Not yet; I call delay the equal of inaction.MenelausHow do you stand in the city after that deed of yours?OrestesI am so hated that no one will speak to me.MenelausHave your hands not even been cleaned of blood, according to custom?OrestesNo, for wherever I go, the door is shut against me.MenelausWhich citizens are driving you from the land?OrestesOeax, who refers to my father his reason for hating Troy.MenelausI understand; he is avenging on you the blood of Palamedes.OrestesThat was nothing to do with me; yet I am destroyed for three reasons.MenelausWho else? Some of the friends of Aegisthus, I suppose?OrestesThey insult me, and the city listens to them now.MenelausWill the city allow you to keep the scepter of Agamemnon?OrestesHow, seeing that they will not allow me to remain alive?MenelausWhat is their method? Can you tell me plainly?OrestesA vote will be taken against us today.MenelausTo leave the city? Or to die, or not to die?OrestesDeath by stoning at the hands of the citizens.MenelausThen why not cross the border and try to escape?OrestesBecause we are encircled by men fully armed.MenelausPrivate foes or Argive troops?