Stasimon 4
[Episode]
Do you ask? What is life to me without your companionship?
Orestes
You did not kill your mother, as I did to my sorrow.
Pylades
At least I helped you; and so I ought to suffer the same penalty.
Orestes
Surrender to your father, do not die with me. You still have a city, while I no longer have, and your father’s home, and a great refuge of wealth. You have failed to marry my poor sister, whom I betrothed to you from a deep regard for your companionship;
1075
but find another bride and rear a family; for the marriage-tie which bound us is no more. Farewell, be happy, my beloved friend; we cannot, but you may; for we, the dead, are robbed of happiness.
1080
Pylades
How far you are from grasping what I mean! May the fruitful earth, the radiant sky refuse to hold my blood, if ever I turn traitor and desert you when I have freed myself. For I shared in the murder, which I will not deny,
1085
and also schemed the whole plot, for which you are now paying the penalty; and so I ought to die together with you and her. For I consider her, whom you betrothed to me, as my wife. Whatever shall I say, when I reach Delphi, the citadel of Phocis,
1090
if I was your friend before your misfortunes, but ceased to be your friend, when you were unfortunate? That must not be; no, this concerns me, too. But since we are to die, let us take counsel together that Menelaus may share our misfortune.
1095
Orestes
Best of friends! if only I could see this before I die.
1100
Pylades
Listen to me, and delay the stroke of the sword.
Orestes
I will, if I may take vengeance on my enemy.
Pylades
Hush now! I have small confidence in women.
Orestes
Have no fear of these; for they are our friends who are here.
Pylades
Let us kill Helen, a bitter grief to Menelaus.
1105
Orestes
How? I am ready, if there is any chance of success.
Pylades
With our swords; she is hiding in your house.
Orestes
Indeed she is; and already she is putting her seal on everything.
Pylades
No longer, after she is married to Hades.
Orestes
But how? She has her barbarian attendants.
1110
Pylades
Barbarians indeed! I am not the man to fear any Phrygian.
Orestes
They are only fit to look after mirrors and perfumes!
Pylades
Has she brought Trojan luxury with her here?
Orestes
So much so, that Hellas is too small for her to live in.
Pylades
The race of slaves is nothing to those who are free.
1115
Orestes
Well, if I can do this deed, I do not shrink from dying twice over.
Pylades
No, nor I either, if it is you I am avenging.
Orestes
Explain the matter, and continue describing your plan.
Pylades
We will enter the house on the pretence of going to our death.
Orestes
So far I follow you, but not beyond.
1120
Pylades
We will lament our sufferings to her.
