This one, from which I was being driven away like a beggar.HelenYou were surely not begging for food, were you? How unhappy I am!MenelaosThat was the deed, though it did not have that name.HelenThen you know everything, it seems, about my marriage.MenelaosI do. But if you have escaped his bed—that I do not know.HelenKnow that I have saved myself untouched for you.MenelaosWhat could persuade me of this? If true, your words are sweet.HelenDo you see my wretched sanctuary at this tomb?MenelaosI see a miserable bed of straw, but what do you have to do with it?HelenHere, as a suppliant, I am asking for an escape from his bed.MenelaosFor want of an altar, or because it is the barbarians’ way?HelenThis was as good a protection to me as the temples of the gods.MenelaosThen it’s not possible for me to take you home by ship?HelenA sword is waiting for you, rather than my bed.MenelaosSo I would be the most wretched of mortals.HelenDo not feel shame now, but escape from this land.MenelaosLeaving you behind? I ravaged Troy for your sake.HelenYes, for that is better than that our union should cause your death.MenelaosOh! these are coward’s words, unworthy of those days at Troy.HelenYou could not kill the tyrant, your possible intention.