Pylades who shared with me the bloody deed, my mother’s murder.MenelausYou are sick from phantom shapes; what sort?OrestesI seemed to see three maidens, black as night.MenelausI know whom you mean, but I do not want to name them.OrestesYes, for they are revered; you were well-informed, to avoid naming them.MenelausAre these the ones that drive you to frenzy, with the curse of kindred blood?OrestesOh! the torment I endure from their pursuit!MenelausIt is not strange, if those who have done dreadful things should suffer them.OrestesBut I have a way to recover from these troubles.MenelausDo not speak of death; that is not wise.OrestesIt is Phoebus, who commanded me to kill my mother.MenelausShowing a strange ignorance of what is fair and right.OrestesWe are slaves to the gods, whatever those gods are.MenelausAnd does Loxias not help your affliction?OrestesHe will in time; this is the nature of gods.MenelausHow long is it since your mother breathed her last?OrestesThis is the sixth day; her funeral pyre is still warm.MenelausHow soon the goddesses arrived to avenge your mother’s blood!OrestesI am not clever, but I am by nature a true friend to my friends.MenelausDoes your father give you any help at all, for your avenging him?