Let the accuser first be heard and lay
The cause before the court, for so is best.
CHORUS.
Many we are, yet brief our speech shall be;
Do thou to questions plain, plain answer give;
And tell us first, didst thou thy mother slay?
ORESTES.
I slew my mother, and deny it not.
CHORUS.
One bout, then, of our wrestling match is won.
ORESTES.
Too soon thou boastest; not yet am I thrown.