Old man Strange daring yours, Menelaus, where you have no right.
Menelaus Stand back! You carry loyalty to your master too far.
Old man The very reproach you have for me is to my credit.
Menelaus You shall rue it, if you meddle in matters that do not concern you.
Old man You had no right to open a letter, which I was carrying.
Menelaus No, nor you to be carrying sorrow to all Hellas.
Old man Argue that point with others, but surrender that letter to me.
Menelaus I shall not let go.
Old man Nor will I let loose my hold.
Menelaus Why then, this staff of mine will be dabbling your head with blood before long.
Old man To die in my master’s cause would be a noble death.
Menelaus Let go! you are too wordy for a slave.
Old man Master, he is wronging me; he snatched your letter violently from my grasp, Agamemnon, and will not heed the claims of right.
Agamemnon Ah! what is this uproar at the gates, this indecent brawling?
Menelaus My tale, not his, has the better right to be spoken.
Agamemnon You, Menelaus! what quarrel do you have with this man, why are you dragging him here?
Menelaus Look me in the face! May that be the prelude to my story.
Agamemnon Shall I, the son of Atreus, close my eyes from fear?
Menelaus Do you see this tablet, the bearer of a shameful message?
Agamemnon I see it, yes; now, you first of all surrender it.
Menelaus No, not till I have shown its contents to all the army.
Agamemnon What! have you broken the seal and know already what you should never have known?
Menelaus Yes, I opened it and know to your sorrow the secret machinations of your heart.
Agamemnon Where did you get it? O gods! what shameless heart you have!
Menelaus I was awaiting your daughter’s arrival at the camp in Argos.
Agamemnon What right have you to watch my doings? is not this a proof of shamelessness?
Menelaus My wish to do it gave the spur, for I am no slave to you.
Agamemnon Infamous! Am I not to be allowed the management of my own house?
Menelaus No, for you think crooked thoughts, one thing now, another formerly, and something different presently.
Agamemnon Most exquisite refining on evil themes! A hateful thing the tongue of cleverness!
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