Orestes.
Ah, by the Gods, I pray, unman me not,
Nor bring to tears by mention of our woes.
Electra.
We die! I cannot but bemoan our fate.
All mortals grieve for precious life foregone.
Orestes.
This is our day of doom: the noose must coil1035
About our necks, or our hands grasp the sword.
Electra.
Brother, thou slay me, that no Argive slay,
With outrage foul to Agamemnon's child.
Orestes.
Suffice the mother's blood: I will not slay thee.
Die in what wise thou wilt by thine own hand.1040
Electra.
O yea: I will not lag behind thy sword.
But oh to lay mine arms about thy neck!
Orestes.
Enjoy that vain delight, if joy it be
For those that stand at death's door to embrace.
Electra.
Dearest, who bear'st a name desirable1045
And sweet on sister's lips!—one soul with mine!
