Orestes (1090-1127)

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.

But how? She has her barbarian attendants.

Barbarians indeed! I am not the man to fear any Phrygian.

They are only fit to look after mirrors and perfumes!

Has she brought Trojan luxury with her here?

So much so, that Hellas is too small for her to live in.

The race of slaves is nothing to those who are free.

Well, if I can do this deed, I do not shrink from dying twice over.

No, nor I either, if it is you I am avenging.

Explain the matter, and continue describing your plan.

We will enter the house on the pretence of going to our death.

So far I follow you, but not beyond.

We will lament our sufferings to her.

So that she will shed tears, although her heart is glad.

And our condition will be like hers.

How shall we proceed next in our contest?

We shall have swords concealed in our cloaks.

Will we dispose of her attendants first?

We will shut them up in different parts of the house.