Epeisodion 2
Menelaos
A ship must be ready, and rowers.
Theoklymenos
How far from the shore does the ship put out?
Menelaos
So far that the foam in her wake can scarcely be seen from the land.
Theoklymenos
But why? Why does Hellas observe this custom.
1270
Menelaos
So that the waves may not wash pollution back ashore.
Theoklymenos
A swift Phoenician ship will be there.
Menelaos
That would be well done, and pleasing to Menelaos, too.
Theoklymenos
Can you not perform these rites well enough without Helen?
Menelaos
This task belongs to mother, or wife, or children.
1275
Theoklymenos
According to you, the work of burying her husband belongs to her.
Menelaos
Yes indeed; piety demands that the dead be not robbed of their due.
Theoklymenos
Let her go; it is in my interest to foster piety in a wife. Go inside and choose adornment for the dead;
I will not send you away from the land empty-handed either, since you have done her a favor. As you have brought me good news, you will receive clothing instead of going in rags, and food, so that you may reach your country, since now I see you doing very badly indeed.
1280
As for you, poor lady, do not wear yourself out in a hopeless case; Menelaos has met his doom, and your dead husband could not return to life.
1285
Menelaos
This is your duty, young woman; you must be content with the husband at your side, and let go the one that no longer exists;
for this is best for you, according to what has happened. And if I come to Hellas and find safety, I will put to an end your former bad reputation, if you are such a wife as you ought to be to your husband.
1290
Helen
I will; my husband will never find fault with me;
you yourself will be at hand to know it. Now go inside, unhappy man, and find the bath, and change your clothes. I will show my kindness to you without delay. For you will perform the due services with more kindly feeling for my dearest Menelaos,
1295
if you get from me what you ought to have. Exeunt Theoklymenos, Helen, Menelaos.
1300
