Epeisodion 2
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
On what part of the barbarous ocean was he sailing?
1210
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
Where ruin may come upon it— but not on Menelaos!
1215
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 mischievous creature that was sent to Troy in your place?
Helen
You mean the cloud image? It has gone into the air.
Theoklymenos
O Priam, and Trojan lands, how you have perished in vain!
1220
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
Yes, for he is dear to me, whoever he is, being here.
1225
Theoklymenos
She rightly weeps for this misfortune. . .
