You have understood; for, clearly, he is afraid of you, and does not sleep.OrestesWell; it is for you to plan the next step, old man.Old manHear me then; for something has just come to me.OrestesMay you reveal something good, and may I understand it.Old manI saw Aegisthus, when I was on my way here.OrestesI approve what you have said. Where was he?Old manNear these fields, at his stables.OrestesWhat was he doing? I see some hope, out of difficulties.Old manHe was preparing a feast for the Nymphs, I thought.OrestesIn return for the bringing up of children or for a coming birth?Old manI only know this: he was preparing to sacrifice an ox.OrestesWith how many men? Or alone with his slaves?Old manNo Argive was there, but a band of his own servants.OrestesSurely there isn’t anyone who will know me if he sees me, old man?Old manThere are slaves, who have never even seen you.OrestesWould they be well disposed to me, if I should prevail?Old manYes, for that is the way of slaves, luckily for you.OrestesHowever might I approach him then?Old manBy going where he will see you as he sacrifices.OrestesHe has fields by the road, it seems?Old manYes, and when he sees you there, he will invite you to the feast.OrestesI shall be a bitter companion in the feast, if the god wishes it.Old manAfter that, you yourself invent something, as it falls out.OrestesWell said. But my mother, where is she?Old manAt Argos; but she will join her husband for the feast.OrestesWhy didn’t my mother set out with her husband?Old manFrom fear of the citizens’ reproach she stayed behind.OrestesI understand; she knows that the city suspects her.Old manSomething like that; for an unholy woman is an object of hatred.