Helen

Euripides

Euripides. The Plays of Euripides, Translated into English Prose from the Text of Paley. Vol. I. Coleridge, Edward P., translator. London: George Bell and Sons, 1906.

  1. How then? I know nothing of the customs in Hellas.
Helen
  1. We take out of harbor to the sea all that is the dead man’s due.
Theoklymenos
  1. Then what am I to give you for the dead man?
Helen
  1. This man knows, but I have no experience, as I was fortunate before.
Theoklymenos
  1. Stranger, you have brought welcome news.
Menelaos
  1. Not for me, certainly, nor for the dead man.
Theoklymenos
  1. How do you bury those who have died at sea?
Menelaos
  1. Each according to his means.
Theoklymenos
  1. As far as wealth goes, say what you want, for her sake.
Menelaos
  1. There must be a blood-offering first to the dead.
Theoklymenos
  1. Blood of what? Explain it to me, and I will obey.
Menelaos
  1. You decide that yourself; whatever you give will suffice.
Theoklymenos
  1. Among barbarians it is customary to sacrifice a horse or a bull.
Menelaos
  1. If you make a gift, take care to give nothing mean.
Theokylemnos
  1. I have no lack of such in my rich herds.