Stasimon 2
[Episode]
You have come, you have come, oh, long-delayed day, you have lighted up, you have made visible a beacon to the city, who in long ago exile went forth from his father’s house, unhappily wandering.
585
Chorus
A god, now, a god brings our victory, my dear. Lift up your hands, lift up your words, send prayers to the gods for your brother with fortune, with fortune,
590
Orestes
Well; I have the loving pleasures of your greeting and later I will give them back in turn. You, old man, for you have come at the right time, tell me, what should I do to avenge myself on my father’s murderer
and on my mother,the partner in his unholy marriage? Do I still have any well-disposed friends in Argos? Or am I wholly bankrupt, just as my fortunes are? With whom shall I ally myself? By night or day? What course shall I take against my enemies?
600
Old man
Child, you have no friend in your misfortune. For this thing is a godsend indeed, to share in common, both good and bad. But you—for you have been destroyed from the foundations, in the eyes of your friends, and you have left them no hope—hear it from me and know:
605
all that you have is in your own arm and fortune, to win your father’s home and your city.
610
Orestes
What must I do then to accomplish this?
Old man
Kill Thyestes’ son and your mother.
Orestes
I have come for that victor’s crown; but how shall I grasp it?
Old man
Not by going within the walls, even if you wanted to.
615
Orestes
Is he well furnished with garrisons and body-guards?
Old man
You have understood; for, clearly, he is afraid of you, and does not sleep.
Orestes
Well; it is for you to plan the next step, old man.
Old man
Hear me then; for something has just come to me.
Orestes
May you reveal something good, and may I understand it.
620
Old man
I saw Aegisthus, when I was on my way here.
Orestes
I approve what you have said. Where was he?
Old man
Near these fields, at his stables.
Orestes
What was he doing? I see some hope, out of difficulties.
Old man
He was preparing a feast for the Nymphs, I thought.
625
Orestes
In return for the bringing up of children or for a coming birth?
Old man
I only know this: he was preparing to sacrifice an ox.
Orestes
With how many men? Or alone with his slaves?
Old man
No Argive was there, but a band of his own servants.
Orestes
Surely there isn’t anyone who will know me if he sees me, old man?
630
Old man
There are slaves, who have never even seen you.
Orestes
Would they be well disposed to me, if I should prevail?
Old man
Yes, for that is the way of slaves, luckily for you.
Orestes
However might I approach him then?
