Oh! spare me that death! Enough that this unhappy wretch is already slain by Argives; let our present sufferings be.ElectraAlas for your unhappy youth, Orestes, and for your fated untimely death! When you should have lived, you are going to die.OrestesBy the gods, do not unman me, bringing me to tears by the recollection of my sorrows.ElectraWe are about to die; it is not possible for me not to grieve over our troubles; it is a piteous thing for all men to lose life, that is so sweet.OrestesThis is the day appointed for us; we must fit the dangling noose about our necks or whet the sword for use.ElectraYou be the one to kill me, brother, so that no Argive may insult Agamemnon’s son by my death.OrestesEnough that I have a mother’s blood upon me; I will not kill you, but die by your own hand, however you wish.ElectraAgreed; I will not be behind you in using the sword; only I long to throw my arms about your neck.OrestesEnjoy that empty satisfaction, if embraces have any joy for those who have come so near to death.ElectraMy dearest, you who have a name that sounds most loved and sweet to your sister, partner in one soul with her!OrestesOh, you will melt my heart! I want to give you back a fond embrace. And why should such a wretch as I still feel any shame? Embracing Electra Heart to heart, my sister! how sweet to me this close embrace! In place of children and the marriage bed ~~this greeting is all that is possible to us poor sufferers~~.ElectraAh! If only the same sword, if it is right, could kill us both, and one coffin of cedar-wood receive us!OrestesThat would be very sweet; but surely you see we are too destitute of friends to be allowed one tomb between us.ElectraDid that coward Menelaus, that traitor to my father, not even speak for you, or make an effort to save your life?OrestesHe did not even show himself, but, with his hopes centered on the throne, he was careful not to attempt the rescue of his friends. But let us see how we may die a noble death, one most worthy of Agamemnon. I, for my part, will let the city see my noble spirit when I plunge the sword to my heart, and you in turn must imitate my daring.