Euripides Helen 1338

Helen

My friends, all goes well for us inside;

for the daughter of Proteus, who aids us in our theft, has told her brother nothing when questioned as to my husband’s coming; for my sake she said that he was not alive, but dead and buried. . . . My husband has snatched up by chance fine things indeed;

1370

for he is carrying away the armor he was intending to let fall into the sea, putting his noble arm through the shield-strap and holding a spear in his right hand, on pretence of joining in the service to the dead. He has equipped his body with weapons conveniently for the battle,

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in order to to set up the trophies of countless barbarians, whenever we embark on the oared ship. I adorned him with robes in place of his shipwrecked garments, and I washed him, a long-delayed bath in water from the stream.

1380

But I must be silent, for the man is coming from the house who thinks he holds my marriage ready in his hands; and I claim your goodwill and strict silence, so that, when we have saved ourselves, we may be able some day to save you also.

1385

Theoklymenos

Advance in order, servants, as the stranger directed, bearing the funeral gifts for the sea. But you, Helen, if you will agree with my words, be persuaded and stay here; for you will do your husband equal service whether you are present or not.

1390

For I am afraid that some sudden passion should persuade you to throw your body into the swelling waves, stricken by love for your former husband; you are grieving for him too much, although he is lost.

1395

Helen

O my new husband, I must honor

my first marriage-bed and the one whose company I shared as a bride; for I could even die with my husband, I loved him so much. But how could he thank me, if I were to share death with him? Let me go and pay funeral rites to the dead in person.

1400

May the gods give to you the things I wish and also to this stranger here, for his assistance! And you will have in me such a wife at home as you ought to have, since you are doing a good service to Menelaos and to me; for surely these events are leading to some good fortune.

1405

But now appoint someone to give us a ship in which to carry these gifts, so that I may have your kindness in full.

1410

Theoklymenos

(to an attendant.) You, go and give them a Sidonian ship of fifty oars, and rowers also.

Helen

This man who is ordering the funeral will be in command of the ship, won’t he?

Theoklymenos

Most certainly; my sailors must obey him.

1415

Helen

Repeat the order, so that they may clearly understand you.

Theoklymenos

I repeat the order, and a third time too, if you wish it.

Helen

May you have benefit from it—and I from my plans!

Thoeklymenos

Do not ruin your skin with too much weeping now.

Helen

This day will show my gratitude to you.

1420

Theoklymenos

The state of the dead is nothingness; toil for them is vain.

Helen

There is something of what I say both there and here.

Theoklymenos

You will not find in me a husband at all inferior to Menelaos.

Helen

You are not at fault in any way; good luck is all I need.

Theoklymenos

That is in your power, if you show kindness to me.

1425

Helen

This is not a lesson I shall have to learn now, to love my friends.

Theoklymenos

Would you like me to send out the equipment in person, working together with you?

Helen

Not at all! Do not become a slave to your slaves, lord.

Theoklymenos

Come then! I have no concern with the customs of the race of Pelops.

My house is pure; for Menelaos did not die here. Let someone go and tell my chieftans to bring marriage-offerings to my house; the whole earth must ring with joyful wedding-songs

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in celebration of my wedding with Helen, so that it may be envied. You, stranger, go and give to the sea’s embrace these offerings to this woman’s husband, who was once alive; and then hurry back home with my wife, so that after sharing with me her marriage-feast, you may

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set out for home or remain here in happiness. Exit Theoklymenos.

1440

Menelaos

O Zeus, called father and god of wisdom, look on us and alter our woes! As we drag our fortunes to the rocky hill, make haste to join with us; if you touch us with your finger-tip only,

we shall reach our longed-for goal. There has been enough distress in what we have suffered before. I have invoked you, gods, with many names, good and painful; I am not bound to be unfortunate forever, but to advance in a straight course. If you grant me one favor,

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you will make me fortunate hereafter. Exeunt Menelaos and Helen.

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