Epeisodion 3
Electra
Women, has my poor Orestes left the house,
mastered by the heaven-sent madness?
845
Chorus Leader
Not at all; he has gone to the Argive people to stand the appointed trial for his life, in which he and you must live or die.
Electra
Oh! Why did he do it? Who persuaded him?
Chorus Leader
Pylades; but this messenger will no doubt soon tell us what happened to your brother there.
850
Messenger
Wretched, unhappy daughter of the general Agamemnon, my lady Electra, hear the sad tidings I bring you.
Electra
Alas! we are ruined; your words show it; you have clearly come with tidings of woe.
855
Messenger
The Pelasgians have decided by vote that you, poor lady, and your brother are to die this day.
Electra
Alas! my expectations are realized; I have long feared this,
and have been wasting away in mourning for what was sure to happen. But what was the trial, what was said by the Argives, to condemn us and ratify our death? Tell me, old friend; must I die by stoning or the sword?
860
For I share my brother’s misfortunes.
865
Messenger
I had just come from the country and was entering the gates, needing to learn what was decided about you and Orestes, for I was always well disposed to your father when he was alive, and it was your house that reared me,
poor indeed, yet loyal in the service of friends. I saw a crowd going and taking their seats on the height, where they say Danaus first gathered his people for a meeting, making amends to Aegyptus. So, when I saw the throng, I asked a citizen:
870
What news in Argos? Tidings of the enemy haven’t ruffled the city of Danaus, have they? But he said: Don’t you see Orestes there, on his way to he tried for his life? I saw an unexpected sight, which I wish I had not seen,
875
Pylades and your brother approaching together, the one with his head down, weakened by sickness; the other sharing his friend’s sorrow like a brother, tending his illness with constant care.
880
Now when the Argives were fully gathered,
a herald rose and said: Who wishes to give his opinion whether Orestes should be slain or not for the murder of his mother? Then up stood Talthybius, who helped your father sack the Phrygians. He spoke out of both sides of his mouth, a mere tool of those in power as he always is,
885
expressing high admiration for your father, but not praising your brother, urging his crooked sentiments in specious words, that it would establish laws as to parents that are not good; and all the while he was darting lively glances at the friends of Aegisthus.
890
Such is that tribe; heralds always trip across to the lucky side; the one who has power in the city or a post in the government is their friend.
895
After him lord Diomedes made a speech; he said they should not kill you and your brother,
