MEN.  Orestes, I indeed reverence thy person, and I am willing to labor with thee in thy misfortunes.  For thus it is right to endure together the misfortunes of one’s relations, if the God gives the ability, even so far as to die, and to kill the adversary; but this ability again I want from the Gods.  For I am come having my single spear unaided by allies, having wandered with infinite labors with small assistance of friends left me.  In battle therefore we can not come off superior to Pelasgian Argos; but if we can by soft speeches, to that hope are we equal.  For how can any one achieve great actions with small means?  For when the rabble is in full force falling into a rage, it is equally difficult to extinguish as a fierce fire.  But if one quietly yields to it as it is spreading, and gives in to it, watching well his opportunity, perhaps it may spend its rage, but when it has remitted from its blast, you may without difficulty have it your own way, as much as you please.  For there is inherent in them pity, but there is inherent also vehement passion, to one who carefully watches his opportunity a most excellent advantage.  But I will go and endeavor to persuade Tyndarus, and the city, to use their great power in a becoming manner.  For a ship, the main sheet stretched out to a violent degree, is wont to pitch, but stands upright again, if you slacken the main sheet.  For the God hates too great vehemence, and the citizens hate it; but I must (I speak as I mean) save thee by wisdom, not by opposing my superiors.  But I can not by force, as perchance thou thinkest, preserve thee; for it is no easy matter to erect from one single spear trophies from the evils, which are about thee.  For never have we approached the land of Argos by way of supplication; but now there is necessity for the wise to become the slaves of fortune.

ORESTES, CHORUS.

ORES.  O thou, a mere cipher in other things except in warring for the sake of a woman; O thou most base in avenging thy friends, dost thou fly, turning away from me?  But all Agamemnon’s services are gone:  thou wert then without friends, O my father, in thy affliction.  Alas me!  I am betrayed, and there no longer are any hopes, whither turning I may escape death from the Argives.  For he was the refuge of my safety.  But I see this most dear of men, Pylades, coming with hasty step from the Phocians, a pleasing sight, a man faithful in adversity, more grateful to behold than the calm to the mariners.

PYLADES, ORESTES, CHORUS.

PYL.  I came through the city with a quicker step than I ought, having heard of the council of state assembled, and seeing it plainly myself, against thee and thy sister, as about to kill you instantly.—­What is this? how art thou? in what state, O most dear to me of my companions and kindred? for all these things art thou to me.

ORES.  We are gone—­briefly to show thee my calamities.

PYL.  Thou wilt have ruined me too; for the things of friends are common.