124
THE LIBATION-BEARERS.
Orestes.
A parent who did cast me out to ill!
Clytemnestra.
Not cast thee out, but to a friendly home.
Orestes.
Born free, I was by twofold bargain sold.
Clytemnestra.
Where then the price that I received for thee?
Orestes.
The price of shame; I taunt thee not more plainly.
Clytemnestra.
Nay, but recount thy father's lewdness too.
Orestes.
Home-keeping, chide not him who toils without.
Clytemnestra.
'Tis hard for wives to live as widows, child.
Orestes.
The absent husband toils for them at home.
Clytemnestra.
Thou growest fain to slay thy mother, child.
Orestes.
Nay, 'tis thyself wilt slay thyself, not I.
Clytemnestra.
Beware thy mother's vengeful hounds from hell.
