Stasimon 4
[Episode]
So that she will shed tears, although her heart is glad.
Pylades
And our condition will be like hers.
Orestes
How shall we proceed next in our contest?
Pylades
We shall have swords concealed in our cloaks.
1125
Orestes
Will we dispose of her attendants first?
Pylades
We will shut them up in different parts of the house.
Orestes
And whoever refuses to be quiet, we must kill.
Pylades
And then the deed itself shows us where we must exert ourselves.
Oretes
To kill Helen; I understand that watchword.
1130
Pylades
You have it; now hear how sound my scheme is. If we drew the sword upon a woman of greater chastity, the murder would be infamous; but, as it is, she will be punished for the sake of all Hellas,
whose fathers she slew, whose children she destroyed, and made widows out of brides. There will be shouts of joy, and they will kindle the altars of the gods, invoking on our heads many blessings, because we shed a wicked woman’s blood.
1135
After killing her, you will not be called the matricide, but, resigning that title, you will succeed to a better, and be called the slayer of Helen the murderess. It can never, never be right that Menelaus should prosper, and your father, your sister and you should die,
1140
and your mother—but I pass that by, for it is not seemly to mention it—and for him to possess your home, though it was by Agamemnon’s prowess that he recovered his bride. May I die, if we do not draw our swords upon her! But if we do not accomplish Helen’s death,
1145
we will set fire to the house and die. For we will not fail to achieve one distinction, an honorable death or an honorable escape.
1150
Chorus Leader
The daughter of Tyndareus, who has brought shame on her sex, has justly earned the hatred of every woman.
Orestes
Ah! there is nothing better than a trusty friend, neither wealth nor monarchy; a crowd of people is of no account in exchange for a noble friend. You were the one who devised the vengeance against Aegisthus, and stood by me in danger,
1155
and now again you are offering me a means to punish my foes and do not stand aside—but I will cease praising you, for there is something wearisome even in being praised to excess. Now since in any case I must breathe my last, I want to do something to my enemies before my death,
1160
so that I may requite with ruin those who betrayed me, and so that those who made me suffer may grieve. Yes! I am the son of Agamemnon, who was considered worthy to rule Hellas, no tyrant but yet god-like in power; I will not disgrace him
1165
by submitting to die like a slave; my last breath shall be free and I will take vengeance on Menelaus. For if we could secure one object, we would be lucky, if a means of safety should unexpectedly come our way from somewhere, and we should be the slayers, not the slain; this is what I pray for.
1170
This wish of mine is a pleasant dream to cheer the heart, without cost, by means of the mouth’s winged words.
1175
Electra
I think I have it, brother, a means of safety for you, and for him and thirdly for myself.
Orestes
You mean divine providence. But why do I say that?
Since I know the natural shrewdness of your heart.
1180
Electra
Listen to me now; and you (to Pylades) pay attention also.
Orestes
Speak; the prospect of good news holds a certain pleasure.
Electra
You know Helen’s daughter? Of course you do.
Orestes
I know her, Hermione, whom my mother reared.
Electra
She has gone to Clytemnestra’s tomb.
1185
Orestes
To do what? What hope are you hinting at?
Electra
She was going to pour a libation over the tomb of our mother.
