This one, from which I was being driven away like a beggar.HelenYou were surely not begging for food, were you? How unhappy I am!MenelaosThat was the deed, though it did not have that name.HelenThen you know everything, it seems, about my marriage.MenelaosI do. But if you have escaped his bed—that I do not know.HelenKnow that I have saved myself untouched for you.MenelaosWhat could persuade me of this? If true, your words are sweet.HelenDo you see my wretched sanctuary at this tomb?MenelaosI see a miserable bed of straw, but what do you have to do with it?HelenHere, as a suppliant, I am asking for an escape from his bed.MenelaosFor want of an altar, or because it is the barbarians’ way?HelenThis was as good a protection to me as the temples of the gods.MenelaosThen it’s not possible for me to take you home by ship?HelenA sword is waiting for you, rather than my bed.MenelaosSo I would be the most wretched of mortals.HelenDo not feel shame now, but escape from this land.MenelaosLeaving you behind? I ravaged Troy for your sake.HelenYes, for that is better than that our union should cause your death.MenelaosOh! these are coward’s words, unworthy of those days at Troy.HelenYou could not kill the tyrant, your possible intention.MenelaosDoes he then have a body that cannot be wounded by a sword?HelenYou will hear. But to undertake impossibilities is no mark of wisdom.MenelaosAnd so I am to offer my hands to be bound, in silence?HelenYou are in a dilemma; we need some contrivance.MenelaosYes, for it is sweeter to die in action than by not acting.HelenThere is one hope, and only one, for our safety.MenelaosAre we to buy it, or dare it, or win it with words?HelenIf the tyrant were not to learn of your arrival.MenelaosWill any one tell him about me? He will certainly not know who I am.HelenHe has within an ally equal to the gods.