Stasimon 1
[Episode]
Since Hera wishes to serve you, I will cast my vote on her side. May Kypris be gracious to me; but she has had nothing to do with me, and I will try to remain a virgin always. As for your reproaches against my father at this tomb,
1005
Theonoe
I have the same words to say. I would be doing wrong if I do not give her back; for that man, if he were alive, would have given her back for you to have, and you to her.
1010
For truly there is retribution for these things, both among the dead and among all men living. The mind
of the dead does not live, yet it has eternal thought as it falls into eternal ether. So as not to give advice at length, I will be silent as to what you have entreated, and I will never aid my brother’s folly with my counsel.
1015
For I am doing him a service, though he does not think it, if I turn him from his godless life to holiness. You yourselves devise some course of action; I will stand out of your way by my silence. Begin with the gods, and beg
1020
Kypris to allow you to return to your country, and Hera that her intention to save you and your husband may remain the same. And you, my own dead father, never, as far as I have strength, shall you be called impious instead of pious. Exit Theonoe.
1025
Chorus Leader
No one born lawless ever prospered, but in a lawful cause there is hope of safety.
1030
Helen
Menelaos, as far as the maiden is concerned, we are safe. For the rest, you must contribute your advice and frame a device to save ourselves.
Menelaos
Then listen; you have been in the house for a long time and are intimate with the king’s servants.
1035
Helen
What do you mean by that? You are offering hope, as if you were really about to do something useful for both of us.
Menelaos
Could you persuade someone in charge of the wagons
and horses to give us a chariot?
1040
Helen
I might; but how will we escape, in our ignorance of the country and the barbarian land?
Menelaos
You are right; a dilemma. Well, what if I were to hide in the house and kill the king with this two-edged sword?
Helen
His sister would never be silent or allow you to intend her own brother’s death.
1045
Menelaos
Nor indeed is there a ship in which we might safely escape; for the sea holds the one we had.
Helen
Listen to me, if even a woman can say something wise.
Are you willing to be called dead in word, though you are not dead?
1050
Menelaos
It is a bad omen; but if I profit by it, I am ready to be called dead in word, though I am not dead.
Helen
And truly I would mourn you, as women do, with hair cut short and laments before this impious man.
