Stasimon 4
[Episode]
Ah! If only the same sword, if it is right, could kill us both, and one coffin of cedar-wood receive us!
Orestes
That would be very sweet; but surely you see
we are too destitute of friends to be allowed one tomb between us.
1055
Electra
Did that coward Menelaus, that traitor to my father, not even speak for you, or make an effort to save your life?
Orestes
He did not even show himself, but, with his hopes centered on the throne, he was careful not to attempt the rescue of his friends.
But let us see how we may die a noble death, one most worthy of Agamemnon. I, for my part, will let the city see my noble spirit when I plunge the sword to my heart, and you in turn must imitate my daring.
1060
Pylades, be the arbitrator of our slaughter and, when we both are dead, lay out our bodies decently; carry them to our father’s grave and bury us there with him. Farewell, now; I am leaving for the deed, as you see.
1065
Pylades
Stop! there is first one point I have to blame you for,
if you thought I would care to live when you are dead.
1070
Orestes
But why are you called on to die with me?
Pylades
Do you ask? What is life to me without your companionship?
Orestes
You did not kill your mother, as I did to my sorrow.
Pylades
At least I helped you; and so I ought to suffer the same penalty.
Orestes
Surrender to your father, do not die with me. You still have a city, while I no longer have, and your father’s home, and a great refuge of wealth. You have failed to marry my poor sister, whom I betrothed to you from a deep regard for your companionship;
1075
but find another bride and rear a family; for the marriage-tie which bound us is no more. Farewell, be happy, my beloved friend; we cannot, but you may; for we, the dead, are robbed of happiness.
1080
Pylades
How far you are from grasping what I mean! May the fruitful earth, the radiant sky refuse to hold my blood, if ever I turn traitor and desert you when I have freed myself. For I shared in the murder, which I will not deny,
1085
and also schemed the whole plot, for which you are now paying the penalty; and so I ought to die together with you and her. For I consider her, whom you betrothed to me, as my wife. Whatever shall I say, when I reach Delphi, the citadel of Phocis,
1090
if I was your friend before your misfortunes, but ceased to be your friend, when you were unfortunate? That must not be; no, this concerns me, too. But since we are to die, let us take counsel together that Menelaus may share our misfortune.
1095
Orestes
Best of friends! if only I could see this before I die.
1100
Pylades
Listen to me, and delay the stroke of the sword.
