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. Know that I have saved myself untouched for you.
Menelaos
  1. What could persuade me of this? If true, your words are sweet.
Helen
  1. Do you see my wretched sanctuary at this tomb?
Menelaos
  1. I see a miserable bed of straw, but what do you have to do with it?
Helen
  1. Here, as a suppliant, I am asking for an escape from his bed.
Menelaos
  1. For want of an altar, or because it is the barbarians’ way?
Helen
  1. This was as good a protection to me as the temples of the gods.
Menelaos
  1. Then it’s not possible for me to take you home by ship?
Helen
  1. A sword is waiting for you, rather than my bed.
Menelaos
  1. So I would be the most wretched of mortals.
Helen
  1. Do not feel shame now, but escape from this land.
Menelaos
  1. Leaving you behind? I ravaged Troy for your sake.
Helen
  1. Yes, for that is better than that our union should cause your death.
Menelaos
  1. Oh! these are coward’s words, unworthy of those days at Troy.
Helen
  1. You could not kill the tyrant, your possible intention.