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Orestes
Ah! there is nothing better than a trusty friend, neither wealth nor monarchy; a crowd of people is of no account in exchange for a noble friend. You were the one who devised the vengeance against Aegisthus, and stood by me in danger,
1155
and now again you are offering me a means to punish my foes and do not stand aside—but I will cease praising you, for there is something wearisome even in being praised to excess. Now since in any case I must breathe my last, I want to do something to my enemies before my death,
1160
so that I may requite with ruin those who betrayed me, and so that those who made me suffer may grieve. Yes! I am the son of Agamemnon, who was considered worthy to rule
Hellas
, no tyrant but yet god-like in power; I will not disgrace him
1165
by submitting to die like a slave; my last breath shall be free and I will take vengeance on Menelaus. For if we could secure one object, we would be lucky, if a means of safety should unexpectedly come our way from somewhere, and we should be the slayers, not the slain; this is what I pray for.
1170
This wish of mine is a pleasant dream to cheer the heart, without cost, by means of the mouth’s winged words.
1175
Ah! there is nothing better than a trusty friend, neither wealth nor monarchy; a crowd of people is of no account in exchange for a noble friend. You were the one who devised the vengeance against Aegisthus, and stood by me in danger,
1155
and now again you are offering me a means to punish my foes and do not stand aside—but I will cease praising you, for there is something wearisome even in being praised to excess. Now since in any case I must breathe my last, I want to do something to my enemies before my death,
1160
so that I may requite with ruin those who betrayed me, and so that those who made me suffer may grieve. Yes! I am the son of Agamemnon, who was considered worthy to rule
Hellas
, no tyrant but yet god-like in power; I will not disgrace him
1165
by submitting to die like a slave; my last breath shall be free and I will take vengeance on Menelaus. For if we could secure one object, we would be lucky, if a means of safety should unexpectedly come our way from somewhere, and we should be the slayers, not the slain; this is what I pray for.
1170
This wish of mine is a pleasant dream to cheer the heart, without cost, by means of the mouth’s winged words.
1175
Electra
I think I have it, brother, a means of safety for you, and for him and thirdly for myself.
I think I have it, brother, a means of safety for you, and for him and thirdly for myself.
Orestes
You mean divine providence. But why do I say that?
Since I know the natural shrewdness of your heart.
1180
You mean divine providence. But why do I say that?
Since I know the natural shrewdness of your heart.
1180
Electra
Listen to me now; and you
(to Pylades) pay attention also.
Listen to me now; and you
(to Pylades) pay attention also.
Orestes
Speak; the prospect of good news holds a certain pleasure.
Speak; the prospect of good news holds a certain pleasure.
Electra
You know Helen’s daughter? Of course you do.
You know Helen’s daughter? Of course you do.
Orestes
I know her, Hermione, whom my mother reared.
I know her, Hermione, whom my mother reared.
Electra
She has gone to Clytemnestra’s tomb.
1185
She has gone to Clytemnestra’s tomb.
1185
Orestes
To do what? What hope are you hinting at?
To do what? What hope are you hinting at?
Electra
She was going to pour a libation over the tomb of our mother.
She was going to pour a libation over the tomb of our mother.
Orestes
Well, how does what you have said lead to our safety?
Well, how does what you have said lead to our safety?
Electra
Seize her as a hostage on her way back.
Seize her as a hostage on her way back.
Orestes
What good can your suggested remedy do us three friends?
1190
What good can your suggested remedy do us three friends?
1190
Electra
If, after Helen’s slaughter, Menelaus tries to do anything to you or to Pylades and me—for this bond of friendship is wholly one—say that you will kill Hermione; you must draw your sword and hold it to the maiden’s throat.
If Menelaus, when he sees Helen fallen in her blood, tries to save you to insure the girl’s life, allow him to take his daughter to his arms; but if he makes no effort to curb the angry outburst and leaves you to die, then cut the maiden’s throat.
1195
And I think if he puts in a mighty appearance at first, he will calm down in time; for he is not bold or brave by nature. That is my line of defense for our safety. My speech is over.
1200
If, after Helen’s slaughter, Menelaus tries to do anything to you or to Pylades and me—for this bond of friendship is wholly one—say that you will kill Hermione; you must draw your sword and hold it to the maiden’s throat.
If Menelaus, when he sees Helen fallen in her blood, tries to save you to insure the girl’s life, allow him to take his daughter to his arms; but if he makes no effort to curb the angry outburst and leaves you to die, then cut the maiden’s throat.
1195
And I think if he puts in a mighty appearance at first, he will calm down in time; for he is not bold or brave by nature. That is my line of defense for our safety. My speech is over.
1200
Orestes. Euripides. Edward P. Coleridge (Translator). London. 1891.
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