OR. Where do ye behold
The tyrant?
EL. To our hand from yonder gate
He comes with beaming look.
[page 171] HALF-CH. Haste, with what speed ye may,2 [1433-1461]
Stand on the doorway stone,
That, having thus much done,
Ye may do all to-day.
OR. Fear not: we will perform it.
EL. Speed ye now:
Follow your thought.
OR. We are already there.
EL. Leave matters here to me. All shall go well. [Exit ORESTES with PYLADES
CH. Few words, as if in gentleness, ’twere good
To utter in his ear,
That, eager and unware,
One step may launch him on the field of blood.
Enter AEGISTHUS.
AEGISTHUS. Which of you know where are the Phocian men
Who brought the news I hear, Orestes’ life
Hath suffered shipwreck in a chariot-race?
You, you I question, you in former time
So fearless! You methinks most feelingly
Can tell us, for it touches you most near.