Stasimon 1
[Episode]
Ah! Who is this? I am not being ambushed by the plots of Proteus’ impious son, am I? Shall I not, like a young racehorse or a worshipper of Bacchus, reach the tomb? There is something wild
Helen
about the looks of this man who is hunting me down.
545
Menelaos
You there! the one trying with fearful effort to reach the base of the tomb and the pillars of burnt sacrifice, stay where you are. Why do you flee? I am amazed and speechless at the sight of your body.
Helen
Women, I am being ill-treated. This man is keeping me from the tomb, and he wants to take me and give me to the king, whose wooing I was seeking to avoid.
550
Menelaos
I am no thief, nor a servant of evil men.
Helen
And yet the clothes you are wearing are unsightly enough.
Menelaos
Put fear aside and stop your rapid flight.
555
Helen
I do so, now that I have reached this spot.
Menelaos
Who are you? Whom do I see in you, lady?
Helen
But who are you? The same reason prompts us both.
Menelaos
I never saw a closer resemblance.
Helen
O gods! For the recognizing of friends is a god.
560
Menelaos
Are you a woman from Hellas, or a native of this land?
Helen
From Hellas; but I want to learn your story too.
Menelaos
You seem to me very much like Helen, lady.
Helen
And you seem to me like Menelaos; I don’t know what to say.
Menelaos
Well, you have correctly recognized a most unfortunate man.
565
Helen
Oh, at last you have come to the arms of your wife!
Menelaos
What do you mean by wife? Do not touch my robe.
Helen
The one whom Tyndareus, my father, gave to you.
