ELEC. It has been decreed by this land, that Orestes and I die.
HERM. No, I hope not so; you, who are my relations.
ELEC. It is fixed; but we stand under the yoke of necessity.
HERM. Was the noise then in the house on this account?
ELEC. For falling down a suppliant at the knees of Helen, he cries out—
HERM. Who? for I know no more, except thou tellest me.
ELEC. The wretched Orestes, that he may not die, and in behalf of me.
HERM. For a just reason then the house lamented.
ELEC. For on what other account should one rather cry out? But come, and join in supplication with thy friends, falling down before thy mother, the supremely blest, that Menelaus will not see us perish. But, O thou, that receivedst thy education at the hands of my mother, pity us, and alleviate our sufferings. Come hither to the trial; but I will lead the way, for thou alone hast the ends of our preservation.
HERM. Behold I direct my footstep toward the house. Be preserved, as far as lies in me.