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. His silence says he is; let it suffice for me to say it.
Menelaus
  1. You’ll say it to your cost, unless you fly away!
Orestes
  1. We will not try to escape; we will set fire to the palace.
Menelaus
  1. What! will you destroy the home of your ancestors?
Orestes
  1. Yes, so that you don’t have it, and I will offer this girl in sacrifice on the fire.
Menelaus
  1. Kill her; and if you do, I will punish you for it.
Orestes
  1. All right, then.
Menelaus
  1. No, no! Don’t do it!
Orestes
  1. Silence! Your sufferings are just; endure them.
Menelaus
  1. Well, is it just that you should live?
Orestes
  1. And rule a kingdom, yes.
Menelaus
  1. A kingdom, where?
Orestes
  1. Here in Pelasgian Argos.
Menelaus
  1. You are so well qualified to handle holy water!
Orestes
  1. And why not?
Menelaus
  1. And to slay victims before battle!
Orestes
  1. Well, are you?
Menelaus
  1. Yes, my hands are clean.
Orestes
  1. But not your heart.
Menelaus
  1. Who would speak to you?