Epeisodion 3
Hecuba
Menelaus’ prowess, you would praise him, to grieve my son, because he had so powerful a rival in his love; but if the Trojans prospered, Menelaus was nothing to you. Your eye was fixed on Fortune, and by such practice you were careful to follow in her steps, careless of virtue’s cause.
1005
And then you assert that you tried to let yourself down from the towers by stealth with twisted cords, as if unwilling to stay? Where were you ever found fastening the noose about your neck, or whetting the knife, as a noble wife would have done in regret for her former husband?
1010
And yet often I advised you saying, Get away, daughter; my sons will take other brides, and I will belp you to steal away, and convey you to the Achaean fleet; oh, end the strife between us and Hellas! But this was bitter to you.
1015
For you were wantoning in Alexander’s house, wishing to have obeisance done you by barbarians. Yes, it was a proud time for you; and now after all this you have adorned yourself, and come forth and have dared to appear under the same sky as your husband, revolting wretch!
1020
Better if you had come in tattered raiment, cowering humbly in terror, with hair cut short, and if your feeling for your past sins were one of shame rather than effrontery. Menelaus, hear the conclusion of my argument;
1025
crown Hellas by slaying her as she deserves, and establish this law for all other women: death to every one who betrays her husband.
1030
Chorus Leader
Avenge yourself, Menelaus, on your wife, as is worthy of your home and ancestors,
clear yourself from the reproach of effeminacy at the lips of Hellas, and let your foes see your spirit.
1035
Menelaus
Your thoughts coincide with mine, that she, without constraint, left my palace, and sought a stranger’s bed, and now Cypris is introduced for mere bluster. Away to those who shall stone you,
and by your speedy death requite the weary toils of the Achaeans, so that you may learn not to bring shame on me!
1040
Helen
Oh, by your knees, I implore you, do not impute that heaven-sent affliction to me, or slay me; forgive me!
Hecuba
Do not betray your allies, whose death this woman caused;
on their behalf, and for my children’s sake, I entreat you.
1045
Menelaus
Peace, revered lady; to her I pay no heed. I bid my servants take her away, aboard the ship, in which she is to sail.
Hecuba
Oh never let her set foot within the same ship as you.
Menelaus
Why is that? is she heavier than before?
1050
Hecuba
The one who loves once, must love always.
Menelaus
Why, that depends how those we love are minded. But your wish shall be granted; she shall not set foot upon the same ship with me; for your advice is surely sound;
and when she comes to Argos she shall die a shameful death as is her due, and impress the need of chastity on all women. No easy task; yet shall her fate strike their foolish hearts with terror, even though they are more lost to shame than she. Exit Menelaus, dragging Helen with him.
1055
