Orestes

Euripides

Euripides. The Plays of Euripides, Translated into English Prose from the Text of Paley. Vol. II. Coleridge, Edward P., translator. London: George Bell and Sons, 1891.

  1. Oh, 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!
  2. In place of children and the marriage bed this greeting is all that is possible to us poor sufferers.
Electra
  1. Ah! If only the same sword, if it is right, could kill us both, and one coffin of cedar-wood receive us!
Orestes
  1. That would be very sweet; but surely you see
  2. we are too destitute of friends to be allowed one tomb between us.
Electra
  1. Did that coward Menelaus, that traitor to my father, not even speak for you, or make an effort to save your life?
Orestes
  1. He did not even show himself, but, with his hopes centered on the throne, he was careful not to attempt the rescue of his friends.
  2. 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.