What is this respect that your husband has?ElectraHe has never dared to touch me in bed.OrestesDoes he hold some form of religious chastity, or does he think you unworthy?ElectraHe did not think himself worthy to insult my family.OrestesAnd how was he not delighted to make such a marriage?ElectraHe thinks the person who gave me did not have that right, stranger.OrestesI understand; he fears that he may someday be punished by Orestes.ElectraHe does fear that, but he is also a virtuous man.OrestesAh! You have described a noble man, and he must be treated well.ElectraYes, if ever the one now absent comes home.OrestesBut did your mother, who gave you birth, endure this?ElectraWomen love their husbands, stranger, not their children.OrestesWhy did Aegisthus insult you in this way?ElectraHe planned for me to bear powerless children, when he gave me to such a man.OrestesSo that you might not bear sons to punish him, of course?ElectraThat was his plan; may he make amends to me for it!OrestesDoes your mother’s husband know that you are a virgin?ElectraHe does not know; we steal that from him by our silence.OrestesAre these women who hear our talk friends of yours ?ElectraThey will keep both your words and mine well hidden.OrestesWhat then could Orestes do in this matter if he comes to Argos?ElectraDo you ask this? You have said a shameful word; isn’t it the critical time now?OrestesBut if he does come, how might he kill his father’s murderers?ElectraBy daring such things as his enemies dared against my father.OrestesAnd would you dare, with him, to kill your mother?ElectraYes, with that same axe by which my father died.OrestesAm I to tell him this, and that your purpose is steadfast?ElectraOnce I had shed my mother’s blood, I might die!OrestesAh! Would that Orestes were near by, to hear that!ElectraBut, stranger, I would not know him if I saw him.