ORESTES.
183
Menelaus.
Thou touch the sacred lavers!—[1]
Orestes.
Wherefore not?
Menelaus.
And slay ere battle victims!—
Orestes.
Well mayst thou!
Menelaus.
Yea, for mine hands are clean.
Orestes.
But not thine heart!
Menelaus.
Who would speak to thee?1605
Orestes.
Whoso loveth father.
Menelaus.
And honoureth mother?
Orestes.
Happy he who may!
Menelaus.
Not such art thou!
- ↑ The king, as commander-in-chief, sacrificed for the army before battle.
