Orestes.
With what intent?—now what hope whisperest thou?
Electra.
To pour drink-offerings o'er our mother's tomb.
Orestes.
Wherein to safety tendeth this thou nam'st?
Electra.
Seize her, our hostage, when she cometh back.
Orestes.
What peril-salve for us three friends were this?1190
Electra.
If, Helen slain, Menelaus seek to harm
Thee, him, or me,—this bond of friends is one,—
Cry, thou wilt slay Hermionê: the sword
Drawn must thou hold hard at the maiden's neck.
Then, if Menelaus, lest his daughter die,1195
Will save thee, seeing Helen fallen in blood,
Yield to her sire's embrace the maiden's form.
But if, controlling not his furious mood,
He seek to slay thee, pierce the maid's neck through.
I ween, though swelling be his port at first,1200
His wrath at last shall cool. Nor brave nor stout
By nature is he. This I find for us
The bulwark of deliverance. I have said.
Orestes.
O thou who hast the spirit of a man,
