Epeisodion 2
Orestes
on the plea that the house is afflicted with trouble by the gods, then we will wait so that anyone passing the house will consider and say: Why then does Aegisthus have his door shut on his suppliant, if in fact he is at home and knows?
565
But if I indeed pass the outermost threshold of the gate and find that man sitting on my father’s throne, or if then coming face to face with me he lifts and casts down his eyes, know well:
before he can even say Of what land is this stranger? I will skewer him with my swift sword and lay him dead. The fury that has no fill of slaughter shall for her third and crowning drink drink unmixed blood!
Now you, Electra, keep strict watch over what happens inside the house,
575
so that our plans may fit together well. You addressing the Chorus had best keep a discreet tongue: be silent when there is need and speak only what the occasion demands. As for the rest, I call on himApollo, his champion (lines 269, 558), whose statue stood before the palace (cp.Aesch. Ag. 513). to cast his glance this way and direct the contest of the sword for me. Exeunt Orestes, Pylades, and Electra
580
