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. Pylades, be the arbitrator of our slaughter and, when we both are dead, lay out our bodies decently; carry them to our father’s grave and bury us there with him. Farewell, now; I am leaving for the deed, as you see.
Pylades
  1. Stop! there is first one point I have to blame you for,
  2. if you thought I would care to live when you are dead.
Orestes
  1. But why are you called on to die with me?
Pylades
  1. Do you ask? What is life to me without your companionship?
Orestes
  1. You did not kill your mother, as I did to my sorrow.
Pylades
  1. At least I helped you; and so I ought to suffer the same penalty.
Orestes
  1. Surrender to your father, do not die with me. You still have a city, while I no longer have, and your father’s home, and a great refuge of wealth. You have failed to marry my poor sister, whom I betrothed to you from a deep regard for your companionship;