Orestes
To Aegisthus. Go in, and quickly. Words are not at stake here, but your life.
Aegisthus
Why take me into the house? If this deed is just, what need is there of darkness? Why is your hand not quick to strike?
Orestes
[1495]
Do not give orders, but go to where you struck down my father, so that in that very place you may die.
Aegisthus
Is this dwelling doomed to see all the sufferings of us descendants of Pelops, both now and in time to come?
Orestes
Yours, at least. I am for you a consummate prophet in these matters.
Aegisthus
[1500]
The skill you boast about did not belong to your father.
Orestes
You bandy words, and our going is delayed. Move forward!
Aegisthus
You lead.
Orestes
You must go first.
Aegisthus
Lest I escape you?
Orestes
No, lest you die in a manner which pleases you. I must be sure that your death is bitter for you.
[1505]
This just penalty ought to come straightaway upon all who would break the laws: the penalty of death. Then wrongdoing would not abound.
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Sophocles. The Electra of Sophocles. Edited with introduction and notes by Sir Richard Jebb. Sir Richard Jebb. Cambridge. Cambridge University Press. 1894.
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