Orestes (1072-1109)

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,

and also schemed the whole plot, for which you are now paying the penalty; and so I ought to die together with you and her. For I consider her, whom you betrothed to me, as my wife. Whatever shall I say, when I reach Delphi, the citadel of Phocis,

if I was your friend before your misfortunes, but ceased to be your friend, when you were unfortunate? That must not be; no, this concerns me, too. But since we are to die, let us take counsel together that Menelaus may share our misfortune.

Best of friends! if only I could see this before I die.

Listen to me, and delay the stroke of the sword.

I will, if I may take vengeance on my enemy.

Hush now! I have small confidence in women.

Have no fear of these; for they are our friends who are here.

Let us kill Helen, a bitter grief to Menelaus.

How? I am ready, if there is any chance of success.

With our swords; she is hiding in your house.

Indeed she is; and already she is putting her seal on everything.

No longer, after she is married to Hades.