In my house; if, that is, I ought to call it mine. Pylades And what did you say to your father’s brother? Orestes Not to see me and my sister killed by the citizens. Pylades By the gods! What did he say to that? I would like know this. Orestes He was cautious, the usual policy of ignoble friends. Pylades What excuse did he advance? When I have learned that, I know everything. Orestes There was a new arrival, the father who begot those noble daughters. Pylades You mean Tyndareus; he was angry with you, perhaps, for his daughter’s sake? Orestes You understand. And Menelaus preferred the family relationship with him to that with my father. Pylades He did not have the courage to share your troubles, when he was here? Orestes No, for he was not born a warrior, though strong among women! Pylades Your case is desperate, it seems, and you must die. Orestes The citizens must give their vote about us on the murder. Pylades And what is that to decide? Tell me, for I am alarmed. Orestes Our life or death; a brief speech on a large subject. Pylades Leave the palace with your sister now and try to escape. Orestes Don’t you see? We are being watched by guards on every side. Pylades I saw that the streets of the city were secured with armed men. Orestes We are as closely beleaguered as a city by its foes. Pylades Ask me now of my state; for I too am ruined. Orestes By whom? This would be a further trouble to add to mine. Pylades Strophius, my father, in a fit of anger, has banished me from his house. Orestes Bringing against you a private charge, or one in which the citizens share? Pylades He says it is an unholy crime to have helped you slay your mother. Orestes Alas! It seems my troubles will cause you grief as well. Pylades I am not like Menelaus in character; this must be endured. Orestes Are you not afraid that Argos will desire your death as well as mine? Pylades I am not theirs to punish; I belong to Phocis . Orestes A terrible thing is the mob, whenever it has villains to lead it. Pylades But with honest leaders its counsels are always honest.