Stasimon 2
[Episode]
they may possibly calm down; if their gusts abate, you may obtain whatever you want from them easily. They have pity, and a hot temper too, an invaluable quality if you watch it closely. So for you I will go and try to persuade Tyndareus
700
Menelaus
and the city to moderation. A ship also dips if its sheet is hauled too taut, but rights itself again if it is let go.
705
The god hates excessive eagerness, and the citizens do also; I must save you, I don’t deny it,
by cleverness, not by violence against those who are stronger. I could not do it by strength, as you perhaps imagine; for it is not easy to triumph single-handed over the troubles that beset you. I would never have tried to bring the Argive land over to softness;
710
but it is necessary. for the wise to be slaves to fortune. Exit Menelaus.
715
Orestes
O you that have no use, except to lead an army in a woman’s cause! O worst of men in your friends’ defense,
do you turn your back on me and flee, the deeds of Agamemnon lost and gone?
720
After all, father, you had no friends in adversity. Alas! I am betrayed; no longer do I have any hope of finding a refuge where I may escape the death-sentence of Argos; for this man was my haven of safety.
But I see Pylades, the best of friends, coming at a run from Phocis—a pleasant sight! A man who can be trusted in troubles is a better sight than a calm to sailors.
725
Pylades
I have come through the city quickly, as I should,
having heard and myself clearly seen the citizens assembling, against you and your sister, to kill you at once. What is happening? How is it with you? How are you doing, my best of comrades, friends and kin? For you are all these to me.
730
Orestes
I am ruined, to make plain to you my troubles in brief.
Pylades
You must destroy me also; for friends have all in common.
735
Orestes
Menelaus is the worst of men to me and my sister.
Pylades
It is natural for the husband of an evil woman to become evil.
Orestes
He no more repaid me by coming here, than if he had never come.
Pylades
Oh, has he really arrived in this land?
Orestes
He took a long time, but he was very soon detected as evil to his friends.
740
Pylades
And did he bring his wife, the worst of women, with him on his ship?
Orestes
It was not he who brought her here, but she who brought him.
