And answer thou [to Orestes], in thy turn, word for word;
First tell us this, did'st thou thy mother slay?
Orest. I slew her: of that fact is no denial.
Chor. Here, then, is one of our three bouts[[516]] decided.
Orest. Thou boastest this o'er one not yet thrown down.
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Chor. This thou at least must tell, how thou did'st slay her.
Orest. E'en so; her throat I cut with hand sword-armed.
Chor. By whom persuaded, and with whose advice?
Orest. [Pointing to Apollo.] By His divine command: He bears me witness.