Prologos
Teucer
I was wrong; I gave way to my anger more than I should, for all Hellas hates that daughter of Zeus. Forgive me for what I said, lady.
80
Helen
Who are you? Where have you come from, to visit this land?
Teucer
I am one of those unfortunate Achaeans, lady.
Helen
Then it is no wonder that you loathe Helen. But who are you and where do you come from? Whose son should I call you?
85
Teucer
My name is Teucer, my father is Telamon, and Salamis is the land that nurtured me.
Helen
Then why are you visiting these lands of the Nile?
Teucer
I am an exile, driven out of my native land.
90
Helen
You must be unhappy! Who banished you from your fatherland?
Teucer
My father Telamon. Could you find anyone closer to me?
Helen
But why? This matter is surely an unfortunate one.
Teucer
The death of my brother Aias at Troy was my ruin.
Helen
How so? You didn’t take his life with your sword, did you?
95
Teucer
He threw himself on his own sword and died.
Helen
Was he mad? For what sensible man would dare such a thing?
Teucer
Do you know a certain Achilleus, the son of Peleus?
Helen
Yes; he came to woo Helen once, so I hear.
Teucer
When he died, he left a contest for his armor to his allies.
100
Helen
Well, if he did, what harm is this to Aias?
Teucer
When someone else got the arms, he took his own life.
Helen
Then are you ill through his suffering?
