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. O father, in your home of gloomy night, your son Orestes calls you to come to the rescue of the destitute. It is on your account I am wrongfully suffering, and it is by your brother that I have been betrayed for doing right; it is his wife I wish to take
  2. and kill; you be our accomplice for this deed.
Electra
  1. Oh father, come! if within the ground you hear the cry of your children, who are dying for your sake.
Pylades
  1. O kinsman of my father, Agamemnon, hear my prayers also; save your children.
Orestes
  1. I killed my mother—
Electra
  1. I held the sword—
Pylades
  1. I . . . set them free from fear—
Orestes
  1. To aid you, father.
Electra
  1. Nor did I betray you.
Pylades
  1. Will you not hear these reproaches and rescue your children?
Orestes
  1. With tears I pour you a libation.
Electra
  1. And I with laments.
Pylades
  1. Cease, and let us set about our business. If prayers really do pierce the ground, he hears. O Zeus, god of my fathers, and holy Justice, give success to him and me and her; for there is one struggle for three friends, and one penalty,
  2. for all to live or—pay death’s account. Exeunt Orestes and Pylades.
Electra
  1. My dear friends of Mycenae, of foremost rank in Argos, the home of the Pelasgians.
Chorus
  1. What are you saying to us, mistress?
  2. For this honored name is still left for you in the Danaid town.
Electra
  1. Station yourselves, some here along the high road, others there on some other path, to watch the house.
Chorus
  1. But why do you call me to this service? Tell me, my dear.
Electra
  1. I am afraid that some one, who is stationed at the house for slaughter, may find trouble upon trouble.