ORES.  The populace is a terrible thing, when they have evil leaders.

PYL.  But when they have good ones, they always deliberate good things.

ORES.  Be it so:  we must speak on our common business.

PYL.  On what affair of necessity?

ORES.  Supposing I should go to the citizens, and say—­

PYL. —­that thou hast acted justly?

ORES.  Ay, avenging my father: 

PYL.  I fear they might not receive thee gladly.

ORES.  But shall I die then shuddering in silence!

PYL.  This were cowardly.

ORES.  How then can I do?

PYL.  Hast thou any chance of safety, if thou remainest?

ORES.  I have none.

PYL.  But going, is there any hope of thy being preserved from thy miseries?

ORES.  Should it chance well, there might be.

PYL.  Is not this then better than remaining?

ORES.  Shall I go then?

PYL.  Dying thus, at least thou wilt die more honorably.

ORES.  And I have a just cause.

PYL.  Only pray for its appearing so.

ORES.  Thou sayest well:  this way I avoid the imputation of cowardice.

PYL.  More than by tarrying here.

ORES.  And some one perchance may pity me—­

PYL.  Yes; for thy nobleness of birth is a great thing.

ORES. —­indignant at my father’s death.

PYL.  All this in prospect.

ORES.  Go I must, for it is not manly to die ingloriously.

PYL.  These sentiments I praise.

ORES.  Shall we then tell these things to my sister?

PYL.  No, by the Gods.

ORES.  Why, there might be tears.

PYL.  This then is a great omen.

ORES.  Clearly it is better to be silent.

PYL.  Thou art a gainer by delay.

ORES.  This one thing only opposes me.

PYL.  What new thing again is this thou sayest?

ORES.  I fear lest the goddesses should stop me with their torments.

PYL.  But I will take care of thee.

ORES.  It is a difficult and dangerous task to touch a man thus disordered.

PYL.  Not for me to touch thee.

ORES.  Take care how thou art partner of my madness.

PYL.  Let not this be thought of.

ORES.  Wilt thou not then be timid to assist me?

PYL.  No, for timidity is a great evil to friends.

ORES.  Go on now, the helm of my foot.

PYL.  Having a charge worthy of a friend.

ORES.  And guide me to my father’s tomb.

PYL.  To what end is this?

ORES.  That I may supplicate him to save me.

PYL.  This at least is just.

ORES.  But let me not see my mother’s monument.

PYL.  For she was an enemy.  But hasten, that the decree of the Argives condemn thee not before thou goest; leaning thy side, weary with disease, on mine:  since I will conduct thee through the city, little caring for the multitude, nothing ashamed; for where shall I show myself thy friend, if I assist thee not when them art in perilous condition?