O father, in your home of gloomy night, your son Orestes calls you to come to the rescue of the destitute. It is on your account I am wrongfully suffering, and it is by your brother that I have been betrayed for doing right; it is his wife I wish to take and kill; you be our accomplice for this deed.ElectraOh father, come! if within the ground you hear the cry of your children, who are dying for your sake.PyladesO kinsman of my father, Agamemnon, hear my prayers also; save your children.OrestesI killed my mother—ElectraI held the sword—PyladesI . . . set them free from fear—OrestesTo aid you, father.ElectraNor did I betray you.PyladesWill you not hear these reproaches and rescue your children?OrestesWith tears I pour you a libation.ElectraAnd I with laments.PyladesCease, and let us set about our business. If prayers really do pierce the ground, he hears. O Zeus, god of my fathers, and holy Justice, give success to him and me and her; for there is one struggle for three friends, and one penalty, for all to live or—pay death’s account.
Exeunt Orestes and Pylades.