Stasimon 4
[Episode]
Well, how does what you have said lead to our safety?
Electra
Seize her as a hostage on her way back.
Orestes
What good can your suggested remedy do us three friends?
1190
Electra
If, after Helen’s slaughter, Menelaus tries to do anything to you or to Pylades and me—for this bond of friendship is wholly one—say that you will kill Hermione; you must draw your sword and hold it to the maiden’s throat.
If Menelaus, when he sees Helen fallen in her blood, tries to save you to insure the girl’s life, allow him to take his daughter to his arms; but if he makes no effort to curb the angry outburst and leaves you to die, then cut the maiden’s throat.
1195
And I think if he puts in a mighty appearance at first, he will calm down in time; for he is not bold or brave by nature. That is my line of defense for our safety. My speech is over.
1200
Orestes
O you that have the spirit of a man,
though your body shows you to be a woman, how far more worthy you are to live than to die! Pylades, you will lose such a woman to your sorrow, or if you live, you will have a blessed marriage.
1205
Pylades
Then may it be so, and may she come to the city of Phocis
with all the honors of a happy wedding.
1210
Orestes
How soon will Hermione return to the palace? All the rest was very well said, if we succeed in catching this impious father’s cub.
Electra
Well, I expect she is near the house already,
for the length of time agrees exactly.
1215
Orestes
Good; you, Electra, my sister, stay before the palace and await the maiden’s approach; keep watch in case any one, whether an ally or my father’s brother, forestalls us by his entry before the murder is complete;
and then make a signal to the house, either by beating on a panel of the door or calling to us within.
1220
Let us enter now and arm ourselves with swords for the final struggle, Pylades, for you share the labor with me.
O father, in your home of gloomy night, your son Orestes calls you to come to the rescue of the destitute. It is on your account I am wrongfully suffering, and it is by your brother that I have been betrayed for doing right; it is his wife I wish to take
1225
and kill; you be our accomplice for this deed.
1230
Electra
Oh father, come! if within the ground you hear the cry of your children, who are dying for your sake.
Pylades
O kinsman of my father, Agamemnon, hear my prayers also; save your children.
Orestes
I killed my mother—
1235
Electra
I held the sword—
1235
Pylades
I . . . set them free from fear—
Orestes
To aid you, father.
Electra
Nor did I betray you.
Pylades
Will you not hear these reproaches and rescue your children?
Orestes
With tears I pour you a libation.
Electra
And I with laments.
Pylades
Cease, and let us set about our business. If prayers really do pierce the ground, he hears. O Zeus, god of my fathers, and holy Justice, give success to him and me and her; for there is one struggle for three friends, and one penalty,
1240
for all to live or—pay death’s account.
Exeunt Orestes and Pylades.
1245
