In my house; if, that is, I ought to call it mine.PyladesAnd what did you say to your father’s brother?OrestesNot to see me and my sister killed by the citizens.PyladesBy the gods! What did he say to that? I would like know this.OrestesHe was cautious, the usual policy of ignoble friends.PyladesWhat excuse did he advance? When I have learned that, I know everything.OrestesThere was a new arrival, the father who begot those noble daughters.PyladesYou mean Tyndareus; he was angry with you, perhaps, for his daughter’s sake?OrestesYou understand. And Menelaus preferred the family relationship with him to that with my father.PyladesHe did not have the courage to share your troubles, when he was here?OrestesNo, for he was not born a warrior, though strong among women!PyladesYour case is desperate, it seems, and you must die.OrestesThe citizens must give their vote about us on the murder.PyladesAnd what is that to decide? Tell me, for I am alarmed.OrestesOur life or death; a brief speech on a large subject.PyladesLeave the palace with your sister now and try to escape.OrestesDon’t you see? We are being watched by guards on every side.PyladesI saw that the streets of the city were secured with armed men.OrestesWe are as closely beleaguered as a city by its foes.PyladesAsk me now of my state; for I too am ruined.OrestesBy whom? This would be a further trouble to add to mine.PyladesStrophius, my father, in a fit of anger, has banished me from his house.OrestesBringing against you a private charge, or one in which the citizens share?PyladesHe says it is an unholy crime to have helped you slay your mother.OrestesAlas! It seems my troubles will cause you grief as well.PyladesI am not like Menelaus in character; this must be endured.OrestesAre you not afraid that Argos will desire your death as well as mine?PyladesI am not theirs to punish; I belong to Phocis.OrestesA terrible thing is the mob, whenever it has villains to lead it.PyladesBut with honest leaders its counsels are always honest.