So now they have torn and are dragging me from the altar of Thetis, the goddess of thy chiefest adoration and the mother of thy gallant son, without any proper trial, yea, and without waiting for my absent master; because, forsooth, they knew my defencelessness and my child’s, whom they mean to slay with me his hapless mother, though he has done no harm. But to thee, O sire, I make my supplication, prostrate at thy knees, though my hand cannot touch thy friendly beard; save me, I adjure thee, reverend sir, or to thy shame and my sorrow shall we be slain. Peleus Loose her bonds, I say, ere some one rue it; untie her folded hands. Menelaus I forbid it, for besides Reading τάλλα τ᾽ with Nauck for γ᾽ ἄλλος . being a match for thee, I have a far better right to her. Peleus What! art thou come hither to set my house in order? Art not content with ruling thy Spartans? Menelaus She is my captive; I took her from Troy. Peleus Aye, but my son’s son received her as his prize. Menelaus Is not all I have his, and all his mine? Peleus For good, but not evil ends; and surely not for murderous violence. Menelaus Never shalt thou wrest her from my grasp.