AEACUS

Why do you dash at Helen, and choke her, Protesilaus?

PROTESILAUS

It was because of her that I was killed, Aeacus, and left my house half-built, Cf. Iliad, II, 701. and my newly-wed wife a widow.

AEACUS

Then blame Menelaus, for taking you to Troy to fight for a woman like that.

PROTESILAUS

Quite right. I should blame him.

MENELAUS

Don’t blame me, my good man; it would be fairer to blame Paris. Though I was his host, he carried off my wife with him, contrary to all justice. Paris ought to be strangled, and not by you only, but by all the soldiers on both sides, for bringing death to so many.

PROTESILAUS

A better idea; then you, accursed Paris, Cf. Iliad, III, 39, etc. are the one I’ll keep forever in my grip.

PARIS

That would be unjust too, Protesilaus, for I practise the same craft as you; I’m a lover too, and subject to the same god; you know how it’s none of our wishing, but some divine power leads us wherever it chooses, and it’s impossible to resist him.