Part 20 (2/2)

[_Exit_ MOLOSSUS.

ORESTES.

[_Who during the interruption has mounted on the bench, taken the suit of arms from the wall, and armed himself, here leaps down, picks up the lyre, and sings again--_

”The son is viler, viler than the sire!”

ALCIMEDON.

The man is armed!

ORESTES.

[_Continuing amid general confusion._

”Achilles' son slew women and slew babes, But quailed before the blood-wrath of a churl; And stole another's bride; and fled, fled, fled!”

[_Tumult in hall._

ALCIMEDON.

Down with him!

PYRRHUS.

Slay him not! Break his spear and thrust him out!

ORESTES.

Will nothing sting you? Lo, mine was the bride he stole, and from me he fled! For he dared not face the wrath of Orestes, nor the spear of Agamemnon's son.

PYRRHUS.

Orestes!

PRIEST.

Is it Orestes?

ALCIMEDON.

He must have men behind him! To the watch-tower quick! [_Two retainers run out_, R.

HERMIONE.

He lies, he lies! Do I not know Orestes?

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