soundjudgmentanddiscernmentarethebestofseers。
（TheMESSENGERdeparts。）
LEADER
Myviewsaboutseersagreeexactlywiththisoldman’s：whosohaththegodsuponhissidewillhavethebestseerinhishouse。
HELEN
Good！sofaralliswell。Buthowcamestthou，poorhusband，safefromTroy？though’tisnogaintoknow，yetfriendsfeelalongingtolearnallthattheirfriendshavesuffered。
MENELAUS
Thatoneshortsentenceofthinecontainsahostofquestions。WhyshouldItelltheeofourlossesintheAegean，orofthebeaconNaupliuslightedonEuboea？orofmyvisitstoCreteandthecitiesofLibya，orofthepeaksofPerseus？ForIshouldneversatisfytheewiththetale，andbytellingtheeshouldaddtomyownpain，thoughI
sufferedenoughatthetime；andsowouldmygriefbedoubled。
HELEN
Thyanswershowsmorewisdomthanmyquestion。Omittherest，andtellmeonlythis；howlongwertthouawearywanderero’erthewidesea’sface？
MENELAUS
SevenlongyearsdidIseecomeandgo，besidesthoseteninTroy。
HELEN
Alas，poorsufferer！’twasawearywhile。Andthouhastthenceescapedonlytobleedhere。
MENELAUS
Howso？whatwiltthoutell？Ahwife，thouhastruinedme。
HELEN
Escapeandflywithallthyspeedfromthisland。Thouwiltbeslainbyhimwhosehousethisis。
MENELAUS
WhathaveIdonetomeritsuchafate？
HELEN
Thouhastarrivedunexpectedlytothwartmymarriage。
MENELAUS
What！issomemanbentonweddingmywife？
HELEN
Aye，andonheapingthoseinsultsonme，whichIhavehithertoendured。
MENELAUS
Ishesomeprivateprince，orarulerofthisland？
HELEN
ThesonofProteus，kingofthecountry。
MENELAUS
ThiswasthatdarksayingIheardtheservanttell。
HELEN
Atwhichofthebarbarian’sgateswertthoustanding？
MENELAUS
Here，whencelikeabeggarIwasliketobedriven。
HELEN
Surelythouwertnotbeggingfood？Ah，woeisme！
MENELAUS
ThatwaswhatIwasdoing，thoughIhadnotthenameofbeggar。
HELEN
Ofcoursethouknowest，then，allaboutmymarriage。
MENELAUS
Ido。Butwhetherthouhastescapedthylover，Iknownot。
HELEN
BewellassuredIhavekeptmybodychaste。
MENELAUS
Howwiltthouconvincemeofthis？Iftrue，thywordsaresweet。
HELEN
DostseethewretchedstationIhavekeptatthistomb？
MENELAUS
Isee，alas！abedofstraw；butwhathastthoutodowithit？
HELEN
ThereIcraveescapefromthismarriageasasuppliant。
MENELAUS
Forwantofanaltar，orbecauseitisthebarbarians’way？
HELEN
Thiswasasgoodaprotectiontomeasthegods’temples。
MENELAUS
MayInotthenevenbeartheehomewardonmyship？
HELEN
Theswordfarsoonerthanthywife’sembraceiswaitingthee。
MENELAUS
SoshouldIbeofallmenthemostmiserable。
HELEN
Putshameaside，andflyfromthisland。
MENELAUS
Leavingtheebehind？’twasforthysakeIsackedTroy。
HELEN
Betterso，thanthatourunionshouldcausethydeath。
MENELAUS
Oh！thesearecowardwords，unworthyofthosedaysatTroy！
HELEN
Thoucanstnotslaytheprince，thypossibleintent。
MENELAUS
Hathhe，then，abodywhichsteelcannotwound？
HELEN
Thoushalthear。Buttoattemptimpossibilitiesisnomarkofwisdom。
MENELAUS
AmItoletthembindmyhands，andsaynothing？
HELEN
Thouartinadilemma；someschememustbedevised。
MENELAUS
Ihadlieferdieinactionthansittingstill。
HELEN
Thereisonehope，andonlyone，ofoursafety。
MENELAUS
Willgold，ordaringdeeds，orwinningwordsprocureit？
HELEN
Wearesafeiftheprincelearnnotofthycoming。
MENELAUS
aryonetellhimitisI？HecertainlywillnotknowwhoIam。
HELEN
Hehathwithinhispalaceanallyequaltothegods。
MENELAUS
Somevoicedivinewithinthesecretchambersofhishouse？
HELEN
No；hissister；Theonoemencallher。
MENELAUS
Hernamehathapropheticsound；tellmewhatshedoth。
HELEN
Sheknowetheverything，andshewilltellherbrotherthouartcome。
MENELAUS
Thenmustwedie；forIcannotescapeherken。
HELEN
Perchancewemightbysuppliantprayerswinherover。
MENELAUS
Towhatend？Towhatvainhopeartthouleadingme？
HELEN
Thatsheshouldnottellherbrotherthouarthere。
MENELAUS
Supposewepersuadeher，canwegetaway？
HELEN
Easily，ifsheconnivethereat；withoutherknowledge，no，MENELAUS
Bethatthytask；womendealbestwithwomen。
HELEN
Iwillnotfail，besure，toclaspherknees。
MENELAUS
Come，then；only，supposesherejectourproposals？
HELEN
Thouwiltbeslain，andI，alas！weddedbyforce。
MENELAUS
Thouwiltbetrayme；that\"force\"ofthineisbutanexcuse。
HELEN
Nay，bythylifeIswearasacredoath。
MENELAUS
Whatmeanestthou？dostsweartodieandnevertoanotherhusbandyield？
HELEN
Yes，bytheself-samesword；Iwillfallbythyside。
MENELAUS
Ontheseconditionstouchmyrighthand。
HELEN
Idoso，swearingIwillquitthelightofdayifthouartslain。
MENELAUS
I，too，willendmylifeifIlosethee。
HELEN
Howshallwediesoastogainfame？
MENELAUS
Iwillslaytheeandthenmyselfuponthesummitofthetomb。
ButfirstwillIindoughtyfightcontestanother’sclaimtothee；andletwhowilldrawnigh！forIwillnotsullythelustreofmyTrojanfame，norwillI，onmyreturntoHellas，incurastormoftaunts，asonewhorobbedThetisofAchilles；sawAjax，sonofTelamon，fallawelteringcorpse；andthesortofNeleusofhischildbereft；shallIthenflinchmyselffromdeathformyownwife？No，no！Forifthegodsarewise，o’erabravemanbyhisfoeslaidlowtheylightlysprinkletheearththatishistomb，whilecowards’theycastforthonbarrenrockysoil。
LEADER
Grant，heaven，thattheraceofTantalusmayatlastbeblest，andpassfromsorrowuntojoy！
HELEN
Ah，woeisme！Yea，allmylotiswoe；OMenelaus，weareutterlyundone！Behold！fromforththehousecomesTheonoe，theprophetess，Thepalaceechoesastheboltsareunfastened；fly！yetwhatusetofly？Forwhetherabsentorpresentsheknowsofthyarrivalhere。Ahme！howlostamI！SavedfromTroyandfromabarbarianland，thouhastcomeonlytofallapreytobarbarianswords。
（THEONOEenters，attendedbyhand-maidenscarryingtorches。）
THEONOE
Leadon，bearingbeforemeblazingbrands，and，assacredritesordain，purgewithincenseeverycrannyoftheair，thatImaybreatheheaven’sbreathfreefromtaint；meanwhiledothou，incasethetreadofuncleanfeethavesoiledthepath，wavethecleansingflameaboveit，andbrandishthetorchinfront，thatImaypassuponmyway。AndwhentoheavenyehavepaidthecustomsIexact，bearbackintothehousethebrandfromoffthehearth。Whatofmyprophecy，Helen？howstandsitnow？ThouhastseenthyhusbandMenelausarrivewithoutdisguise，reftofhisships，andofthycounterfeit。Ah，haplessman！whattroubleshastthouescaped，andartcomehither，andyetknowestnotwhetherthouarttoreturnortoabidehere；forthereisstrifeinheaven，andZeusthisverydaywillsitinsolemnconclaveonthee。Hera，whoerstwasthybitterfoe，isnowgrownkind，andiswillingtobringtheeandthywifesafehome，thatHellasmaylearnthatthemarriageofPariswasallasham，assignedtohimbyCypris；butCyprisfainwouldmarthyhomewardcourse，thatshemaynotbeconvicted，orprovedtohaveboughtthepalmofbeautyatthepriceofHeleninafutilemarriage。Nowthedecisionrestswithme，whethertoruinthee，asCypriswishes，bytellingmybrotherofthypresencebere，ortosavethylifebytakingHera’sside，concealingthycomingfrommybrother，forhisordersarethatIshouldtellhim，whensoe’erthoushouldstreachtheseshores。Ho！oneofyou，goshowmybrotherthismanishere，thatImaysecuremysafety。
HELEN
Maiden，atthykneesIfallasuppliant，andseatmyselfinthissadpostureonbehalfofmyselfandhim，whomIamindangerofseeingslain，afterIhavesohardlyfoundhim。Oh！tellnotthybrotherthatmyhusbandisreturnedtotheselovingarms；saveus，Ibeseechthee；neverforthybrother’ssakesacrificethycharacterforuprightness，byevilandunjustmeansbiddingforhisfavour。Forthedeityhatesviolence，andbiddethallmengetlawfulgainswithoutplunderingothers。Wealthunjustlygotten，thoughitbringsomepower，istobeeschewed。Thebreathofheavenandtheearthareman’scommonheritage，whereintostorehishome，withouttakingthegoodsofothers，orwrestingthemawaybyforce。MedidHermesatacriticaltime，tomysorrow，intrusttothyfather’ssafekeepingforthismylord，whonowishereandwishestoreclaimme。Buthowcanherecovermeifhebeslain？Howcouldthysirerestorethelivingtothedead？Oh！considererethatthewillofheavenandthyfather’stoo；
wouldthedeityorwouldthydeadsirerestoretheirneighbour’sgoods，orwouldtheyforbear？restorethem，Ifeelsure。Itisnot，therefore，rightthatthoushouldstmoreesteemthywantonbrotherthanthyrighteousfather。Yetifthou，prophetessasthouartandbelieverindivineprovidence，shaltpervertthejustintentionofthyfatherandgratifythyunrighteousbrother，’tisshamefulthoushouldsthavefullknowledgeoftheheavenlywill，bothwhatisandwhatisnot，andyetbeignorantofjustice。Oh！savemywretchedlifefromthetroubleswhichbesetit，grantingthisasanaccessiontoourgoodfortune；foreverylivingsoulloathesHelen，seeingthatthereisgonearumourthroughoutHellasthatIwasfalseuntomylord，andtookupmyabodeinPhrygia’ssumptuoushalls。Now，ifIcometoHellas，andsetfootoncemoreinSparta，theywillhearandseehowtheywereruinedbythewilesofgoddesses，whilewasnotraitresstomyfriendsafterall；andsowilltheyrestoretomemyvirtuousnameagain，andIshallgivemydaughterinmarriage，whomnomannowwillwed；and，leavingthisvagrantlifeinEgypt，shallenjoythetreasuresinmyhome。HadMenelausmethisdoomatsomefuneralpyre，withtearsshouldIbecherishinghismemoryinafar-offland，butmustlosehimnowwhenheisaliveandsafe？Ah！maiden，I
beseechthee，saynotso；grantmethisboon，Ipray，andreflectthyfather’sjustice；forthisisthefairestornamentofchildren，whenthechildofavirtuoussireresemblesitsparentsincharacter。
LEADER
Piteousthypleading，andapiteousobjectthou！ButIfainwouldhearwhatMenelauswillsaytosavehislife。
MENELAUS
Iwillnotdeigntothrowmyselfatthyknees，orwetmineeyeswithtears；forwereItoplaythecoward，IshouldmostfoullyblurmyTrojanfame。Andyetmensayitshowsanoblesoultoletthetear-dropfallinmisfortune。ButthatwillnotbethehonourablecoursethatIwillchooseinpreferencetobravery，ifwhatIshallsayishonourable。Artthoudisposedtosaveastrangerseekinginmerejusticetoregainhiswife，whythenrestoreherandsaveuslikewise；ifnot，thiswillnotbethefirstbymanyatimethatI
havesuffered，thoughthouwiltgetanevilname。AllthatIdeemworthyofmeandhonest，allthatwilltouchthyheartmostnearly，willIutteratthetombofthysirewithregretforhisloss。Oldkingbeneaththistombofstonereposing，paybackthytrust！IaskoftheemywifewhomZeussenthitheruntotheetokeepforme。Iknowthoucanstneverrestorehertomethyself，forthouartdead；butthisthydaughterwillneverallowherfatheroncesoglorious，whomI
invokeinhisgrave，tobearatarnishedname；forthedecisionrestswithhernow。Thee，too，greatgodofdeath，Icalltomyassistance，whohastreceivedfullmanyacorpse，slainbymeforHelen，andartkeepingthywage；eitherrestorethosedeadnowtolifeagain，orcompelthedaughtertoshowherselfaworthyequalofhervirtuoussire，andgivemebackmywife。Butifyewillrobmeofher，Iwilltellyouthatwhichsheomittedinherspeech。Knowthen，maiden，Ibyanoathambound，first，tomeetthybrotherswordtosword，whenheorImustdie-thereisnoalternative。Butifherefusetomeetmefairlyfronttofront，andseekbyfaminetochaseawayussuppliantstwainatthistomb，IamresolvedtoslayHelen，andthentoplungethistwo-edgedswordthroughmyownheart，uponthetopofthesepulchre，thatourstreamingbloodmaytrickledownthetomb；andourtwocorpseswillbelyingsidebysideuponthispolishedslab，asourceofdeathlessgrieftothee，andtothysirereproach。NevershallthybrotherwedHelen，norshallanyother；I
willbearherhencemyself，ifnottomyhouse，atanyratetodeath。Andwhythissternresolve？WereItoresorttowomen’swaysandweep，Ishouldbeapitifulcreature，notamanofaction。Slayme，ifitseemstheegood；Iwillnotdieingloriously；butbetteryieldtowhatIsay，thatthoumaystactwithjustice，andIregainmywife。
LEADER
Onthee，maiden，itreststojudgebetweenthesearguments。Decideinsuchawayastopleaseoneandall。
THEONOE
Mynatureandmyinclinationleantowardspiety；myself，too，I
respect，andIwillneversullymyfather’sfairname，orgratifymybrotheratthecostofbringingmyselfintoopendishonour。Forjusticehathhertemplefirmlyfoundedinmynature，andsinceI
havethisheritagefromNereusIwillstrivetosaveMenelaus；
wherefore，seeingitisHera’swilltostandthyfriend，Iwillgivemyvotewithher。MayCyprisbefavourabletome！thoughinmeshehathnopart，andIwilltrytoremainamaidalway。Asforthyreproachesagainstmyfatheratthistomb；lo！Ihavethesamewordstoutter；Ishouldbewrongingthee，didInotrestorethywife；formysire，wereheliving，wouldhavegivenherbackintothykeeping，andtheetoher。Yea，forthereisrecompenseforthesethingsaswellamongstthedeadasamongstallthosewhobreathethebreathoflife。Thesoulindeedofthedeadlivesnomore，yethathitaconsciousnessthatlastsforever，eternalastheetherintowhichittakesthefinalplunge。Brieflythentoendthematter，IwillobservestrictsilenceonallthatyeprayedIshould，andneverwithmycounselwillIaidmybrother’swantonwill。ForIamdoinghimgoodservice，thoughhelittlethinksit，ifturnhimfromhisgodlesslifetoholiness。Whereforedeviseyourselvessomewayofescape；mylipsarescaled；Iwillnotcrossyourpath。Firstwiththegoddessesbegin，andoftheone，-andthatoneCypris，-Cravepermissiontoreturnuntothycountry；andofHera，thathergoodwillmayabideinthesamequarter，evenherschemetosavetheeandthyhusband。Andthou，myowndeadsire，shaltnever，insofarasrestswithme，losethyholynametorankwithevil-doers。
（THEONOEandherattendantsenterthepalace。）
LEADER
Nomaneverprosperedbyunjustpractices，butinarighteouscausethereishopeofsafety。
HELEN
Menelaus，onthemaiden’ssidearewequitesafe。Thoumustfromthatpointstart，andbycontributingthyadvice，devisewithmeaschemetosaveourselves。
MENELAUS
Hearkenthen；thouhastbeenalongwhileinthepalace，andartintimatewiththeking’sattendants。
HELEN
Whatdostthoumeanthereby？forthouartsuggestinghopes，asifresolvedonsomeplanforourmutualhelp。
MENELAUS
Couldstthoupersuadeoneofthosewhohavechargeofcarsandsteedstofurnishuswithachariot？
HELEN
Imight；butwhatescapeisthereforuswhoknownothingofthecountryandthebarbarian’skingdom？
MENELAUS
True；’tisimpossible。Well，supposingIconcealmyselfinthepalaceandslaythekingwiththistwo-edgedsword？
HELEN
Hissisterwouldneverrefrainfromtellingherbrotherthatthouwertmeditatinghisdeath。
MENELAUS
Wehavenotsomuchasashiptomakeourescapein；forthesea。hathswallowedtheonewehad。
HELEN
Hearme，ifhaplyevenaworiiancanutterwordsofwisdom。Dostthouconsenttobedeadinword，thoughnotreallyso？
MENELAUS
’Tisabadomen；still，ifbysayingsoIshallgainaught，Iamreadytobedeadinword，thoughnotindeed。
HELEN
I，too，willmourntheewithhaircutshortanddirges，asiswomen’sway，beforethisimpiouswretch。
MENELAUS
Whatsavingremedydoththisaffordustwain？Thereisdeceptioninthyscheme。
HELEN
Iwillbegthekingofthiscountryleavetoburytheeinacenotaph，asifthouhadstreallydiedatsea。
MENELAUS
Supposehegrantit；how，e’enthen，arewetoescapewithoutaship，afterhavingcommittedmetomyemptytomb？
HELEN
Iwillbidhimgivemeavessel，fromwhichtoletdropintothesea’sembracethyfuneralofferings。
MENELAUS
Acleverplanintruth，saveinoneparticular；supposehebidtheerearthetombuponthestrand，thypretextcomestonaught。
HELEN
ButIshallsayitisnotthecustominHellastoburythosewhodieatseaupontheshore。
MENELAUS
Thouremovestthisobstacletoo；Ithenwillsailwiththeeandhelpstowthefuneralgarnitureinthesameship。
HELEN
Aboveall，itisnecessarythatthouandallthysailorswhoescapedfromthewreckshouldbeathand。
MENELAUS
BesureifonceIfindashipathermoorings，theyshallbetheremanforman，eachwithhissword。
HELEN
Thoumustdirecteverything；onlylettherebewindstowaftourrailsandagoodshiptospeedbeforethem！
MENELAUS
Soshallitbe；forthedeitieswillcausemytroublestocease。
Butfromwhomwiltthousaythouhadsttidingsofmydeath？
HELEN
Fromthee；declarethyselftheoneandonlysurvivor，tellinghowthouwertsailingwiththesonofAtreus，anddidstseehimperish。
MENELAUS
OfatruththegarmentsIhavethrownaboutme，willbearoutmytalethattheywereragscollectedfromthewreckage。
HELEN
Theycomeinmostopportunely，buttheywerenearbeinglostjustatthewrongtime。Maybethatmisfortunewillturntofortune。
MENELAUS
AmItoenterthepalacewiththee，orarewetosithereatthetombquietly？
HELEN
Abidehere；forifthekingattemptstodotheeanymischief，thistombandthygoodswordwillprotectthee。ButIwillgowithinandcutoffmyhair，andexchangemywhiterobeforsableweeds，andrendmycheekwiththishand’sblood-thirstynail。For’tisamightystruggle，andIseetwopossibleissues；eitherImustdieifdetectedinmyplot，orelsetomycountryshallIcomeandsavethysoulalive。OHera！awfulqueen，whosharestthecouchofZeus，grantsomerespitefromtheirtoiltotwounhappywretches；totheeI
pray，tossingmyarmsupwardtoheaven，wherethouhastthyhomeinthestar-spangledfirmament。Thou，too，thatdidstwintheprizeofbeautyatthepriceofmymarriage；OCypris！daughterofDione，destroymenotutterly。Thouhastinjuredmeenoughaforetime，deliveringupmyname，thoughnotmyperson，toliveamongstbarbarians。Oh！suffermetodie，ifdeathisthydesire，inmynativeland。Whyartthousoinsatiateinmischief，employingeveryartoflove，offraud，andguilefulschemes，andspellsthatbringbloodshedonfamilies？Wertthoubutmoderate，onlythat！-inallelsethouartbynatureman’smostwell，comedeity；andIhavereasonsotosay。
（HELENentersthepalaceandMENELAUSwithdrawsintothebackground。）
CHORUS（singing）
strophe1
Theeletmeinvoke，tearfulPhilomel，lurking’neaththeleafycovertinthyplaceofsong，mosttunefulofallfeatheredsongsters，oh！cometoaidmeinmydirge，trillingthroughthytawnythroat，asIsingthepiteouswoesofHelen，andthetearfulfateofTrojandamesmadesubjecttoAchaea’sspear，onthedaythattherecametotheirplainsonewhospedwithforeignoaracrossthedashingbillows，bringingtoPriam’sracefromLacedaemontheehishaplessbride，Helen，-evenParis，lucklessbridegroom，bytheguidanceofAphrodite。
antistrophe1
AndmanyanAchaeanhathbreathedhislastamidthespearmen’sthrustsandhurtlinghailofstones，andgonetohissadend；forthesetheirwivescutofftheirhairinsorrow，andtheirhousesareleftwithoutabride；andoneoftheAchaeans，thathadbutasingleship，didlightablazingbeacononsea-girtEuboea，anddestroyfullmanyofthem，wreckingthemontherocksofCaphareusandtheshoresthatfronttheAegeanmain，bythetreacherousgleamhekindled；whenthou，OMenelaus，fromtheverydayofthystart，didstdrifttoharbourlesshills，farfromthycountrybeforethebreathofthestorm，bearingonthyshipaprizethatwasnoprize，butaphantommadebyHeraoutofcloudfortheDanaitostruggleover。
strophe2
Whatmortalclaims，bysearchingtotheutmostlimit，tohavefoundoutthenatureofGod，orofhisopposite，orofthatwhichcomesbetween，seeingashedoththisworldofmantossedtoandfrobywavesofcontradictionandstrangevicissitudes？Thou，Helen，artthedaughterofZeus；forthysirewasthebirdthatnestledinLeda’sbosom；andyetforallthatartthoubecomeaby-wordforwickedness，throughthelengthandbreadthofHellas，asfaithless，treacherouswifeandgodlesswoman；norcanItellwhatcertaintyis，whatevermaypassforitamongstmen。ThatwhichgodspronouncehaveIfoundtrue。
antistrophe2
Ofools！allyewhotrytowinthemeedofvalourthroughwarandserriedranksofchivalry，seekingthustostillthismortalcoil，insenselessness；forifbloodycontestsaretodecide，therewillneverbeanylackofstrifeinthetownsofmen；themaidensofthelandofPriamlefttheirbridalbowers，thougharbitrationmighthaveputthyquarrelright，OHelen。AndnowTroy’ssonsareinHades’
keepingintheworldbelow，andfirehathdartedonherwalls，asdartstheflameofZeus，andthouartbringingwoeonwoetohaplesssufferersintheirmisery。
（THEOCLYMENUSandhishuntingattendantsenter。）
THEOCLYMENUS
Allhail，myfather’stomb！Iburiedthee，Proteus，attheplacewheremengoout，thatImightoftengreetthee；andso，everasI
gooutandin，I，thysonTheoclymenuscallonthee，father。Ho！
servants，tothepalacetakemyhoundsandhuntingnets！HowoftenhaveIblamedmyselfforneverpunishingthosemiscreantswithdeath！IhavejustheardthatsonofHellashascomeopenlytomyland，escapingthenoticeoftheguard，aspymaybeorawould-bethiefofHelen；deathshallbehislotifonlyIcancatchhim。Ha！
Ifindallmyplansapparentlyfrustrated，thedaughterofTyndareushasdesertedherseatatthetombandsailedawayfrommyshores。
Ho！there，undothebars，loosethehorsesfromtheirstalls，bringforthmychariot，servants，thatthewife，onwhommyheartisset，maynotgetawayfromtheseshoresunseen，forwantofanytroubleI
cantake。Yetstay；forIseetheobjectofmypursuitisstillinthepalace，andhasnotfled。（HELENentersfromthepalace，cladinthegarbofmourning。）Hownow，lady，whyhastthouarrayedtheeinsableweedsinsteadofwhiteraiment，andfromthyfairheadhastshornthytresseswiththesteel，bedewingthycheeksthewhilewithtearsbutlatelyshed？Isitinresponsetovisionsofthenightthatthouartmourning，or，becausethouhastheardsomewarningvoicewithin，artthusdistraughtwithgrief？
HELEN
Mylord，-foralreadyIhavelearnttosaythatname，——Iamundone；
myluckisgone；Iceasetobe。
THEOCLYMENUS
Inwhatmisfortuneartthouplunged？Whathathhappened？
HELEN
Menelaus，ahme！howcanIsayit？isdead，myhusband。
THEOCLYMENUS
Howknowestthou？DidTheonoetelltheethis？
HELEN
Bothshe，andonewhowastherewhenheperished。
THEOCLYMENUS
What！hathonearrivedwhoactuallyannouncesthisforcertaint？
HELEN
Onehath；ohmayhecomee’enasIwishhimto！
THEOCLYMENUS
Whoandwhereishe？thatImaylearnthismoresurely。
HELEN
Thereheis，sittingcrouchedbeneaththeshelterofthistomb，THEOCLYMENUS
GreatApollo！howcladinunseemlyrags！
HELEN
Ahme！methinksmyownhusbandtooisinlikeplight。
THEOCLYMENUS
Fromwhatcountryisthisfellow？whencelandedhehere？
HELEN
FromHellas，oneoftheAchaeanswhosailedwithmyhusband。
THEOCLYMENUS
WhatkindofdeathdothhedeclarethatMenelausdied？
HELEN
Themostpiteousofall；amidthewaterywavesatsea。
THEOCLYMENUS
Onwhatpartofthesavageoceanwashesailing？
HELEN
CastupontheharbourlessrocksofLibya。
THEOCLYMENUS
Howwasitthismandidnotperishifhewaswithhimaboard？
HELEN
Therearetimeswhenchurlshavemoreluckthantheirbetters。
THEOCLYMENUS
Wherelefthethewreck，oncominghither？
HELEN
There，whereperditioncatchit，butnotMenelaus！
THEOCLYMENUS
Heislost；butonwhatvesselcamethisman？
HELEN
Accordingtohisstorysailorsfellinwithhimandpickedhimup。
THEOCLYMENUS
WherethenisthatillthingthatwassenttoTroyinthystead？
HELEN
Dostmeanthephantom-formofcloud？Ithathpassedintotheair。
THEOCLYMENUS
OPriam，andthoulandofTroy，howfruitlessthyruin！
HELEN
ItoohavesharedwithPriam’sracetheirmisfortunes。
THEOCLYMENUS
Didthisfellowleavethyhusbandunburied，orconsignhimtothegrave？
HELEN
Unburied；woeismeformysadlot！
THEOCLYMENUS
Whereforehastthoushornthetressesofthygoldenhair？
HELEN
Hismemorylingersfondlyinthisheart，whate’erhisfate。
THEOCLYMENUS
Arethytearsingenuinesorrowforthiscalamity？
HELEN
Aneasytasknodoubttoescapethysister’sdetection！
THEOCLYMENUS
No，surely；impossible。Wiltthoustillmakethistombthyabode？
HELEN
Whyjeeratme？canstthounotletthedeadmanbe？
THEOCLYMENUS
No，thyloyaltytothyhusband’smemorymakestheeflyfromme。
HELEN
Iwilldosonomore；prepareatonceformymarriage。
THEOCLYMENUS
Thouhastbeenlonginbringingthyselftoit；stillIdocommendthenow。
HELEN
Dostknowthypart？Letusforgetthepast。
THEOCLYMENUS
Onwhatterms？Onegoodturndeservesanother。
HELEN
Letusmakepeace；bereconciledtome。
THEOCLYMENUS
Irelinquishmyquarrelwiththee；letittakewingsandflyaway。
HELEN
Thenbythyknees，sincethouartmyfriendindeed，-
THEOCLYMENUS
Whatartsobentonwinning，thattomethoustretchestoutasupplianthand？
HELEN
MydeadhusbandwouldIfainbury。
THEOCLYMENUS
Whattombcanbebestowedonlostbodies？Wiltthouburyashade？
HELEN
InHellaswehaveacustom，whene’eroneisdrownedatsea-
THEOCLYMENUS
Whatisyourcustom？TheraceofPelopstrulyhathsomeskillinmatterssuchasthis。
HELEN
Toholdaburialwithwovenrobesthatwrapnocorpse。
THEOCLYMENUS
Performtheceremony；rearthetombwhere’erthouwilt。
HELEN
’Tisnotthuswegivedrownedsailorsburial。
THEOCLYMENUS
Howthen？IknownothingofyourcustomsinHellas。
HELEN
Weunmoor，andcarryouttoseaallthatisthedeadman’sdue。
THEOCLYMENUS
WhatamItogivetheethenforthydeadhusband？
HELEN
MyselfIcannotsay；Ihadnosuchexperienceinmyprevioushappylife。
THEOCLYMENUS
Stranger，thouartthebeareroftidingsIwelcome。
MENELAUS
Well，Idonot，noryetdoththedeadman。
THEOCLYMENUS
Howdoyeburythosewhohavebeendrownedatsea？
MENELAUS
Eachaccordingtohismeans。
THEOCLYMENUS
Asfaraswealthgoes，namethywishesforthislady’ssake。
MENELAUS
Theremustbeablood-offeringfirsttothedead。
THEOCLYMENUS
Bloodofwhat？DothoushowmeandIwillcomply。
MENELAUS
Decidethatthyself；whate’erthougivestwillsuffice。
THEOCLYMENUS
Amongstbarbarians’tiscustomarytosacrificeahorseorbull，MENELAUS
Ifthougivestatall，lettherebenothingmeaninthygift。
THEOCLYMENUS
IhavenolackofsuchinmyrichherdsMENELAUS
Nextanemptybierisdeckedandcarriedinprocession。
THEOCLYMENUS
Itshallbeso；whatelseisitcustomarytoadd？
MENELAUS
Bronzearms；forwarwashisdelight。
THEOCLYMENUS
ThesewillbeworthyoftheraceofPelops，andthesewillwegive。
MENELAUS
Andwiththemallthefairincreaseofproductiveearth。
THEOCLYMENUS
Andnext，howdoyepourtheseofferingsintothebillows？
MENELAUS
Theremustbeashipreadyandrowers。
THEOCLYMENUS
Howfarfromtheshoredoestheshipputout？
MENELAUS
Sofarthatthefoaminherwakecanscarcebeseenfromthestrand。
THEOCLYMENUS
Whyso？whereforedothHellasobservethiscustom？
MENELAUS
Thatthebillowmaynotcastupagainourexpiatoryofferings。
THEOCLYMENUS
Phoenicianrowerswillsooncoverthedistance。
MENELAUS
’Twillbewelldone，andgratifyingtoMenelaus，too。
THEOCLYMENUS
CanstthounotperformtheseriteswellenoughwithoutHelen？
MENELAUS
Thistaskbelongstomother，wife，orchildren。
THEOCLYMENUS
’Tishertaskthen，accordingtothee，toburyherhusband。
MENELAUS
Tobesure；pietydemandsthatthedeadbenotrobbedoftheirdue。
THEOCLYMENUS
Well，lethergo；’tismyinteresttofosterpietyinawife。
Andthou，enterthehouseandchooseadornmentforthedead。
Thyself，too，willnotsendempty-handedaway，sincethouhastdoneheraservice。Andforthegoodnewsthouhastbroughtme，thoushaltreceiveraimentinsteadofgoingbare，andfood，too，thatthoumaystreachthycountry；forasitis，Iseethouartinsorryplight。Asforthee，poorlady，wastenotthyselfinahopelesscase；Menelaushasmethisdoom，andthydeadhusbandcannotcometolife。
MENELAUS
Thisthenisthyduty，fairyoungwife；becontentwiththypresenthusband，andforgethimwhohasnoexistence；forthisisthybestcourseinfaceofwhatishappening。AndifeverIcometoHellasandsecuremysafety，Iwillcleartheeofthyformerill-repute，ifthouproveadutifulwifetothytruehusband。
HELEN
Iwill；nevershallmyhusbandhavecausetoblameme；thoushaltthyselfattendusandbewitnessthereto。Nowgowithin，poorwanderer，andseekthebath，andchangethyraiment。Iwillshowmykindnesstothee，andthatwithoutdelay。ForthouwiltperformallserviceduewithkindlierfeelingformydearlordMenelaus，ifatmyhandsthoumeetwiththydeserts。
（THEOCLYMENUS，HELEN，MENELAUSenterthepalace。）
CHORUS（singing）
strophe1
Throughwoodedglen，o’ertorrent’sflood，andocean’sboomingwavesrushedthemountain-goddess，motherofthegods，infrantichaste，oncelongago，yearningforherdaughterlost，whosenamemendarenotutter；loudlyrattledtheBacchiccastanetsinshrillaccord，whattimethosemaidens，swiftaswhirlwinds，spedforthwiththegoddessonherchariotyokedtowildcreatures，inquestofherthatwasravishedfromthecirclingchoirofvirgins；herewasArtemiswithherbow，andtherethegrim-eyedgoddess，sheathedinmail，andspearinhand。ButZeuslookeddownfromhisthroneinheaven，andturnedtheissueotherwhither。
antistrophe1
Soonasthemotherceasedfromherwildwanderingtoil，inseekingherdaughterstolensosubtlyastobaffleallpursuit，shecrossedthesnow-cappedheightsofIda’snymphs；andinanguishcastherdownamongsttherocksandbrushwooddeepinsnow；and，denyingtomanallincreasetohistillagefromthosebarrenfields，shewastedthehumanrace；norwouldshelettheleafytendrilsyieldluxuriantfodderforthecattle，whereforemanyabeastlaydying；nosacrificewasofferedtothegods，andonthealtarswerenocakestoburn；yea，andshemadethedew-fedfountsofcrystalwatertoceasetheirflow，inherinsatiatesorrowforherchild。
strophe2
Butwhenforgodsandtribesofmenalikeshemadeanendtofestalcheer，Zeusspokeout，seekingtosoothethemother’smoodysoul，\"YestatelyGraces，gobanishfromDemeter’sangryheartthegriefherwanderingsbringuponherforherchild，andgo，yeMusestoo，withtunefulchoir。\"ThereondidCypris，fairestoftheblessedgods，firstcatchupthecrashingcymbals，nativetothatland，andthedrumwithtight-stretchedskin，andthenDemetersmiled，andinherhand。didtakethedeep-tonedflute，wellpleasedwithitsloudnote。
antistrophe2
Thouhastweddedasthounevershouldsthavedoneindefianceofallright，andthouhastincurred，mydaughter，thewrathofthegreatmotherbydisregardinghersacrifices。Oh！mightyisthevirtueindressofdappledfawn-skin，inivygreenthattwinethroundasacredthyrsus，inwhirlingtambourinesstruckastheyrevolveinairintresseswildlystreamingfortherevelryofBromius，andlikewiseinthesleeplessvigilsofthegoddess，whenthemoonlooksdownandshedsherradianceo’erthescene。Thouwertconfidentinthycharmsalone。
（HELENcomesoutofthepalacealone。）
HELEN
Myfriends，withinthepalaceallgoeswellforus；forthedaughterofProteus，whoisprivytoourstealthyscheme，toldherbrothernothingwhenquestionedastomyhusband’scoming，butformysakedeclaredhimdeadandburied。Mostfortunateitismylordhathhadthelucktogettheseweapons；forheisnowhimselfcladintheharnesshewastoplungeintothesea，hisstalwartarmthrustthroughthebuckler’sstrap，andinhisrighthandaspear，onpretenceofjoininginhomagetothedead。Hehathgirdedhimselfmostserviceablyforthefray，asiftotriumpho’erahostofbarbarianfoeswhenonceweareaboardyonoaredship；insteadofhisragsfromthewreckhathhedonnedtherobesIgaveforhisattire，andIhavebathedhislimbsinwaterfromthestream，abathhelonghathwanted。ButImustbesilent，forfromthehousecomesforththemanwhothinkshehasmeinhispower，preparedtobehisbride；andthygoodwillIalsoclaimandthystrictsilence，ifhaply，whenwesaveourselves，wemaysavetheetoosomeday。
（THEOCLYMENUSandMENELAUSenter，withatrainofattendantsbearingtheofferingsforthefuneralrites。）
THEOCLYMENUS
Advanceinorder，servants，asthestrangerhathdirected，bearingthefuneralgiftstheseademands。Butthou，Helen，ifthouwiltnotmisconstruemywords，bepersuadedandhereabide；forthouwiltdothyhusbandequalservicewhetherthouartpresentornot。ForIamafraidthatsomesuddenshockoffondregretmayprompttheetoplungeintotheswollentide，inanecstasyofgratitudetowardthyformerhusband；forthygriefforhim，thoughheislost，isrunningtoexcess。
HELEN
Omynewlord，needsmustIhonourhimwithwhomIfirstsharedmarriedjoys；forIcouldevendiewithmyhusband，sowellIlovedhim；yethowcouldhethankme，wereItosharedeath’sdoomwithhim？
Still，letmegoandpayhisfuneralritesuntothedeadinperson。
ThegodsgranttheetheboonIwishandthisstrangertoo，fortheassistanceheislendinghere！Andthoushaltfindinmeawifefittosharethyhouse，sincethouartrenderingkindnesstoMenelausandtome；forsurelytheseeventsaretosomegoodfortunetending。Butnowappointsomeonetogiveusashipwhereintoconveythesegifts，thatImayfindthykindnessmadecomplete。
THEOCLYMENUS（toanattendant）
Gothou，andfurnishthemwithaSidoniangalleyoffiftyoarsandrowersalso。
HELEN
Shallnothecommandtheshipwhoisorderingthefuneral？
THEOCLYMENUS
Mostcertainly；mysailorsaretoobeyhim。
HELEN
Repeattheorder，thattheymayclearlyunderstandthee。
THEOCLYMENUS
Irepeatit，andwilldosoyetagainifthatisthypleasure。
HELEN
Goodlucktotheeandtomeinmydesigns！
THEOCLYMENUS
Oh！wastenotthyfaircomplexionwithexcessiveweeping。
HELEN
Thisdayshallshowmygratitudetothee。
THEOCLYMENUS
Thestateofthedeadisnothingness；totoilforthemisvain。
HELEN
InwhatIsay，thisworld，aswellasthat，hathshare。
THEOCLYMENUS
ThoushaltnotfindinmeahusbandatallinferiortoMenelaus。
HELEN
WiththeehaveInofaulttofind；goodluckisallIneed。
THEOCLYMENUS
Thatrestswiththyself，ifthoushowthyselfalovingwifetome。
HELEN
ThisisnotalessonIshallhavetolearnnow，tolovemyfriends。
THEOCLYMENUS
IsitthywishthatIshouldescorttheeinpersonwithactiveaid？
HELEN
Godforbid！becomenotthyservant’sservant，Oking！
THEOCLYMENUS
Upandaway！IamnotconcernedwithcustomswhichtheraceofPelopsholds。Myhouseispure，forMenelausdidnotdiehere；gosomeonenowandbidmyvassalchiefsbringmarriage-offeringstomypalace；forthewholeearthmustre-echoingladaccordthehymnofmyweddingwithHelen，tomakemenenvious。Go，stranger，andpourintothesea’sembracetheseofferingstoHelen’sformerlord，andthenspeedbackagainwithmybride，thataftersharingwithmehermarriage-feastthoumaystsetoutforhome，orhereabideinhappiness。
（THEOCLYMENUSandhisretinueenterthepalace。）
MENELAUS
OZeus，whoartcalledthefatherofallandgodofwisdom，lookdownonusandchangeourwoetojoy！Lendusthyreadyhelp，asweseektodragourfortunesuptheruggedhill；ifwithbutthyfinger-tipthoutouchus，weshallreachourlonged-forgoal。
Sufficientarethetroublesweerethishaveundergone。FullofthaveIinvokedyougodstonearmyjoysandsorrows；Idonotdeservetobeforeverunhappy，buttoadvanceandprosper。Grantmebutthisoneboon，andsowillyecrownmyfuturewithblessing。
（MENELAUS，HELENandtheirtrainofattendantsdepart。）
CHORUS（singing）
strophe1
Hail！thouswiftPhoenicianshipofSidon！deartotherowers，mothertothefoam，leaderoffairdolphins’gambols，whattimethedeepishushedandstill，andOcean’sazurechild，thequeenofcalm，takesupherparableandsays：\"Away！andspreadyourcanvastotheocean-breeze。Ho！sailors，ho！comegripyouroarsofpine，speedingHelenonherwaytotheshelteredbeachwherePerseusdweltofyore。\"
antistrophe1
ItmaybethouwiltfindthedaughtersofLeucippusbesidethebrimmingriverorbeforethetempleofPallas，whenatlastwithdanceandrevelrythoujoinestinthemerrymidnightfestivalofHyacinthus，himwhomPhoebusslewinthelistsbyaquoithurledo’erthemark；
whereforedidthesonofZeusordainthatLaconia’slandshouldsetapartthatdayforsacrifice；theretooshaltthoufindthetendermaid，whomyeleftinyourhouse，forasyetnonuptialtorchhassheditslightforher。
strophe2
Oh！forwingstocleavetheairinthetrackofLibyancranes，whoseserriedranksleavefarbehindthewintrystormattheshrillsummonsofsomeveteranleader，whoraiseshisexultantcryashewingshiswayo’erplainsthatknownorainandyetbearfruitfulincrease。Yefeatheredbirdswithnecksoutstretched，comradesoftheracingclouds，onon！tillyereachthePleiadsintheircentralstationandOrion，lordofthenight；andasyesettleonEurotas’
banksproclaimthegladtidingsthatMenelaushathsackedthecityofDardanus，andwillsoonbehome。
antistrophe2
YesonsofTyndareusatlengthappear，speedinginyourchariotthroughthesky，denizensofheaven’scourtsbeneaththeradiantwhirlingstars，guidethisladyHelensafelyo’ertheazuremain，acrossthefoam-fleckedbillowsofthedeep-bluesea，sendingthemarinersafavouringgalefromZeus；andfromyoursistersnatchtheill-reputeofweddingwithabarbarian，eventhepunishmentbequeathedtoherfromthatstrifeonIda’smount，albeitsheneverwenttothelandofIlium，tothebattlementsofPhoebus。
（TheSECONDMESSENGERentersinhaste，asTHEOCLYMENUScomesoutofthepalace。）
SECONDMESSENGER
Oking，atlasthaveIfoundtheeinthepalace；fornewtidingsofwoeartthousoontohearfromme。
THEOCLYMENUS
Hownow？
MESSENGER
Makehastetowooanewwife；forHelenhathescaped。
THEOCLYMENUS
Bornealoftonsoaringwings，ortreadingstilltheearth？
MESSENGER
Menelaushassucceededinbearingherhence；’twashethatbroughtthenewsofhisowndeath。
THEOCLYMENUS
Omonstrousstory！whatshipconveyedherfromtheseshores？Thytaleispastbelief。
MESSENGER
Theveryshipthoudidstthyselfgivethestranger；andthatthoumayestbrieflyknowall，heisgone，takingthysailorswithhim。
THEOCLYMENUS
Howwasit？Ilongtoknow，forIneverthoughtthatasinglearmcouldmasterallthosesailorswithwhomthouwertdespatched。
MESSENGER
SoonasthedaughterofZeushadleftthisroyalmansionandcomeuntothesea，daintilypickingherway，mostcraftilyshesettomournherhusband，thoughhewasnotdeadbutatherside。Nowwhenwereachedthydockswellwalled，webegantolaunchthefastestofSidonianships，withherfullcomplementoffiftyrowers，andeachtaskinduesuccessionfollowed；somesetupthemast，othersrangedtheoarswiththeirbladesready，andstoredthewhitesailswithinthehold，andtherudderwasletdownasternandfastenedsecurely。
Whilewewerethusemployed，thoseHellenes，whohadbeenfellow-voyagerswithMenelaus，werewatchingus，itseems，andtheydrewnighthebeach，cladintheragsofshipwreckedmen，-wellbuiltenough，butsqualidtolookupon。AndthesonofAtreus，directlyhesawthemapproach，bespokethem，craftilyintroducingthereasonforhismourning：\"Yehaplessmariners，howhaveyecomehither？yourAchaeanshipwherewrecked？AreyeheretohelpburydeadAtreus’son，whosemissingbodythislady，daughterofTyndareas，ishonouringwithacenotaph？\"Thentheywithfeignedtearsproceededtotheship，bearingaboardtheofferingstobethrownintothedeepforMenelaus。Thereatwerewesuspicious，andcommunedamongstourselvesregardingthenumberofextravoyagers；butstillwekeptsilenceoutofrespectforthyorders，forbyintrustingthecommandofthevesseltothestrangerthoudidstthusspoilall。Nowtheothervictimsgavenotrouble，andweeasilyputthemaboard；onlythebullrefusedtogoforwardalongthegangway，butrolledhiseyesaroundandkeptbellowing，and，archinghisbackandglaringaskancetowardshishorns，hewouldnotletustouchhim。ButHelen’slordcriedout：\"O！yewholaidwastethetownofIlium，comepickupyonbull，thedeadman’soffering，onyourstoutshoulders，asisthewayinHellas，andcasthimintothehold；\"andashespokehedrewhisswordinreadiness。Thentheyathiscommandcameandcaughtupthebullandcarriedhimbodilyontothedeck。AndMenelausstrokedthehorseonneckandbrow，coaxingittogoaboard。Atlength，whentheshipwasfullyfreighted，Helenclimbedtheladderwithgracefulstepandtookherseatmidwaybetwixttherowers’benches，andhesatbyherside，evenMenelauswhowascalleddead；andtherest，equallydividedontherightandleftsideoftheship，satthemdown，eachbesidehisman，withswordsconcealedbeneaththeircloaks，andthebillowssoonwereechoingtotherowers’song，asweheardtheboatswain’snote。Nowwhenwewereputoutaspace，notveryfarnorverynear，thehelmsmanasked，\"Shallwe，sirstranger，sailyetfurtheronourcourse，orwillthisserve？Forthineitistocommandtheship。\"Andheanswered：\"’Tisfarenoughforme，\"whileinhisrighthandhegrippedhisswordandsteppedontotheprow；thenstandingo’erthebulltoslayit，neverawordsaidheofanydeadman，butcutitsthroatandthusmadeprayer：\"Poseidon，lordofthesea，whosehomeisinthedeep，andyeholydaughtersofNereus，bringmeandmywifesafeandsoundtoNauplia’sstrandfromhence！Anonagushofblood，fairomenforthestranger，spoutedintothetide。
Onecried，\"Thereistreacheryinthisvoyage；whyshouldwenowsailtoNauplia？Givetheorder，helmsman，turnthyrudder。\"ButthesonofAtreus，standingwhereheslewthebull，calledtohiscomrades，\"Whydoye，thepickofHellas，delaytosmiteandslaythebarbariansandflingthemfromtheshipintothewaves？\"Whiletothycrewtheboatswaincriedtheoppositecommand：\"Ho！someofyoucatchupchancespars，breakupthebenches，orsnatchtheoar-bladefromthethole，andbeatoutthebrainsoftheseourforeignfoes。\"
Forthwithupsprangeachman，theonepartarmedwithpolesthatsailorsuse，theotherwithswords。Andtheshiprandownwithblood；whileHelenfromherseatuponthesternthuscheeredthemon：\"WhereisthefameyewoninTroy？showitagainstthesebarbarians。\"Thenastheyhastedtothefray，somewouldfallandsomeriseupagain，whileothershadstthouseenlaidlowindeath。ButMenelausinfullarmour，madehisway，swordinhand，toanypointwherehiswatchfuleyeperceivedhiscomradesindistress；soweleaptfromtheshipandswam，andheclearedthebenchesofthyrowers。Thendidtheprincesethimselftosteer，andbadethemmakeastraightcoursetoHellas。Sotheysetupthemast，andfavouringbreezesblew；
andtheyareclearaway，whileI，fromdeathescaped，letmyselfdownbytheanchorchainintothesea；and，justasIwasspent，onethrewmearopeandrescuedme，anddrewmetolandtobringtotheethismessage。Ah！thereisnaughtmoreserviceabletomankindthanaprudentdistrust。
LEADEROFTHECHORUS
IwouldneverhavebelievedthatMenelauscouldhaveeludedusandthee，Oking，inthewayhedidonhiscoming。
THEOCLYMENUS
Woeisme！cozenedbyawoman’stricks！Mybridehathescapedme。Iftheshipcouldhavebeenpursuedandovertaken，Iwouldhaveusedeverymeansforthwithtocatchthestrangers；asitis，Iwillavengemyselfuponmytreacheroussister，inthatshesawMenelausinmypalaceanddidnottellme。Whereforeshallshenevermoredeceiveanotherbyherpropheticart。
（ASERVANTcomesoutofthepalace。）
SERVANT
Ho，there！whitherawaysofast，mylord？onwhatbloodythoughtintent？
THEOCLYMENUS
Whitherjusticecallsme。Outofmypath！
SERVANT
Iwillnotloosethyrobe，forongrievousmischiefartthoubent。
THEOCLYMENUS
Shaltthou，aslave，controlthymaster？
SERVANT
Yea，forIaminmysenses。
THEOCLYMENUS
Ishouldnotsayso，ifthouwiltnotletmeSERVANT
Nay，butthatIneverwill。
THEOCLYMENUS
Slaymysistermostaccursed。
SERVANT
Sayrather，mostrighteous。
THEOCLYMENUS
\"Righteous？\"Shewhobetrayedme？
SERVANT
Thereisanhonourabletreachery，which’tisrighttocommit。
THEOCLYMENUS
Bygivingmybridetoanother？
SERVANT
Onlytothosewhohadabetterright。
THEOCLYMENUS
Whohathanyrightso’ermine？
SERVANT
Hethatreceivedherfromherfather。
THEOCLYMENUS
Nay，butfortunegavehertome。
SERVANT
Anddestinytookheraway。
THEOCLYMENUS
\"Tisnotfortheetodecidemyaffairs。
SERVANT
Onlysupposingminebethebettercounsel。
THEOCLYMENUS
SoIamthysubject，notthyruler。
SERVANT
Aye，asubjectboundtodotheright，andeschewthewrong。
THEOCLYMENUS
Itseemsthouarteagertobeslain。
SERVANT
Slayme；thysistershaltthouneverslaywithmyconsent，butmeperchance；fortodiefortheirmastersisthefairestdeaththatnobleslavescanfind。
（THEDIOSCURIappearfromabove。）
DIOSCURI
Restrainthoseburstsofragethathurrytheetounduelengths，Theoclymenus，kingofthiscountry。WearethetwinsonsofZeusthatcalltotheebyname，whomLedaboreoneday，withHelentoowhohathfledfromthypalace。Forthouartwrothforamarriageneverdestinedforthee；noristhysisterTheonoe，daughterofaNereidgoddess，wrongingtheebecauseshehonoursthewordofGodandherfather’sjustbehests。ForitwasordainedthatHelenshouldabidewithinthyhallsuptillthepresenttime，butsinceTroyisrazedtothegroundandshehathlenthernametothegoddesses，nolongerneedshestay，nowmustshebeunitedintheself-samewedlockasbefore，andreachherhomeandshareitwithherhusband。Withholdthenthymalignantbladefromthysister，andbelievethatshehereinisactingwithdiscretion。Long，longagohadweoursistersaved，seeingthatZeushasmadeusgods，butweweretooweakfordestinyaswellasthedeities，whowilledthesethingstobe。Thisismybiddingtothee；whiletomysisterIsay，\"Sailonwiththyhusband；andyeshallhaveaprosperousbreeze；forwe，thybrethrentwain，willcoursealongthedeepandbringyousafelytoyourfatherland。Andwhenatlastthygoalisreachedandthylifeended，thoushaltbefamousasagoddess，andwiththytwinbrethrensharethedrink-offering，andlikeusreceivegiftsfrommen，forsuchisthewillofZeus。Yea，andthatspotwherethesonoMaiafirstappointedtheeahomewhenfromSpartaheremovedthee，afterstealinganimageoftheefromHeaven’smansionstopreventthymarriagewithParis，eventheislethatlieslikeasentinelalongtheAtticcoast，shallhenceforthbecalledbythynameamongstmen，forthatitwelcomedtheewhenstolenfromthyhome。Moreover，HeavenordainsthatthewandererMenelausshallfindahomewithinanislandoftheblest；
fortonoblesoulshaththedeitynodislike，albeittheseoftsuffermorethanthoseofnoaccount。\"
THEOCLYMENUS
YesonsofLedaandofZeus，Iwillforegomyformerquarrelaboutyoursister，nornolongerseektoslaymineown。LetHelentoherhomerepair，ifsuchisHeaven’spleasure。Yeknowthatyearesprungofthesamestockasyoursister，bestofwomen，chastesttoo；hailthenforthetruenobilityofHelen’ssoul，aqualitytooseldomfoundamongsthersex！
CHORUS（chanting）
Manyaretheformstheheavenlywillassumes；andmanyathingGodbringstopasscontrarytoexpectation：thatwhichwaslookedforisnotaccomplished，whileHeavenfindsoutawayforwhatweneverhoped；e’ensuchhasbeentheissuehere。