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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,
640
you will save my dearest possession.
645
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.
650
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.
655
As for what
Aulis
took, the sacrifice of my sister, I let you have that; do not kill Hermione.
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.
660
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.
665
All
Hellas
believes that you love your wife,
and I am not saying this to flatter or wheedle you; by her I implore you.
670
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.
675
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,
640
you will save my dearest possession.
645
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.
650
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.
655
As for what
Aulis
took, the sacrifice of my sister, I let you have that; do not kill Hermione.
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.
660
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.
665
All
Hellas
believes that you love your wife,
and I am not saying this to flatter or wheedle you; by her I implore you.
670
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.
675
Chorus Leader
I, too, though I am only a woman, beseech you to help those who need it; for you have the power.
680
I, too, though I am only a woman, beseech you to help those who need it; for you have the power.
680
Orestes. Euripides. Edward P. Coleridge (Translator). London. 1891.
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