Stasimon 2
[Episode]
Where is she, the one woman who proved the ruin of so many Achaeans?
Orestes
In my house; if, that is, I ought to call it mine.
Pylades
And what did you say to your father’s brother?
745
Orestes
Not to see me and my sister killed by the citizens.
Pylades
By the gods! What did he say to that? I would like know this.
Orestes
He was cautious, the usual policy of ignoble friends.
Pylades
What excuse did he advance? When I have learned that, I know everything.
Orestes
There was a new arrival, the father who begot those noble daughters.
750
Pylades
You mean Tyndareus; he was angry with you, perhaps, for his daughter’s sake?
Orestes
You understand. And Menelaus preferred the family relationship with him to that with my father.
Pylades
He did not have the courage to share your troubles, when he was here?
Orestes
No, for he was not born a warrior, though strong among women!
Pylades
Your case is desperate, it seems, and you must die.
755
Orestes
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.
760
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.
765
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?
770
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.
