AG. I give it, for thine is the power, but I am wretched. MEN. I swear by Pelops, who was called the sire of my father and thine, and my father Atreus, that I indeed will tell thee plainly from my heart, and not any thing out of contrivance, but only what I think. I, beholding thee letting fall the tear from thine eyes, pitied thee, and myself let fall [a tear] for thee in return. And I have changed[33] my old determinations, not being wrath against you, but I will place myself in your present situation, and I recommend you neither to slay your child, nor to take my part; for it is not just that thou shouldst groan, but my affairs be in a pleasant state, and that thine should die, but mine behold the light. For what do I wish? Might I not obtain another choice alliance, if I crave nuptials? But, having undone my brother, whom it least behooved me, shall I receive Helen, an evil in place of a good? I was foolish and young, before that, viewing the matter closely, I saw what it is to beget children. Besides, pity came over me, considering our connection, for the hapless girl, who is about to be sacrificed because of my marriage. But what has thy virgin [daughter] to do with Helen? Let the army go, being disbanded from Aulis. But cease thou bedewing thine eyes with tears, my brother, and exciting me to tears. But if I have any concern in the oracle respecting thy daughter, let me have none: to thee I yield my part. But I have come to a change[34] from terrible resolutions. I have experienced[35] what was meet. I have changed to regard him who is sprung from a common source. Such changes belong not to a bad man, [viz.] to follow the best always. CHOR. Thou hast spoken generous words, and becoming Tantalus the son of Jove. Thou disgracest not thine ancestors. AG. I commend thee, Menelaus, in that, contrary to my expectation, you have subjoined these words, rightly, and worthily of thee. MEN. A certain disturbance[36] between brothers arises on account of love, and avarice in their houses. I abhor such a relationship, mutually sore. AG. But [consider,] for we are come into circumstances that render it necessary to accomplish the bloody slaughter of my daughter. MEN. How? Who will compel thee to slay thy child? AG. The whole assembly of the armament of the Greeks. MEN. Not so, if at least thou dismiss it back to Argos. AG. In this matter I might escape discovery, but in that I can not.[37] MEN. What? One should not too much fear the multitude. AG. Calchas will proclaim his prophecy to the army of the Greeks. MEN. Not if he die first--and this is easy. AG. The whole race of seers is an ambitious ill. MEN. And in naught good or profitable, when at hand.[38] AG. But dost thou not fear that which occurs to me? MEN. How can I understand the word you say not? AG. The son of Sisyphus knows all these matters. MEN. It can not be that Orestes can pain thee and me. AG. He is ever changeable, and with the multitude.