Orestes (1027-1085)

Oh! spare me that death! Enough that this unhappy wretch is already slain by Argives; let our present sufferings be.

Alas for your unhappy youth, Orestes, and for your fated

untimely death! When you should have lived, you are going to die.

By the gods, do not unman me, bringing me to tears by the recollection of my sorrows.

We are about to die; it is not possible for me not to grieve over our troubles; it is a piteous thing for all men to lose life, that is so sweet.

This is the day appointed for us; we must fit the dangling noose about our necks or whet the sword for use.

You be the one to kill me, brother, so that no Argive may insult Agamemnon’s son by my death.

Enough that I have a mother’s blood upon me; I will not kill you,

but die by your own hand, however you wish.

Agreed; I will not be behind you in using the sword; only I long to throw my arms about your neck.

Enjoy that empty satisfaction, if embraces have any joy for those who have come so near to death.

My dearest, you who have a name that sounds most loved and sweet to your sister, partner in one soul with her!

Oh, you will melt my heart! I want to give you back a fond embrace. And why should such a wretch as I still feel any shame? Embracing Electra Heart to heart, my sister! how sweet to me this close embrace!

In place of children and the marriage bed this greeting is all that is possible to us poor sufferers.

Ah! If only the same sword, if it is right, could kill us both, and one coffin of cedar-wood receive us!

That would be very sweet; but surely you see

we are too destitute of friends to be allowed one tomb between us.

Did that coward Menelaus, that traitor to my father, not even speak for you, or make an effort to save your life?

He did not even show himself, but, with his hopes centered on the throne, he was careful not to attempt the rescue of his friends.

But let us see how we may die a noble death, one most worthy of Agamemnon. I, for my part, will let the city see my noble spirit when I plunge the sword to my heart, and you in turn must imitate my daring.

Pylades, be the arbitrator of our slaughter and, when we both are dead, lay out our bodies decently; carry them to our father’s grave and bury us there with him. Farewell, now; I am leaving for the deed, as you see.

Stop! there is first one point I have to blame you for,

if you thought I would care to live when you are dead.

But why are you called on to die with me?

Do you ask? What is life to me without your companionship?

You did not kill your mother, as I did to my sorrow.

At least I helped you; and so I ought to suffer the same penalty.

Surrender to your father, do not die with me. You still have a city, while I no longer have, and your father’s home, and a great refuge of wealth. You have failed to marry my poor sister, whom I betrothed to you from a deep regard for your companionship;

but find another bride and rear a family; for the marriage-tie which bound us is no more. Farewell, be happy, my beloved friend; we cannot, but you may; for we, the dead, are robbed of happiness.

How far you are from grasping what I mean! May the fruitful earth, the radiant sky refuse to hold my blood, if ever I turn traitor and desert you when I have freed myself. For I shared in the murder, which I will not deny,