Yes, I do deny it, to my sorrow. If only I had— Menelaus Done what? You frighten me! Orestes Hurled the pollution of Hellas to Hades! Menelaus Give back my wife’s dead body, so that I may bury her. Orestes Ask the gods for her; but I will kill your daughter. Menelaus This matricide is adding murder to murder. Orestes This champion of his father, betrayed by you to death. Menelaus Are you not content with the present stain of your mother’s blood? Orestes I would not grow tired if I had these wicked women to slay for ever. Menelaus Are you too, Pylades, a partner in this bloody work? Orestes His silence says he is; let it suffice for me to say it. Menelaus You’ll say it to your cost, unless you fly away! Orestes We will not try to escape; we will set fire to the palace. Menelaus What! will you destroy the home of your ancestors? Orestes Yes, so that you don’t have it, and I will offer this girl in sacrifice on the fire. Menelaus Kill her; and if you do, I will punish you for it. Orestes All right, then. Menelaus No, no! Don’t do it! Orestes Silence! Your sufferings are just; endure them. Menelaus Well, is it just that you should live? Orestes And rule a kingdom, yes. Menelaus A kingdom, where? Orestes Here in Pelasgian Argos. Menelaus You are so well qualified to handle holy water! Orestes And why not? Menelaus And to slay victims before battle! Orestes Well, are you? Menelaus Yes, my hands are clean. Orestes But not your heart. Menelaus Who would speak to you?