Electra My dearest friends, it is Hermione advancing into the middle of the bloodshed; let our clamor cease. For she comes headlong into the meshes of the net. The prey will be good, if it is caught. Take up your places again with looks composed and faces not betraying what has happened; I too will have a gloomy look, as if I knew nothing of what has been done. Ah! maiden, have you come from wreathing Clytemnestra’s grave and pouring libations to the dead?
Hermione Yes, I have returned after securing her favor; but I was filled with some alarm about a cry I heard from the palace as I was still at a distance.
Electra But why? Our present lot gives cause for groans.
Hermione Oh, don’t say so! What is your news?
Electra Argos has sentenced Orestes and me to death.
Hermione Oh no! not my own relatives!
Electra It is decreed; we have put on the yoke of necessity.
Hermione Was this the reason of the cry within?
Electra Yes, a suppliant cried out as he fell at Helen’s knees—
Hermione Who is he? I know nothing more, if you do not tell me.
Electra Unhappy Orestes, entreating mercy for himself and me.
Hermione The house then has good reason to shout.
Electra What else would make someone entreat more earnestly? But come and throw yourself before your mother in her prosperity, join your friends’ supplication that Menelaus may not see us die. O you that were nursed in my mother’s arms, have pity on us and relieve our pain. Come here to the struggle, and I myself will be your guide; for you alone have power over our safety.
Hermione See, I am hastening to the house; as far as it rests with me, regard yourselves as safe.
Electra Now, friends in the house with swords, seize the prey!
Hermione Oh no! Who are these I see?
Orestes Silence! You are here for our safety, not yours.
Electra Hold her, hold her! Point a sword at her throat, then wait in silence, that Menelaus may learn that he has found men, not Phrygian cowards, and he has been treated as cowards deserve.
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