Stasimon 1
[Episode]
Yes, for that is better than that our union should cause your death.
Menelaos
Oh! these are coward’s words, unworthy of those days at Troy.
Helen
You could not kill the tyrant, your possible intention.
Menelaos
Does he then have a body that cannot be wounded by a sword?
810
Helen
You will hear. But to undertake impossibilities is no mark of wisdom.
Menelaos
And so I am to offer my hands to be bound, in silence?
Helen
You are in a dilemma; we need some contrivance.
Menelaos
Yes, for it is sweeter to die in action than by not acting.
Helen
There is one hope, and only one, for our safety.
815
Menelaos
Are we to buy it, or dare it, or win it with words?
Helen
If the tyrant were not to learn of your arrival.
Menelaos
Will any one tell him about me? He will certainly not know who I am.
Helen
He has within an ally equal to the gods.
Menelaos
A voice that has settled in the inmost parts of his house?
820
Helen
No, but his sister; she is called Theonoe.
Menelaos
The name is prophetic; tell me what she does.
Helen
She knows everything, and she will tell her brother that you are here.
Menelaos
We must die; for I cannot escape her notice.
Helen
Perhaps we might persuade her by supplication—
825
Menelaos
To do what? What hope are you leading me to?
Helen
Not to tell her brother that you are here in this land.
Menelaos
If we persuade her, could we get away from this country?
Helen
Easily, in common with her; but secretly we could not.
Menelaos
The task is yours; it is suitable for women to deal with women.
830
Helen
Be sure that I will clasp her knees.
Menelaos
Well, then, what if she rejects our proposals?
Helen
You will die. And I, the unhappy one, will be married by force.
Menelaos
You would be a traitor; that force of yours is all an excuse.
Helen
But I have sworn a sacred oath by your life—
835
Menelaos
What do you mean? To die? And never to take his bed in exchange for mine?
