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Orestes
I must go, for to die ignobly is a coward's part. Pylades
Well said. Orestes
Shall we tell my sister? Pylades
God forbid! Orestes
True, there might be tears. Pylades
That would be a grave omen. Orestes
Yes, silence is clearly better. Pylades
And you will gain time. Orestes
[790] There is only one obstacle in my way. Pylades
What fresh objection now? Orestes
I am afraid the goddesses will prevent me by madness. Pylades
But I will take care of you. Orestes
It is annoying to have to touch a sick man. Pylades
Not to me, when it is you. Orestes
Beware of becoming a partner in my madness. Pylades
Let that pass. Orestes
You will not hesitate? Pylades
No, for hesitation is a grave ill among friends. Orestes
[795] On then, pilot of my course! Pylades
A service I am glad to render. Orestes
And guide me to my father's tomb. Pylades
For what purpose? Orestes
That I may appeal to him to save me. Pylades
Yes, that is the proper way. Orestes
May I not see my mother's grave! Pylades
No; she was an enemy. But hasten, so that the vote of Argos may not catch you first, [800] supporting those limbs, slow from sickness, on mine; for I will carry you through the town, thinking little of the mob and unashamed. For how shall I prove my friendship, if not by helping you in sore distress? Orestes
Ah! the old saying again, “get friends, not relations only.” [805] For a man who fuses into your ways, though he is an outsider, is better for a man to possess as a friend than a whole host of relations.Orestes and Pylades go out
Euripides. The Complete Greek Drama, edited by Whitney J. Oates and Eugene O'Neill, Jr. in two volumes. 2. Orestes, translated by E. P. Coleridge. New York. Random House. 1938.
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