But did your mother, who gave you birth, endure this?ElectraWomen love their husbands, stranger, not their children.OrestesWhy did Aegisthus insult you in this way?ElectraHe planned for me to bear powerless children, when he gave me to such a man.OrestesSo that you might not bear sons to punish him, of course?ElectraThat was his plan; may he make amends to me for it!OrestesDoes your mother’s husband know that you are a virgin?ElectraHe does not know; we steal that from him by our silence.OrestesAre these women who hear our talk friends of yours ?ElectraThey will keep both your words and mine well hidden.OrestesWhat then could Orestes do in this matter if he comes to Argos?ElectraDo you ask this? You have said a shameful word; isn’t it the critical time now?OrestesBut if he does come, how might he kill his father’s murderers?ElectraBy daring such things as his enemies dared against my father.OrestesAnd would you dare, with him, to kill your mother?ElectraYes, with that same axe by which my father died.OrestesAm I to tell him this, and that your purpose is steadfast?ElectraOnce I had shed my mother’s blood, I might die!OrestesAh! Would that Orestes were near by, to hear that!ElectraBut, stranger, I would not know him if I saw him.