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。