PHRY. This is good word thou hast spoken.
ORES. Yet we may change our measures.
PHRY. But this thou sayest not well.
ORES. Thou art a fool, if thou thinkest I could endure to defile me by smiting thy neck, for neither art thou a woman, nor oughtest thou to be ranked among men. But that thou mightest not raise a clamor came I forth out of the house: for Argos, when it has heard a noise, is soon roused, but we have no dread in meeting Menelaus, as far as swords go; but let him come exulting with his golden ringlets flowing over his shoulders, for if he collects the Argives, and brings them against the palace seeking revenge for the death of Helen, and is not willing to let me be in safety, and my sister, and Pylades my accomplice in this affair, he shall see two corses, both the virgin and his wife.
CHORUS.
Alas! alas! O fate, the house of the Atridæ again falls into another, another fearful struggle.
SEMICHOR. What shall we do? shall we carry these tidings to the city, or shall we keep in silence?
SEMICHOR. This is the safer plan, my friends.
SEMICHOR. Behold before the house, behold this smoke leaping aloft in the air portends something.
SEMICHOR. They are lighting the torches, as about to burn down the mansion of Tantalus, nor do they forbear from murder.