Orestes: (from the roof) Ho, fellow! Keep thy fingers off those bolts,
thou Menelaus, who vauntest thyself so high; else will I tear off
the ancient parapet, the work of masons, and shatter thy skull with
this coping-stone. The doors are bolted and barred, which will prevent
thy entrance to the palace and thy eagerness to bring aid.
Menelaus: Ha! what now? I see a blaze of torches and men standing
at bay on the house-top yonder, with a sword held at my daughter's
throat.
Orestes: Wouldst question me or hear me speak?
Menelaus: Neither; but I suppose I must hear thee.
Orestes: Well, if thou art anxious to know, I intend to slay thy daughter.
Menelaus: After slaying Helen, art thou bent on adding another murder?
Orestes: I would I had compassed that, instead of being duped by the
gods!
Studies
