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.