Helen My friends, all goes well for us inside; for the daughter of Proteus, who aids us in our theft, has told her brother nothing when questioned as to my husband’s coming; for my sake she said that he was not alive, but dead and buried. . . . My husband has snatched up by chance fine things indeed; for he is carrying away the armor he was intending to let fall into the sea, putting his noble arm through the shield-strap and holding a spear in his right hand, on pretence of joining in the service to the dead. He has equipped his body with weapons conveniently for the battle, in order to set up the trophies of countless barbarians, whenever we embark on the oared ship. I adorned him with robes in place of his shipwrecked garments, and I washed him, a long-delayed bath in water from the stream. But I must be silent, for the man is coming from the house who thinks he holds my marriage ready in his hands; and I claim your goodwill and strict silence, so that, when we have saved ourselves, we may be able some day to save you also.
Theoklymenos Advance in order, servants, as the stranger directed, bearing the funeral gifts for the sea. But you, Helen, if you will agree with my words, be persuaded and stay here; for you will do your husband equal service whether you are present or not. For I am afraid that some sudden passion should persuade you to throw your body into the swelling waves, stricken by love for your former husband; you are grieving for him too much, although he is lost.
Helen O my new husband, I must honor my first marriage-bed and the one whose company I shared as a bride; for I could even die with my husband, I loved him so much. But how could he thank me, if I were to share death with him? Let me go and pay funeral rites to the dead in person. May the gods give to you the things I wish and also to this stranger here, for his assistance! And you will have in me such a wife at home as you ought to have, since you are doing a good service to Menelaos and to me; for surely these events are leading to some good fortune. But now appoint someone to give us a ship in which to carry these gifts, so that I may have your kindness in full.
Theoklymenos You, go and give them a Sidonian ship of fifty oars, and rowers also.
Helen This man who is ordering the funeral will be in command of the ship, won’t he?
Theoklymenos Most certainly; my sailors must obey him.
Helen Repeat the order, so that they may clearly understand you.
Theoklymenos I repeat the order, and a third time too, if you wish it.
Helen May you have benefit from it—and I from my plans!
Theoklymenos Do not ruin your skin with too much weeping now.
Helen This day will show my gratitude to you.
Theoklymenos The state of the dead is nothingness; toil for them is vain.
Helen There is something of what I say both there and here.
Theoklymenos You will not find in me a husband at all inferior to Menelaos.
Helen You are not at fault in any way; good luck is all I need.
Theoklymenos That is in your power, if you show kindness to me.
Helen This is not a lesson I shall have to learn now, to love my friends.
Theoklymenos Would you like me to send out the equipment in person, working together with you?
Helen Not at all! Do not become a slave to your slaves, lord.
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