The one who loves his father.MenelausAnd the one who honors his mother?OrestesHe was born fortunate.MenelausNot like you!OrestesNo, for I do not delight in these wicked women.MenelausRemove that sword from my daughter!OrestesYou are a liar.MenelausWill you kill my daughter?OrestesNow you are not a liar!MenelausAh me! what shall I do?OrestesGo to the Argives and persuade them—MenelausPersuade them what?OrestesNot to kill us; entreat the city.MenelausOr you will slay my child?OrestesThat is correct.MenelausO wretched Helen—OrestesAm I not wretched?MenelausI brought you back from Troy to be a victim—OrestesIf only she had been!MenelausAfter innumerable troubles.OrestesExcept where I was concerned.MenelausI have suffered dreadfully!OrestesYes, for you would not help me then.MenelausYou have me there.OrestesYour 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. MenelausO 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.ApolloAppearing 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