitor and desert you when I have freed myself. For I shared in the murder, which I will not deny,
and also schemed the whole plot, for which you are now paying the penalty; and so I ought to die together with you and her. For I consider her, whom you betrothed to me, as my wife. Whatever shall I say, when I reach Delphi, the citadel of Phocis,
if I was your friend before your misfortunes, but ceased to be your friend, when you were unfortunate? That must not be; no, this concerns me, too. But since we are to die, let us take counsel together that Menelaus may share our misfortune.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
ἦ πολὺ λέλειψαι τῶν ἐμῶν βουλευμάτων.
μήθʼ αἷμά μου δέξαιτο κάρπιμον πέδον,
μὴ λαμπρὸς αἰθήρ, εἴ σʼ ἐγὼ προδούς ποτε
ἐλευθερώσας τοὐμὸν ἀπολίποιμι σέ.
καὶ συγκατέκτανον γάρ, οὐκ ἀρνήσομαι,
καὶ πάντʼ ἐβούλευσʼ ὧν σὺ νῦν τίνεις δίκας·
καὶ ξυνθανεῖν οὖν δεῖ με σοὶ καὶ τῇδʼ ὁμοῦ.
ἐμὴν γὰρ αὐτήν, ἧς ⟨γε⟩ λέχος ἐπῄνεσα,
κρίνω δάμαρτα· τί γὰρ ἐρῶ κἀγώ ποτε
γῆν Δελφίδʼ ἐλθὼν Φωκέων ἀκρόπτολιν,
ὃς πρὶν μὲν ὑμᾶς δυστυχεῖν φίλος παρῆ,
νῦν δʼ οὐκέτʼ εἰμὶ δυστυχοῦντί σοι φίλος;
οὐκ ἔστιν. ἀλλὰ ταῦτα μὲν κἀμοὶ μέλει·
ἐπεὶ δὲ κατθανούμεθʼ, ἐς κοινοὺς λόγους
ἔλθωμεν, ὡς ἂν Μενέλεως συνδυστυχῇ.

[¶176] Orestes:
Best of friends! if only I could see this before I die.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
ὦ φίλτατʼ, εἰ γὰρ τοῦτο κατθάνοιμʼ ἰδών.

[¶177] Pylades:
Listen to me, and delay the stroke of the sword.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
πιθοῦ νυν, ἄμμεινόν τε φασγάνου τομάς.

[¶178] Orestes:
I will, if I may take vengeance on my enemy.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
μενῶ, τὸν ἐχθρὸν εἴ τι τιμωρήσομαι.

[¶179] Pylades:
Hush now! I have small confidence in women.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
σίγα νυν· ὡς γυναιξὶ πιστεύω βραχύ.

[¶180] Orestes:
Have no fear of these; for they are our friends who are here.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
μηδὲν τρέσῃς τάσδʼ· ὡς πάρεισʼ ἡμῖν φίλαι.

[¶181] Pylades:
Let us kill Helen, a bitter grief to Menelaus.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
Ἑλένην κτάνωμεν, Μενέλεῳ λύπην πικράν.

[¶182] Orestes:
How? I am ready, if there is any chance of success.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
πῶς; τὸ γὰρ ἕτοιμον ἔστιν, εἴ γʼ ἔσται καλῶς.

[¶183] Pylades:
With our swords; she is hiding in your house.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
σφάξαντες. ἐν δόμοις δὲ κρύπτεται σέθεν.

[¶184] Orestes:
Indeed she is; and already she is putting her seal on everything.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
μάλιστα· καὶ δὴ πάντʼ ἀποσφραγίζεται.

[¶185] Pylades:
No longer, after she is married to Hades.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
ἀλλʼ οὐκέθʼ, Ἅιδην νυμφίον κεκτημένη.

[¶186] Orestes:
But how? She has her barbarian attendants.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
καὶ πῶς; ἔχει γὰρ βαρβάρους ὀπάονας.

[¶187] Pylades:
Barbarians indeed! I am not the man to fear any Phrygian.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
τίνας; Φρυγῶν γὰρ οὐδένʼ ἂν τρέσαιμʼ ἐγώ.

[¶188] Orestes:
They are only fit to look after mirrors and perfumes!

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
οἵους ἐνόπτρων καὶ μύρων ἐπιστάτας.

[¶189] Pylades:
Has she brought Trojan luxury with her here?

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
τρυφὰς γὰρ ἥκει δεῦρʼ ἔχουσα Τρωικάς;

[¶190] Orestes:
So much so, that Hellas is too small for her to live in.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
ὥσθʼ Ἑλλὰς αὐτῇ σμικρὸν οἰκητήριον.

[¶191] Pylades:
The race of slaves is nothing to those who are free.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
οὐδὲν τὸ δοῦλον πρὸς τὸ μὴ δοῦλον γένος.

[¶192] Orestes:
Well, if I can do this deed, I do not shrink from dying twice over.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
καὶ μὴν τόδʼ ἔρξας δὶς θανεῖν οὐχ ἅζομαι.

[¶193] Pylades:
No, nor I either, if it is you I am avenging.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ ἐγὼ μήν, σοί γε τιμωρούμενος.

[¶194] Orestes:
Explain the matter, and continue describing your plan.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
τὸ πρᾶγμα δήλου καὶ πέραινʼ, ὅπως λέγεις.

[¶195] Pylades:
We will enter the house on the pretence of going to our death.

> Greek: Πυλάδης:
ἔσιμεν ἐς οἴκους δῆθεν ὡς θανούμενοι.

[¶196] Orestes:
So far I follow you, but not beyond.

> Greek: Ὀρέστης:
ἔχω τοσοῦτον, τἀπίλοιπα δʼ οὐκ ἔχω.