This one, from which I was being driven away like a beggar. Helen You were surely not begging for food, were you? How unhappy I am! Menelaos That was the deed, though it did not have that name. Helen Then you know everything, it seems, about my marriage. Menelaos I do. But if you have escaped his bed—that I do not know. Helen Know that I have saved myself untouched for you. Menelaos What could persuade me of this? If true, your words are sweet. Helen Do you see my wretched sanctuary at this tomb? Menelaos I see a miserable bed of straw, but what do you have to do with it? Helen Here, as a suppliant, I am asking for an escape from his bed. Menelaos For want of an altar, or because it is the barbarians’ way? Helen This was as good a protection to me as the temples of the gods. Menelaos Then it’s not possible for me to take you home by ship? Helen A sword is waiting for you, rather than my bed. Menelaos So I would be the most wretched of mortals. Helen Do not feel shame now, but escape from this land. Menelaos Leaving you behind? I ravaged Troy for your sake. Helen Yes, for that is better than that our union should cause your death. Menelaos Oh! these are coward’s words, unworthy of those days at Troy . Helen You could not kill the tyrant, your possible intention. Menelaos Does he then have a body that cannot be wounded by a sword? Helen You will hear. But to undertake impossibilities is no mark of wisdom. Menelaos And so I am to offer my hands to be bound, in silence? Helen You are in a dilemma; we need some contrivance. Menelaos Yes, for it is sweeter to die in action than by not acting. Helen There is one hope, and only one, for our safety. Menelaos Are we to buy it, or dare it, or win it with words? Helen If the tyrant were not to learn of your arrival. Menelaos Will any one tell him about me? He will certainly not know who I am. Helen He has within an ally equal to the gods.