The one who loves his father. Menelaus And the one who honors his mother? Orestes He was born fortunate. Menelaus Not like you! Orestes No, for I do not delight in these wicked women. Menelaus Remove that sword from my daughter! Orestes You are a liar. Menelaus Will you kill my daughter? Orestes Now you are not a liar! Menelaus Ah me! what shall I do? Orestes Go to the Argives and persuade them— Menelaus Persuade them what? Orestes Not to kill us; entreat the city. Menelaus Or you will slay my child? Orestes That is correct. Menelaus O wretched Helen— Orestes Am I not wretched? Menelaus I brought you back from Troy to be a victim— Orestes If only she had been! Menelaus After innumerable troubles. Orestes Except where I was concerned. Menelaus I have suffered dreadfully! Orestes Yes, for you would not help me then. Menelaus You have me there. Orestes Your own cowardice has you. Calling from the roof to Electra Fire the palace from beneath, Electra; and, Pylades, my most trusty friend, kindle the parapet of these walls.
 The palace is seen to be ablaze. Menelaus O Danaid earth! Dwellers in Argos , city of horses, put on your armor and come to help! For this fellow is forcing his life from your whole city, though he has caused pollution by shedding his mother’s blood. Apollo Appearing in the clouds. Menelaus, calm your anger that has been whetted; I am Phoebus, the son of Leto, drawing near to call you by name. And you also, Orestes, who are keeping guard on the girl, sword in hand, so that you may hear what I have come to say. Helen, whom all your eagerness failed to destroy, when you were seeking to anger Menelaus, is here as you see in the enfolding air, rescued from death and not slain by you. I saved her and snatched her from beneath your sword at the bidding of father Zeus, for she, his child, must be immortal, and take her seat with Castor and Polydeuces in the enfolding air, a savior to mariners. Choose another bride and take her to your home; for the gods by that one’s loveliness