CHARACTERSINTHEPLAY
HELEN，wifeOfMENELAUS
TEUCER，aGreekwarrior，whofoughtatTroyCHORUSOFCAPTIVEGREEKWOMEN，attendingHELEN
MENELAUS，KingofSpartaPORTRESSofTHEOCLYMENUS
FIRSTMESSENGER
SECONDMESSENGER
THEONOE，sisterofTHEOCLYMENUS
THEOCLYMENUS，KingofEgyptSERVANTofTHEOCLYMENUS
THEDIOSCURI
Guards，attendants，etc。
HELEN
HELEN
（SCENE：-BeforethepalaceofTHEOCLYMENUSinEgypt。ItisnearthemouthoftheNile。ThetombofProteus，thefatherofTHEOCLYMENUS
isvisible。HELENisdiscoveredalonebeforethetomb。）
HELEN
Lo！ThesearethefairvirginstreamsofNile，theriverthatwatersEgypt’stilth，fedbypuremeltingsnowinsteadofrainfromheaven。Proteusduringhislife-timewaskingofthisland，dwellingintheisleofPharos，andrulingo’erEgypt；andhetooktowifeoneofthedaughtersofthesea，Psamathe，aftershelefttheembracesofAeacus。Twochildrenshebareinthishispalace，asonTheoclymenus，whohathpassedhislifeinduteousservicetothegods，andlikewiseanobledaughter，hermother’spride，calledEidoinherinfancy，butwhenshereachedheryouthfulprime，theageforweddedjoys，renamedTheonoe；forwellsheknewwhate’erthegodsdesign，bothpresentandtocome，forshehadwonthisguerdonfromhergrandsireNereus。Norismyfatherlandunknowntofame，e’enSparta，ormysireTyndareus；foralegendtellshowZeuswingedhiswaytomymotherLeda’sbreast，inthesemblanceofabird，evenaswan，andthusashefledfromaneagle’spursuit，achievedbyguilehisamorouspurpose，ifthistalebetrue。MynameisHelen，andI
willnowrecountthesorrowsIhavesuffered。ToahollowvaleonIdacamethreegoddessestoParis，forbeauty’sprizecontending，HeraandCypris，andthevirginchildofZeus，eagertosecurehisverdictontheirloveliness。NowCyprisheldoutmybeauty，-ifaughtsowretcheddeservesthatname，-asabridebeforetheeyesofParis，sayingheshouldmarryme；andsoshewontheday；whereforetheshepherdofIdalefthissteading，andcametoSparta，thinkingtowinmeforhisbride。ButHera，indignantatnotdefeatingthegoddesses，broughttonaughtmymarriagewithParis，andgavetoPriam’sprincelysonnotHelen，butaphantomendowedwithlife，thatshemadeinmyimageoutofthebreathofheaven；andParisthoughtthatIwashis，althoughIneverwas，-anidlefancy！Moreover，thecounselsofZeusaddedfurthertroublesuntothese；foruponthelandofHellasandthehaplessPhrygianshebroughtawar，thathemightlightenmother-earthofhermyriadhostsofmen，andtothebravestofthesonsofHellasbringrenown。SoIwassetupasaprizeforallthechivalryofHellas，totestthemightofPhrygia，yetnotI，butmynamealone；forHermescaughtmeupintheembracingair，andveiledmeinacloud；forZeuswasnotunmindfulofme；andhesetmedownhereinthehouseofProteus，judginghimtobethemostvirtuousofallmankind；thatsoImightpreservemymarriagewithMenelausfreefromtaint。HerethenIabide，whilemyhaplesslordhasgatheredanarmy，andissettingoutforthetowersofIliumtotrackandrecoverme。AndtherebyScamander’sstreamshathmanyalifebreathedoutitslast，andallforme；andI，thathaveenduredallthis，amaccursed，andseemtohaveembroiledallHellasinamightywarbyprovingatraitresstomyhusband。Why，then，doIprolongmylife？BecauseIheardHermesdeclare，thatIshouldyetagainmakemyhomeonSparta’sglorioussoil，withmylord，-forHermesknewIneverwenttoIlium，-thatsoImightneversubmittoanyother’swooing。NowaslongasProteusgazeduponyonglorioussun，Iwassafefrommarriage；butwheno’erhimthedarkgraveclosed，thedeadman’ssonwaseagerformyhand。ButI，fromregardtomyformerhusband，amthrowingmyselfdowninsuppliantwisebeforethistombofProteus，prayinghimtoguardmyhusband’shonour，that，thoughthroughHellasIbearanamedishonoured，atleastmybodyheremaynotincurdisgrace。
（TEUCERenters。）
TEUCER
Whoislordandmasterofthisfencedpalace？ThehouseisoneI
maycomparetothehallsofPlutus，withitsroyalbulwarksandtoweringbuildings。Ha！greatgods！whatsightishere？Iseethecounterfeitofthatfellmurderousdame，whoruinedmeandalltheAchaeans。MayHeavenshowitsloathingforthee，somuchdostthouresembleHelen！WereInotstandingonaforeignsoil，withthiswell-aimedshafthadworkedthydeath，thyrewardforresemblingthedaughterofZeus。
HELEN
Oh！why，poorman，whoe’erthouart，dostthouturnfromme，loathingmeforthosetroublesHelencaused？
TEUCER
Iwaswrong；IyieldedtomyangermorethanIought；myreasonwas，thehateallHellasbearstothatdaughterofZeus。Pardonme，lady，forthewordsIuttered。
HELEN
Whoartthou？whencecomestthoutovisitthisland？
TEUCER
OneofthosehaplessAchaeansamI，lady。
HELEN
NowonderthenthatthoudostbateHelen。Butsay，whoartthou？
Whencecomest？BywhatnameamItocallthee？
TEUCER
MynameisTeucer；mysirewasTelamon，andSalamisisthelandthatnurturedme。
HELEN
ThenwhyartthouvisitingthesemeadowsbytheNile？
TEUCER
AwandererI，anexilefrommynativeland。
HELEN
Thinemustbeapiteouslot；whofromthycountrydrivestheeout？
TEUCER
MyfatherTelamon。Couldstfindanearerandadearer？
HELEN
Butwhy？Thiscaseissurelyfraughtwithwoe。
TEUCER
ThedeathofAjaxmybrotheratTroywasmyruin。
HELEN
Howso？surely’twasnotthyswordthatstolehislifeaway？
TEUCER
Hethrewhimselfonhisownbladeanddied。
HELEN
Washemad？forwhowithsenseendowedwouldbringhimselftothis？
TEUCER
DostthouknowaughtofAchilles。sonofPeleus？
HELEN
Hecame，soIhaveheard，towooHelenonce。
TEUCER
Whenhedied，helefthisarmsforhiscomradestocontest。
HELEN
Well，ifhedid，whatharmhereintoAjax？
TEUCER
Whenanotherwonthesearms，tohimselfheputanend。
HELEN
Artthouthenasuffererbywoesthatheinflicted？
TEUCER
Yes，becauseIdidnotjoinhiminhisdeath。
HELEN
Sothoucamest，sirstranger，toIlium’sfamoustown？
TEUCER
Aye，and，afterhelpingtosackit，myselfdidlearnwhatruinmeant。
HELEN
IsTroyalreadyfiredandutterlybyflamesconsumed？
TEUCER
Yea，sothatnotsomuchasonevestigeofherwallsisnowtobeseen。
HELEN
Woeisthee，poorHelen！thouartthecauseofPhrygia’sruin。
TEUCER
AndofAchaea’stoo。Ah！’tisataleofgrievousmisery！
HELEN
Howlongisitsincethecitywassacked？
TEUCER
Nighsevenfruitfulseasonshavecomeandgone。
HELEN
AndhowmuchlongerdidyeabideinTroy？
TEUCER
Manyawearymonth，tillthroughtenfullyearsthemoonhadheldhercourse。
HELEN
AnddidyecapturethatSpartandame？
TEUCER
Menelauscaughtherbythehair，andwasfordraggingheraway。
HELEN
Didstthouthyselfbeholdthatunhappyone？orartthouspeakingfromhearsay？
TEUCER
AsplainasInowseethee，Ithensawher。
HELEN
Considerwhetheryewerebutindulginganidlefancysentbyheaven。
TEUCER
Bethinktheeofsomeothertopic；nomoreofher！
HELEN
Areyousosurethisfancywasreliable？
TEUCER
WiththeseeyesIsawherfacetoface，ifsobeIseetheenow。
HELEN
HathMenelausreachedhishomebythistimewithhiswife？
TEUCER
No；heisneitherinArgos，noryetbythestreamsofEurotas。
HELEN
Ahme！hereisevilnewsforthosetowhomthouarttellingit。
TEUCER
’Tissaidhedisappearedwithhiswife。
HELEN
DidnotalltheArgivesmakethepassagetogether？
TEUCER
Yes：butatempestscatteredthemineverydirection。
HELEN
Inwhatquarterofthebroadocean？
TEUCER
TheywerecrossingtheAegeaninmidchannel。
HELEN
Andafterthat，dothnomanknowofMenelaus’arrival？
TEUCER
No；none；butthroughHellasishereportedtobedead。
HELEN
ThenamIlost。IsthedaughterofThestiusalive？
TEUCER
DostspeakofLeda？Sheisdead；aye，deadandgone。
HELEN
WasitHelen’sshamethatcausedherdeath？
TEUCER
Aye，’tissaidshetiedthenooseabouthernobleneck。
HELEN
ArethesonsofTyndareusstillaliveornot？
TEUCER
Dead，andyetalive：’tisadoublestory。
HELEN
Whichisthemorecrediblereport？Woeismeformysorrows！
TEUCER
Mensaythattheyaregodsinthelikenessofstars。
HELEN
Thatishappynews；butwhatistheotherrumour？
TEUCER
Thattheybyself-inflictedwoundsgaveuptheghostbecauseoftheirsister’sshame。Butenoughofsuchtalk！Ihavenowishtomultiplymygriefs。ThereasonofmycomingtothisroyalpalacewasawishtoseethatfamousprophetessTheonoe。Dothouthemeansafford，thatIfromhermayobtainanoraclehowIshallsteerafavourablecoursetothesea-girtshoresofCyprus；forthereApollohathdeclaredmyhomeshallbe，givingtoitthenameofSalamis，myislandhome，inhonourofthatfatherlandacrossthemain。
HELEN
Thatshallthevoyageitselfexplain，sirstranger；butdothouleavetheseshoresandfly，erethesonofProteus，therulerofthisland，catchsightofthee。Nowisheawaywithhistrustyhoundstrackinghissavagequarrytothedeath；foreverystrangerthathecatchethfromthelandofHellasdothheslay。Hisreasonneverasktoknow；mylipsaresealed；forwhatcouldwordofmineavailthee？
TEUCER
Lady，thywordsarefair。Heavengranttheeafairrequitalforthiskindness！ForthoughinformthoudostresembleHelen，thysoulisnotlikehers，nay，verydifferent。Perditionseizeher！MaysheneverreachthestreamsofEurotas！Butthinebejoyforevermore，lady！
（TEUCERdeparts。TheCHORUSOFCAPTIVEGREEKWOMENenter。TheysingresponsivelywithHELEN。）
HELEN
Ahme！whatpiteousdirgeshallIstrivetoutter，nowthatIambeginningmystrainofbitterlamentation？WhatMuseshallI
approachwithtearsorsongsofdeathorwoe？Ahme！yeSirens，Earth’svirgindaughters，wingedmaids，come，oh！cometoaidmymourning，bringingwithyoutheLibyanfluteorpipe，towafttoPersephone’searatearfulplaint，theechoofmysorrow，withgriefforgrief，andmournfulchantforchant，withsongsofdeathanddoomtomatchmylamentation，thatinreturnshemayreceivefromme，besidesmytears，dirgesforthedeparteddeadbeneathhergloomyroof！
CHORUS
Besidethedeep-bluewaterIchancedtobehangingpurplerobesalongthetendrilsgreenandonthesproutingreeds，todrytheminthesun-god’sgoldenblaze，whenlo！Iheardasoundofwoe，amournfulwail，thevoiceofonecryingaloudinheranguish；yea，suchacryofwoeasNaiadnymphmightsendringingo’erthehills，whiletohercrythedepthsofrockygrotsre-echoherscreamsattheviolenceofPan。
HELEN
Woe！woe！yemaidsofHellas，bootyofbarbariansailors！onehathcome，anAchaeanmariner，bringingfreshtearstome，thenewsofIlium’soverthrow，howthatitislefttothemercyofthefoeman’sflame，andallformethemurderess，orformynamewithsorrowfraught。Whileforanguishatmydeedofshame，hathLedasoughtherdeathbyhanging；andonthedeep，towearywanderingdoomedmylordhathmethisend；andCastorandhisbrother，twingloryoftheirnativeland，arevanishedfrommen’ssight，leavingtheplainsthatshooktotheirgallopingsteeds，andthecoursebesidereed-fringedEurotas，wherethoseyouthfulathletesstrove。
CHORUS
Ah，misery！Alas！forthygrievousdestiny！Woeforthysadlot，lady！Ah！’twasadayofsorrowmetedoutfortheewhenZeuscameglancingthroughtheskyonsnowypinionslikeaswanandwonthymother’sheart。Whatevilisnotthine？Isthereagriefinlifethatthouhastnotendured？Thymotherisdead；thetwodearsonsofZeushaveperishedmiserably，andthouartseveredfromthycountry’ssight，whilethroughthetownsofmenarumourruns，consigningthee，myhonouredmistress，toabarbarian’sbed；and’midtheoceanwavesthylordhathlosthislife，andnever，nevermoreshaltthoufillwithjoythyfather’shallsorAthena’stempleofthe\"BrazenHouse。\"
HELEN
Ah！whowasthatPhrygian，whowashe，thatfelledthatpinewithsorrowfraughtforIlium，andforthosethatcamefromHellas？
HenceitwasthatPriam’ssonhiscursedbarquedidbuild，andspedbybarbarianoarssaileduntomyhome，inquestofbeauty，woman’scurse，towinmeforhisbride；andwithhimsailedthetreacherousqueenofLove，onslaughterbent，withdeathalikeforPriam’ssons，andDanaitoo。Ahme！formyhardlot！Next，Hera，statelybrideofZeus，seatedonhergoldenthrone，sentthesonofMaia，swiftoffoot，whocaughtmeupasIwasgatheringfreshrose-budsinthefoldsofmyrobe，thatImightgotothe\"BrazenHouse，\"andboremethroughtheairtothislovelessland，makingmeanobjectofunhappystrife’twixtHellasandtheraceofPriam。AndmynameisbutasoundwithoutrealitybesidethestreamsofSimois。
LEADEROFTHECHORUS
WellIknowthouhastabitterlottobear；still’tisbesttobearaslightlyaswemaytheillsthatlifeisheirto。
HELEN
Goodfriends，towhatafateamIunited？Didnotmymotherbearmetobeamonstertotheworld？Fornowoman，Helleneorbarbarian，givesbirthtobabesineggsinclosed，astheysayLedabaremetoZeus。MylifeandallIdoisonemiracle，partlyowingtoHera，andpartlyismybeautytoblame。WouldGodIcouldrubmybeautyoutlikeapicture，andassumehereafterinitssteadaformlesscomely，andoh！thatHellashadforgottentheevilfatethatnowIbear，andwerenowrememberingmycareerofhonourassurelyastheydomydeedsofshame。Now，ifamandothturnhiseyestoasinglephaseoffortune，andmeetsill-usageatheaven’shands，’tishardnodoubt；
butstillitcanbeborne；butIincountlesstroublesaminvolved。
First，althoughIneversinned，mygoodnameisgone。Andthisisagriefbeyondthereality，ifamanincursblameforsinsthatarenothis。Next，havethegodsremovedmefrommynativeland，todwellwithmenofbarbarousways，andreftofeveryfriend，Iarnbecomeaslavethoughfreebybirth；foramongstbarbariansallareslavesbutone。Andthelastanchorthatheldmyfortunes，thehopethatmyhusbandwouldreturnoneday，andridmeofmywoes，isnownomore，lostsincethedayhedied。Mymothertooisdead，andIamcalledhermurderess，unjustlyitistrue，butstillthatinjusticeisminetobear；andshethatwasthegloryofmyhouse，mydarlingchild，isgrowingoldandgrey，unweddedstill；andthosetwinbrethren，calledthesonsofZeus，arenownomore。But’tisfortune，notmyowndoing，thathathcrushedmewithsorrowandslainme。Andthisisthelastevilofall；ifeverIcometomynativeland。theywillshutmeupinprison，thinkingmethatHelenofIlium，inquestofwhomMenelauscamethither。Weremyhusbandstillalive，wemighthaverecognizedeachother，byhavingrecoursetotokenswhichourselvesalonewouldknow。Butnowthismaynotbe，noristhereanychanceofhisescape。WhythendoIprolongmylife？WhatfortunehaveIstillinstore？ShallIchoosemarriageasanalternativeofevils，anddwellwithabarbarianlord，seatedathissumptuousboard？No！whenahusbandsheloathesismatedwithawoman，evenlifeisloathlytoher。Bestforhertodie；buthowshallIdieanobledeath？Thedanglingnooseisanuncomelyend；evenslavesconsideritdisgrace；tostaboneselfhathsomethingfairand。nobleinit；’tisasmallthingthatmomentofriddingthefleshoflife。Yes，itmustbe；Iamplungedsodeepinmisery；forthatbeauty，whichtootherwomenisaboon，tomehathbeenaverybane。
LEADER
Helen，neverbelievethatthestranger，whoe’erhewasthatcame，hasspokennaughtbuttruth。
HELEN
Yethesaidsoclearlythatmylordwasdead。
LEADER
Thereismuchthatfalsehoodseemstomakequiteclear。
HELEN
Thewordoftruthhathaverydifferentsoundtofalsehood。
LEADER
Thouartinclinedtomisfortune，ratherthantoluck。
HELEN
Feargirdsmewithterrorsaswithagarment，andtakesmeinhertrain。
LEADER
Whatfriendshastthouwithinthepalace？
HELEN
Allaremyfriendsheresavehimwhoseekstowed-me。
LEADER
Thyactionthenisclear；leavethyseatatthetomb。
HELEN
Towhatwordsoradviceartthouleadingup？
LEADER
GoinandquestionthedaughteroftheoceanNereid，whoknowethallthings，evenTheonoe，whetherthyhusbandisstillalive，orwhetherhehathleftthelightofday；andwhenthouknowestforcertain，begladorsorrowful，asfitsthyfortune。Butbeforethouhastrightknowledge，whatshallsorrowavailthee？Nay，hearkentome；leavethistombandseekthemaiden’scompany，thatshemaytelltheethetruth，forfromhershaltthoulearnall。Ifthouabidehereinthisseat，whatprospecthastthou？AndIwillmyselfgoinwiththee，andwiththeeinquireofthemaiden’soracles；for’tisawoman’sboundendutytoshareasister’strouble。
（ThefollowinglinesarechantedresponsivelybyHELENandtheCHORUS。）
HELEN
Kindfriends，Iwelcomeyouradvice。Comein，comein，thatyemaylearntheresultofmystrugglewithinthepalace。
CHORUS
Thyinvitationcomestoverywillingears。
HELEN
Woeforthisheavyday！Ahme！whatmournfultidingsshallhear？
CHORUS
Dearmistressmine，benotaprophetessofsorrow，forestallinglamentation。
HELEN
Whatisthefateofmypoorhusband？Dothhestillbeholdthelightturningtowardsthesun-god’schariotandthestarsintheircourses？Oramongthedead，beneaththeearth，ishetodeathconsigned？
CHORUS
Ofthefuturetakeabrighterview，whatevershallbetide。
HELEN
OntheeIcall，andtheeadjure，Eurotasgreenwithriver-reeds，totellmeifthisrumourofmyhusband’sdeathbetrue。
CHORUS
Whatbootsthismeaninglessappeal？
HELEN
AboutmyneckwillIfastenthedeadlynoosefromabove，ordrivethemurderousknifewithself-aimedthrustdeepintomythroattoseverit，strivingtocutmyflesh，asacrificetothosegoddessesthreeandtothatsonofPriam，whoindaysgonebywouldwakethemusicofhispipearoundhissteading。
CHORUS
Ohmaysorrowbeavertedotherwhither，andthoubeblest！
HELEN
Woeisthee，unhappyTroy！Thouthroughdeedsnotdonebytheartruined，andhastsuffereddirestwoe；forthegiftthatCyprisgavetome，hathcausedaseaofbloodtoflow，andmanyaneyetoweep，withgriefongriefandtearontear。AllthishathIliumsufferedandmothershavelosttheirchildren；andvirginsistersoftheslainhavecutofftheirtressesbytheswollentideofPhrygianScamander。AndthelandofHellashathliftedhervoiceofwoeandbrokenforthinwailing，smitingonherhead，andmakingtendercheekstostreamwithgorebeneaththerendingnail。AhblestmaidCallisto，wholongagoinArcadydidstfindfavourwithZeus，inthesemblanceofbeastfour-footed，howmuchhappierwasthylotthanmymother’s，forthouhastchangedtheburdenofthygriefandnowwithsavageeyeartweepingo’erthyshaggymonster-shape；aye，andherswasahappierlot，whomonadayArtemisdrovefromherchoir，changedtoahindwithhornsofgold，thefairTitanianmaid，daughterofMerops，becauseofherbeauty；butmyfairformhathprovedthecurseofDardanTroyanddoomedAchaea’ssons。
（HELENandtheCHORUSgointothepalace。Afterthedoorshavecloseduponthem，MENELAUSenters。Heisaloneandcladinrags。）
MENELAUS
Ah！Pelops，easyvictorlongagoo’erthyrivalOenomausinthechariot-raceonPisa’splain，wouldthouhadstendedthycareeramongstthegodsthatdaythouwertbeguiledintomakingabanquetforthem，oreverthouhadstbegottenmyfatherAtreus，towhomwerebornbyAeropehiswife，AgamemnonandmyselfMenelaus，anillustriouspair；andhereinImakenoidleboast，for’twasamightyhost，I
trow，thatItheirleadercarriedo’ertheseatoTroy，usingnoviolencetomakethemfollowme，butleadingallthechivalryofHellasbyvoluntaryconsent。Andsomeofthesemustwenumber’midtheslain，andsometotheirjoyhave’scapedthesea，bearingtotheirhomesagainnameslongreckoneddead。ButI，poorwretch，gowanderingo’ergreyOcean’sswellawearyspace，longasthatwhichsawmesickthetowersofIlium；andforallmylongingtoreachmycountryI
amnotcountedworthyofthisboonbyheaven，buttoLibya’sdesertcheerlessroadsteadshaveIsailed，toeachandallofthem；andwhensoe’erIdrawmenearmynativeland，thestorm-winddrivesmebackagain，andneveryethavefavouringbreezesfilledmysails，toletmereachmyfatherland。Andnowawretched，shipwreckedmariner，myfriendsalllost，amIcastupuponthisshore；andmyshipisshatteredinathousandpiecesagainsttherocks；anditskeelwaswrestedfromitscunningfastenings；thereondidIwithdifficultyescape，mostunexpectedly，andHelenalso，forherhadIrescuedfromTroyandhadwithme。ButthenameofthiscountryanditspeopleIknownot；forIblushedtominglewiththecrowdtoquestionthem，anxiousforveryshametohidemymisfortuneswhichreducemetothesesorryrags。Forwhenamanofhighdegreemeetswithadversity，hefeelsthestrangenessofhisfallenstatemorekeenlythanasuffereroflongstanding。Direwantiswastingme；forIhaveneitherfood，norraimenttogirdmyselfwithal；beholdthefactsbeforeyoutojudgefrom-Iamcladintatterscastupfromtheship；whilealltherobesIoncedidwear，gloriousattireandornaments，baththeseaswallowed；andinacavern’sdeeprecesseshaveIhiddenmywife，thecauseofallmytrouble，andhavecomehither，afterstraitlychargingthesurvivorsofmyfriendstowatchher。AloneamIcome，seekingforthosethereleftsomehelp，ifhaplyImayfinditaftercarefulsearch。SowhenIsawthispalacegirtwithtoweringwallsandstatelygatesofsomeprosperouslord，Idrewnigh；forIhavehopetoobtainsomewhatformysailorsfromthiswealthyhouse，whereasfromhouseswhichhavenostore，theinmatesforalltheirgoodwillcouldfurnishnaught。Ho！there，whokeepsthegateandwillcomeforthtobearmytaleofwoeintothehouse？
（APORTRESScomesoutofthepalaceinanswertohiscall。）
PORTRESS
Whostandsbeforethedoor？Begonefromthehouselstandnotatthecourt-yardgate，annoyingmymasters！otherwiseshaltthoudie，forthouartaHelleneborn。andwiththemhavewenodealings。
MENELAUS
Mother，hereinsayestthourightlyonallpoints。’Tiswell；I
willobey；butmoderatethywords。
PORTRESS
Away！stranger，myordersaretoadmitnoHellenetothispalace。
MENELAUS
Ha！donotseektopushmehence，orthrustmeawaybyviolence。
PORTRESS
Thoudostnotheedmywords，andthereforehastthyselftoblame。
MENELAUS
Carrymymessagetothymasterinthepalace。
PORTRESS
Someonewouldrueit，methinks，wereItotakethymessage。
MENELAUS
Icomeasashipwreckedmanandastranger，whomheavenprotects。
PORTRESS
Well，gettheetosomeotherhousethanthis。
MENELAUS
Nay，butIwillpassintothehouse；solistentome。
PORTRESS
Letmetelltheethouartunwelcome，andsoonwiltbeforciblyejected。
MENELAUS
Ahme！wherearenowthosefamoustroopsofmine？
PORTRESS
Elsewheremaybethouwertamightyman；thouartnothere。
MENELAUS
Ofortune！Ihavenotdeservedsuchinsult。
PORTRESS
Whyarethyeyeswithtear-dropswet？Whysosad？
MENELAUS
’Tisthecontrastwithmyfortuneserstsoblest。
PORTRESS
Hence！then，andgivethyfriendsthosetears。
MENELAUS
Whatlandisthis？whoseisthepalace？
PORTRESS
Proteusliveshere。ItisthelandofEgypt。
MENELAUS
Egypt？Woeisme！tothinkthathitherIhavesailed！
PORTRESS
Pray，whatfaulthastthoutofindwiththeraceofNile？
MENELAUS
’TwasnofaultIfound；myowndisastersIlament。
PORTRESS
Therebeplentyinevilcase；thouartnottheonlyone。
MENELAUS
Istheking，ofwhomthouspeakest，herewithin？
PORTRESS
Thereishistomb；hissonrulesinhisstead。
MENELAUS
Andwheremayhebe？abroad，orinthehouse？
PORTRESS
Heisnotwithin。ToHellasisheabitterfoe。
MENELAUS
Hisreason，pray，forthisenmity？theresultswhereofIhaveexperienced。
PORTRESS
BeneaththisroofdwellsthedaughterofZeus，Helen。
MENELAUS
Whatmean’stthou？whatisitthouhastsaid？Repeat，Ipray，thywords。
PORTRESS
ThedaughterofTyndareusishere，whoerstinSpartadwelt。
MENELAUS
Whencecameshe？Whatmeansthisbusiness？
PORTRESS
ShecamefromLacedaemonhither。
MENELAUS
When？SurelyIhaveneverbeenrobbedofmywifefromthecave！
PORTRESS
BeforetheAchaeanswenttoTroy，sirstranger。Butgettheehence；forsomewhathathchancedwithin，whereatthewholepalaceisinanuproar。Thoucomestmostunseasonably；andifmymastercatchthee，deathwillbethystranger’sgift。ThissayI，becausetoHellasIamwelldisposed，albeitIgavetheeharshanswersforfearofmymaster。
（ThePORTRESSgoesbackintothepalace。）
MENELAUS
WhatcanIthinkorsay？Foraftermyprevioustroubles，thisisafreshpieceofill-luckIhear，if，indeed，afterrecoveringmywifefromTroyandbringingherhither，andputtingherforsafetyinthecave，Iamthentofindanotherwomanlivingherewiththesamenameasmywife。ShecalledherthebegottenchildofZeus。CantherebeamanthathaththenameofZeusbythebanksofNile？TheZeusofheavenisonlyone，atanyrate。WhereisthereaSpartaintheworldsavewhereEurotasglidesbetweenhisreedybanks？ThenameofTyndareusisthenameofonealone。IsthereanylandofthesamenameasLacedaemonorTroy？Iknownotwhattosay；fornaturallytherearemanyinthewideworldthathavethesamenames，citiesandwomentoo；
thereisnothing，then，tomarvelat。NoryetagainwillIflyfromthealarmaservantraises；forthereisnonesocruelofheartastorefusemefoodwhenoncehehearsmyname。AllhaveheardofIlium’sburning，andI，thatsetitablaze，amfamousnowthroughouttheworld，I，Menelaus。Ithereforewaitthemasterofthishouse。
TherearetwoissuesImustwatch；ifheprovesomewhatsternofheart，Iwilltomywreckandthereconcealmyself；butifheshowanysignofpity，Iwillaskforhelpinthismypresentstrait。Thisisthecrowningwoeinallmymisery，tobegthemeansoflifefromotherprinces，princethoughIbemyself；stillneedsmustI。Yea，thisisnosayingofmine，butawordofwisdom，\"Naughtinmightexceedethdreadnecessity。\"
（HELENandtheCHORUSenterfromthepalace。TheydonotnoticeMENELAUS。）
CHORUS（singing）
Ihaveheardthevoiceofthemaideninspired。Clearistheanswershehathvouchsafedwithinyonpalace，declaringthatMenelausisnotyetdeadandburied，passedtothelandofshades，wheredarknesstakestheplaceoflight；butonthestormymainiswearingouthislife，noryethathreachedthehavenofhiscountry，awandererdraggingoutapiteousexistence，reftofeveryfriend，settingfootineverycorneroftheworld，ashevoyagethhomefromTroy。
HELEN
Lo！onceagainIseektheshelterofthistomb，withTheonoe’ssweettidingsinmyears；shethatknowethallthingsofatruth；
forshesaithmylordisyetaliveandinthelightofday，albeitheisroamingtoandfroaftermanyawearyvoyage，andhithershallhecomewhensohereachthelimitofhistoils，nonoviceinthewanderer’slife。Butonethingdidsheleaveunsaid。Ishetoescapewhenhehathcome？AndIrefrainedfromaskingthatquestionclearly，sogladwasIwhenshetoldmehewassafe。Forshesaidthathewassomewherenighthisshore，castupbyshipwreckwithahandfuloffriends。Ah！whenshallIseetheecome？Howwelcomewillthyadventbe！（ShecatchessightofMENELAUS。）Ha！whoisthis？AmIbeingsnaredbysometrickofProteus’impiousson？Oh！letme，likeacourseratitsspeed，oravotaryofBacchus，approachthetomb！forthereissomethingwildaboutthisfellow’slooks，whoiseagertoo’ertakeme。
MENELAUS
Hothere！thouthatwithfearfuleffortseekesttoreachthebasementofthetombandthepillarsofburntsacrifice，staythee。
Whereforeartflying？Ah！withwhatspeechlessamazethesightoftheeaffectsme！
HELEN
Ofriends！Iambeingill-treated。Thismaniskeepingmefromthetomb，andiseagertotakeandgivemetohismaster，whosewooingI
wasseekingtoavoid。
MENELAUS
NorobberI，orministerofevil。
HELEN
Atanyratethegarbwhereinthouartcladisunseemly。
MENELAUS
Staythyhastyflight；putfearaside。
HELEN
Idoso，nowthatIhavereachedthisspot。
MENELAUS
Whoartthou？whomdoIbeholdinthee，lady？
HELEN
Nay，whoartthou？Theself-samereasonpromptsusboth。
MENELAUS
neversawacloserresemblance。
HELEN
GreatGod！Yea，fortorecognizeourfriendsisofGod。
MENELAUS
ArtthoufromHellas，oranativeofthisland？
HELEN
FromHellas；butIwouldlearnthystorytoo。
MENELAUS
Lady，intheeIseeawondrouslikenesstoHelen。
HELEN
AndIintheetoMenelaus；Iknownotwhattosay。
MENELAUS
Well，thouhastrecognizedarightamanofmanysorrows。
HELEN
Hail！tothywife’sarmsrestoredatlast！
MENELAUS
Wifeindeed！Laynotafingeronmyrobe。
HELEN
ThewifethatTyndareus，myfather，gavethee。
MENELAUS
OHecate，giveroflight，sendthyvisionsfavourably！
HELEN
Inmethoubeholdestnospectreofthenight，attendantonthequeenofphantoms。
MENELAUS
NoryetamIinmysinglepersonthehusbandoftwowives。
HELEN
Whatotherwomancallstheelord？
MENELAUS
Theinmateofyondercave，whomIfromTroyconvey。
HELEN
Thouhastnoneotherwifebutme。
MENELAUS
Canitbemymindiswandering，mysightfailing？
HELEN
Dostnotbelievethouseestinmethywife？
MENELAUS
Thyformresemblesher，buttherealtruthrobsmeofthisbelief。
HELEN
Observemewell；whatneedhastthouofclearerproof？
MENELAUS
Thouartlikeher；thatwillIneverdeny。
HELEN
Whothenshallteachthee，unlessitbethineowneyes？
MENELAUS
Hereinismydilemma；Ihaveanotherwife。
HELEN
ToTroyIneverwent；thatwasaphantom。
MENELAUS
Pray，whofashionslivingbodies？
HELEN
Theair，whencethouhastawifeofheaven’sworkmanship。
MENELAUS
Whatgod’shandiwork？Strangeisthetalethoutellest。
HELEN
Heramadeitasasubstitute，tokeepmefromParis。
MENELAUS
Howthencouldstthouhavebeenhere，andinTroy，atthesametime？
HELEN
Thenamemaybeinmanyaplaceatonce，thoughnotthebody。
MENELAUS
Unhandme！thesorrowsIbroughtwithmesuffice。
HELEN
What！wiltleaveme，andtakethatphantombrideaway？
MENELAUS
ForthylikenessuntoHelen，faretheewell。
HELEN
Ruined！intheeIfoundmylordonlytolosethee。
MENELAUS
ThegreatnessofmytroublesatTroyconvincesme；thoudostnot。
HELEN
Ah，woeisme！whowasevermoreunfortunatethanI？ThosewhomIlovebestareleavingme，norshallIeverreachHellas，myowndearnativeland。
（TheFIRSTMESSENGERentersinhaste。）
MESSENGER
AtlastIfindthee，Menelaus，afterananxioussearch，nottillI
haveevanderedthroughthelengthandbreadthofthisforeignstrand；Iamsentbythycomrades，whomthoudidstleavebehind。
MENELAUS
Whatnews？surelyyouarenotbeingspoiledbythebarbarians？
MESSENGER
Amiraclehathhappened；mywordsaretooweakforthereality。
MENELAUS
Speak；forjudgingbythishaste，thouhaststirringnews。
MESSENGER
Mymessageis：thycountlesstoilshaveallbeentoiledinvain。
MENELAUS
Thatisanoldtaleofwoetomourn！come，thynews？
MESSENGER
Thywifehathdisappeared，soaringawayintotheembracingair；inheavenshenowishidden，andassheleftthehollowedcavewherewewereguardingher，shehailedusthus，\"YehaplessPhrygians，andallAchaea’srace！formeuponScamander’sstrandbyHera’sartsyediedfromdaytoday，inthefalsebeliefthatHelenwasinthehandsofParis。ButI，sinceIhavestayedmyappointedtime，andkeptthelawsoffate，willnowdepartuntotheskythatgavemebirth；buttheunhappydaughterofTyndareus，throughnofaultofhers，hathborneanevilnamewithoutreason。\"（CatchingSightofHELEN）DaughterofLeda，hailtothee，sothouarthereafterall！Iwasjustannouncingthydeparturetothehiddenstarryrealms，littleknowingthatthoucouldstflyatwill。Iwillnotasecondtimelettheefloutusthus，forthoudidstcausetikilordandhiscomradestroubleallfornaughtinIlium。
MENELAUS
Thisisevenwhatshesaid；herwordsareprovedtrue；O
longed-forday，howhathitrestoredtheetomyarms！
HELEN
OMenelaus，dearesthusband，thetimeofsorrowhasbeenlong，butjoyisnowoursatlast。Ah，friends，whatjoyformetoholdmyhusbandinafondembraceaftermanyawearycycleofyonblazinglampofday！
MENELAUS
Whatjoyformetoholdmywife！butwithallthatIwouldaskabouttheseyears，InowknownotwhereImayfirstbegin。
HELEN
Orapture！theveryhairuponmyheadstartsupforjoy！mytearsrundown！AroundthyneckIflingmyarms，dearhusband，tohugmyjoytome。
MENELAUS
Ohappy，happysight！Ihavenofaulttofind；mywife，hedaughterofZeusandLeda，ismineagain，shewhomherbrothersontheirsnow-whitesteeds，whilsttorchesblazed，mademyhappybride，butgodsremovedherfrommyhome。Nowisthedeityguidingustoanewdestiny，happierthanofyore。
HELEN
Evilintogoodtransformedhathbroughtustwaintogetheratlast，dearhusband；butlatethoughitbe，Godgrantmejoyofmygoodluck！
MENELAUS
Godgranttheejoy！Ijointheeintheself-sameprayer；forofustwainonecannotsufferwithouttheother。
HELEN
Nomore，myfriends，Imournthepast；nolongernowIgrieve。
Myowndearhusbandisrestoredtome，whosecomingfromTroyIhavewaitedmanyalongyear。
MENELAUS
Itothee，andthoutome。Andaftertheselong，longyearsIhaveatlastdiscoveredthefraudofthegoddess。Butthesetears，ingladnessshed，aretearsofthankfulnessratherthanofsorrow。
HELEN
WhatcanIsay？Whatmortalheartcoulde’erhavehadsuchhope？
TomybosomIpressthee，littleasIeverthoughtto。
MENELAUS
AndItominepressthee，whoallmenthoughthadstgonetoIda’stownandthehaplesstowersofIlium。
HELEN
Ahme！ahme！thatisabittersubjecttobeginon。
MENELAUS
Tellme，Iadjurethee，howwertthoufrommyhomeconveyed？
HELEN
Alas！alas！’tisabittertalethouaskesttohear。
MENELAUS
Speak，forImusthearit；allthatcomesisHeaven’sgift。
HELEN
IloathethestoryIamnowtotell。
MENELAUS
Tellitforallthat。’Tissweettohearoftroublepast。
HELEN
Ine’ersetforthtobetheyoungbarbarian’sbride，withoarsandwingsoflawlesslovetospeedmeonmyway。
MENELAUS
Whatdeityorfatetoretheefromthycountry，then？
HELEN
Ah，mylord！’twasHermes，thesonofZeus，thatbroughtandplacedmebythebanksofNile。
MENELAUS
Amiracle！Whosenttheethither？Omonstrousstory！
HELEN
Iwept，andstillmyeyesarewetwithtears。’TwasthewifeofZeusthatruinedme。
MENELAUS
Hera？whereforeshouldsheafflictustwain？
HELEN
Woeismeformyawfulfate！Woeforthosefountsandbathswherethegoddessesmadebrighterstillthatbeauty，whichevokedthefatalverdict！
MENELAUS
WhydidHeravisittheewithevilregardingthisverdict？
HELEN
TowrestthepromiseofCypris-
MENELAUS
Hownow？Sayon。
HELEN
FromParis，towhomthatgoddesspledgedme。
MENELAUS
Woeforthee！
HELEN
AndsoshebroughtmehithertoEgypttomysorrow。
MENELAUS
Thenshegavehimaphantominthystead，asthoutellestme？
HELEN
Andthenbeganthosewoesofthine，ah，mother！woeisme！
MENELAUS
Whatmeanestthou？
HELEN
Mymotherisnomore；myshamefulmarriagemadeherfixthenooseaboutherneck。
MENELAUS
Ahme！isourdaughterHermioneyetalive？
HELEN
Stillunwed，childlessstill，shemournsmyfatalmarriage。
MENELAUS
OParis，whodidstutterlyo’erthrowmyhome，herewasthyruintooandtheirs，thosecountlessmail-cladDanai。
HELEN
Frommycountry，city，andfromtheeheavencastmeforthunhappyandaccursed，becauseIleft，-andyetnotI，-homeandhusbandforunionoffoulshame。
LEADEROFTHECHORUS
Ifhaplyyefindhappinessinthefuture，itwillsufficewhentothepastyelook。
MESSENGER
Menelaus，grantmetooaportionofthatjoywhich，thoughmineowneyessee，Iscarcelycomprehend。
MENELAUS
Comethen，oldfriend，andsharewithusourtalk。
MESSENGER
WasitnottheninherpowertodecideallthetroubleinTroy？
MENELAUS
Itwasnot；Iwastrickedbythegodsintotakingtomyarmsamistyphantom-form，tomysorrow。
MESSENGER
Howso？wasitthenforthiswevainlytoiled？
MENELAUS
’TwasHera’shandiwork，andthejealousyofthreegoddesses。
MESSENGER
Isthisrealwoman，then，thywife？
MENELAUS
Thisisshe；trustmywordforthat。
MESSENGER
Daughter，howchangefulandinscrutableisthenatureofGod！Withsomegoodenddothhevarymen’sfortune-nowup，nowdown；onesuffers；anotherwhone’erknewsuffering，isinhisturntoawfulruinbrought，havingnoassuranceinhislotfromdaytoday。Thouandthyhusbandhavehadyourshareoftrouble-thouinwhattheworldhassaid，heinbattle’sheat。Forallthestrivingthathestrove，hegothimnaught；whilenow，withoutaneffortmade，everyblessingfortuneboastsishis。Andthou，inspiteofall，hastbroughtnoshameuponthyagedsire，orthosetwinsonsofZeus，norartthouguiltyofthoserumouredcrimes。NowagaindoIrecallthyweddingrites，rememberingtheblazingtorchIborebesidetheeinafour-horsedchariotatfullgallop；whilethouwiththisthylord，anew-madebride，wertdrivingforthfromthyhappyhome。Asorryservanthe，whosoregardethnothismaster’sinterest，sympathizingwithhissorrowsandhisjoys。SlavethoughIwasborn，yetmayIbenumberedamongsthonestservants；forinheart，thoughnotinname，Iamfree。Forthisisbetterfarthaninmysinglepersontosufferthesetwoevils，tofeelmyheartcorrupt，andastheslaveofotherstobeatmyneighbour’sbeckandcall。
MENELAUS
Come，oldfriend，ofthastthoustoodsidebysidewithmeandtakenthyfullshareoftoil；sonowbepartnerinmyhappiness。Go，tellmycomrades，whomIleftbehind，thestateofmattershere，asthouhastfoundthem，andtheissueofmyfortunes；andbidthemwaituponthebeachandabidetheresultofthestruggle，whichItrowawaitsme；andifmayhapwefindawaytotakethisladyfromthelandbystealth，tellthemtokeepgoodwatchthatwemaysharetheluckandescape，ifpossible，fromthebarbarian’sclutch。
MESSENGER
Itshallbedone，Oking。NowIseehowworthlessaretheseers’
tricks，howfulloffalsehood；noristhereafterallaughttrustworthyintheblazeofsacrificeorinthecryoffeatheredfowls；’tisfolly，theverynotionthatbirdscanhelpmankind。
Calchasneverbywordorsignshowedthehostthetruth，whenhesawhisfriendsdyingonbehalfofaphantom，noryetdidHelenus；butthecitywasstormedinvain。Perhapsthouwiltsay，’twasnotheaven’swillthattheyshoulddoso。Thenwhydoweemploytheseprophets？
Betterwereittosacrificetothegods，andcraveablessing，leavingprophecyalone；forthiswasbutdevisedasabaittocatchlivelihood，andnomangrowsrichbydivinationifheisidle。No！