Theoklymenos
What is this man's country, and where did he come from, to land here?
Helen
He is a Hellene, one of the Achaeans who saiIed with my husband.
Theoklymenos
What kind of death does he say Menelaos died?
Helen
The most piteous, in the watery waves at sea.
Theoklymenos
[1210]
On what part of the barbarous ocean was he sailing?
Helen
He was cast up on the harborless rocks of Libya.
Theoklymenos
How did this man not perish if he was sailing with him?
Helen
There are times when common men have more luck than their betters.
Theoklymenos
Where did he leave the wreckage of his ship before coming here?
Helen
[1215]
Where ruin may come upon it— but not on Menelaos!
Theoklymenos
He is already ruined. In what ship did this man come?
Helen
Sailors happened to meet him and took him up, as he says.
Theoklymenos
Where then is that evil creature that was sent to Troy in your place?
Helen
You mean the cloud image? It has gone into the air.
Theoklymenos
[1220]
O Priam, and Trojan lands, how you have perished in vain!
Helen
I too have shared misfortunes with Priam's race.
Theoklymenos
Did he leave your husband unburied, or did he hide him in the earth?
Helen
He is unburied; I am so unhappy in my troubles!
Theoklymenos
It is for this that you have cut your locks of golden hair?
Helen
[1225]
Yes, for he is dear to me, whoever he is, being here.
Theoklymenos
She rightly weeps for this misfortune. . .
Helen
It is certainly easy to escape your sister's notice!
Theoklymenos
No, indeed. Well, what now? Will you continue to live at this tomb?
Helen
Why do you jeer at me? Won't you let the dead man be?
Theoklymenos
[1230]
No, for you are loyal to your husband and avoid me.
Helen
No longer; begin my wedding now.
Theoklymenos
It has come after a long time, but still I commend you for it.
Helen
Do you know what you should do? Let us forget what is past.
Theoklymenos
On what terms? One good turn deserves another.
Helen
[1235]
Let us make a truce; be reconciled to me.
Theoklymenos
I relinquish my quarrel with you; may it go away on wings.
Helen
Now by your knees, since you are indeed a friend—
Theoklymenos
What thing do you hunt after, that you stretch out a suppliant hand to me?
Helen
I wish to bury my dead husband.
Theoklymenos
[1240]
What? Is there a tomb for the absent? Or will you bury a shadow?
Helen
It is customary among the Hellenes, whenever someone dies at sea—
Theoklymenos
To do what? The race of Pelops is certainly clever in such matters.
Helen
To carry out the funeral rites in empty woven robes.
Theoklymenos
Hold the funeral; set up the tomb wherever you wish.
Helen
[1245]
We do not give burial like this to sailors who have perished.
Theoklymenos
How then? I know nothing of the customs in Hellas.
Helen
We take out of harbor to the sea all that is the dead man's due.
Theoklymenos
Then what am I to give you for the dead man?
Helen
This man knows, but I have no experience, as I was fortunate before.