Chorus Leader
Avenge yourself, Menelaus, on your wife, as is worthy of your home and ancestors,
[1035]
clear yourself from the reproach of effeminacy at the lips of Hellas, and let your foes see your spirit.
Menelaus
Your thoughts coincide with mine, that she, without constraint, left my palace, and sought a stranger's bed, and now Cypris is introduced for mere bluster. Away to those who shall stone you,
[1040]
and by your speedy death requite the weary toils of the Achaeans, so that you may learn not to bring shame on me!
Helen
Oh, by your knees, I implore you, do not impute that heaven-sent affliction to me, or slay me; forgive me!
Hecuba
Do not betray your allies, whose death this woman caused;
[1045]
on their behalf, and for my children's sake, I entreat you.
Menelaus
Peace, revered lady; to her I pay no heed. I bid my servants take her away, aboard the ship, in which she is to sail.
Hecuba
Oh never let her set foot within the same ship as you.
Menelaus
[1050]
Why is that? is she heavier than before?
Hecuba
The one who loves once, must love always.
Menelaus
Why, that depends how those we love are minded. But your wish shall be granted; she shall not set foot upon the same ship with me; for your advice is surely sound;
[1055]
and when she comes to Argos she shall die a shameful death as is her due, and impress the need of chastity on all women. No easy task; yet shall her fate strike their foolish hearts with terror, even though they are more lost to shame than she.Exit Menelaus, dragging Helen with him.
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Euripides. The Plays of Euripides, translated by E. P. Coleridge. Volume I. London. George Bell and Sons. 1891.
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