What 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!