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. After all, father, you had no friends in adversity. Alas! I am betrayed; no longer do I have any hope of finding a refuge where I may escape the death-sentence of Argos; for this man was my haven of safety.
  2. But I see Pylades, the best of friends, coming at a run from Phocis—a pleasant sight! A man who can be trusted in troubles is a better sight than a calm to sailors.
Pylades
  1. I have come through the city quickly, as I should,
  2. having heard and myself clearly seen the citizens assembling, against you and your sister, to kill you at once. What is happening? How is it with you? How are you doing, my best of comrades, friends and kin? For you are all these to me.
Orestes
  1. I am ruined, to make plain to you my troubles in brief.
Pylades
  1. You must destroy me also; for friends have all in common.
Orestes
  1. Menelaus is the worst of men to me and my sister.
Pylades
  1. It is natural for the husband of an evil woman to become evil.