Chorus
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. 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, to enter the city.
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 ? 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?
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: all that you have is in your own arm and fortune, to win your father’s home and your city.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
Old man By going where he will see you as he sacrifices.
Orestes He has fields by the road, it seems?
Old man Yes, and when he sees you there, he will invite you to the feast.
Orestes I shall be a bitter companion in the feast, if the god wishes it.
Old man After that, you yourself invent something, as it falls out.
Orestes Well said. But my mother, where is she?
Old man At Argos; but she will join her husband for the feast.
Orestes Why didn’t my mother set out with her husband?
Old man From fear of the citizens’ reproach she stayed behind.
Orestes I understand; she knows that the city suspects her.
Old man Something like that; for an unholy woman is an object of hatred.
Orestes How then shall I kill her and him at once?
Electra I shall prepare my mother’s slaughter!
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