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.OrestesBest of friends! if only I could see this before I die.PyladesListen to me, and delay the stroke of the sword.OrestesI will, if I may take vengeance on my enemy.PyladesHush now! I have small confidence in women.OrestesHave no fear of these; for they are our friends who are here.PyladesLet us kill Helen, a bitter grief to Menelaus.OrestesHow? I am ready, if there is any chance of success.PyladesWith our swords; she is hiding in your house.OrestesIndeed she is; and already she is putting her seal on everything.PyladesNo longer, after she is married to Hades.OrestesBut how? She has her barbarian attendants.PyladesBarbarians indeed! I am not the man to fear any Phrygian.OrestesThey are only fit to look after mirrors and perfumes!PyladesHas she brought Trojan luxury with her here?OrestesSo much so, that Hellas is too small for her to live in.PyladesThe race of slaves is nothing to those who are free.OrestesWell, if I can do this deed, I do not shrink from dying twice over.PyladesNo, nor I either, if it is you I am avenging.OrestesExplain the matter, and continue describing your plan.PyladesWe will enter the house on the pretence of going to our death.OrestesSo far I follow you, but not beyond.PyladesWe will lament our sufferings to her.OrestesSo that she will shed tears, although her heart is glad.PyladesAnd our condition will be like hers.OrestesHow shall we proceed next in our contest?PyladesWe shall have swords concealed in our cloaks.OrestesWill we dispose of her attendants first?PyladesWe will shut them up in different parts of the house.