I know her, Hermione, whom my mother reared.ElectraShe has gone to Clytemnestra’s tomb.OrestesTo do what? What hope are you hinting at?ElectraShe was going to pour a libation over the tomb of our mother.OrestesWell, how does what you have said lead to our safety?ElectraSeize her as a hostage on her way back.OrestesWhat good can your suggested remedy do us three friends?ElectraIf, after Helen’s slaughter, Menelaus tries to do anything to you or to Pylades and me—for this bond of friendship is wholly one—say that you will kill Hermione; you must draw your sword and hold it to the maiden’s throat. If Menelaus, when he sees Helen fallen in her blood, tries to save you to insure the girl’s life, allow him to take his daughter to his arms; but if he makes no effort to curb the angry outburst and leaves you to die, then cut the maiden’s throat. And I think if he puts in a mighty appearance at first, he will calm down in time; for he is not bold or brave by nature. That is my line of defense for our safety. My speech is over.OrestesO you that have the spirit of a man, though your body shows you to be a woman, how far more worthy you are to live than to die! Pylades, you will lose such a woman to your sorrow, or if you live, you will have a blessed marriage.PyladesThen may it be so, and may she come to the city of Phocis with all the honors of a happy wedding.OrestesHow soon will Hermione return to the palace? All the rest was very well said, if we succeed in catching this impious father’s cub.ElectraWell, I expect she is near the house already, for the length of time agrees exactly.OrestesGood; you, Electra, my sister, stay before the palace and await the maiden’s approach; keep watch in case any one, whether an ally or my father’s brother, forestalls us by his entry before the murder is complete; and then make a signal to the house, either by beating on a panel of the door or calling to us within.Let us enter now and arm ourselves with swords for the final struggle, ~~Pylades, for you share the labor with me.~~