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！