Stasimon 6
[Episode]
Where is the one who fled from the palace to escape my sword?
Phrygian
Before you I prostrate myself, lord, and supplicate you in my foreign way.
Orestes
We are not in Ilium, but the land of Argos.
Phrygian
Everywhere, the wise find life sweeter than death.
Orestes
I suppose that shouting of yours was not for Menelaus to come to the rescue?
1510
Phrygian
Oh no! it was to help you I called out, for you are more deserving.
Orestes
Did the daughter of Tyndareus die justly, then?
Phrygian
Most justly, even if she had three throats to die with.
Orestes
Your cowardice makes you glib; this is not what you really think.
Phrygian
Why, surely she deserved it, the one who destroyed Hellas and the Phrygians too?
1515
Orestes
Swear you are not saying this to humor me, or I will kill you.
Phrygian
I swear by my life, an oath I would keep!
Orestes
Did every Phrygian in Troy show the same terror of steel as you do?
Phrygian
Take your sword away! Held so near it flashes a dreadful gleam of blood.
Orestes
Are you afraid of being turned to a stone, as if you had seen a Gorgon?
1520
Phrygian
To a stone, no! but to a corpse; I don’t know this Gorgon’s head.
Orestes
A slave, and yet you fear death, which will release you from trouble?
Phrygian
Slave or free, every one is glad to gaze upon the light.
Orestes
Well said! Your shrewdness saves you; go inside.
Phrygian
You will not kill me after all?
1525
