Euripides, Orestes
E. P. Coleridge, Ed.

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
[765] Strophius, my father, in a fit of anger, has banished me from his house.

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
[770] Are you not afraid that Argos will desire your death as well as mine?

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.

Pylades
But with honest leaders its counsels are always honest.

Orestes
Very well; we must consult together.

Pylades
About what necessity?

Orestes
[775] Suppose I go and tell the citizens—

Pylades
That your action was just?

Orestes
In avenging my father?

Pylades
I am afraid they would be glad to catch you.

Orestes
Well, am I to crouch in fear and die without a word?

Pylades
That is cowardly.

Orestes
How then should I act?

Pylades
Suppose you stay here, what means of safety do you have?

Orestes
I have none.

Pylades
And if you go, is there any hope of escaping your troubles?

Orestes
[780] There might be, possibly.

Pylades
Then that is better than staying.

Orestes
Then I will go.

Pylades
At least you die in this way, you will die more honorably.

Orestes
You are right; in this way I escape cowardice.

Pylades
Better than by staying.

Orestes
After all, my action was just.

Pylades
Pray that this may be the only view they take.

Orestes
Some one or two might pity me—

Pylades
Yes, your noble birth is a great point.

Orestes
[785] Resenting my father's death.

Pylades
That is all quite clear.