Epeisodion 2
Helen
We take out of harbor to the sea all that is the dead man’s due.
Theoklymenos
Then what am I to give you for the dead man?
Helen
This man knows, but I have no experience, as I was fortunate before.
Theoklymenos
Stranger, you have brought welcome news.
1250
Menelaos
Not for me, certainly, nor for the dead man.
Theoklymenos
How do you bury those who have died at sea?
Menelaos
Each according to his means.
Theoklymenos
As far as wealth goes, say what you want, for her sake.
Menelaos
There must be a blood-offering first to the dead.
1255
Theoklymenos
Blood of what? Explain it to me, and I will obey.
Menelaos
You decide that yourself; whatever you give will suffice.
Theoklymenos
Among barbarians it is customary to sacrifice a horse or a bull.
Menelaos
If you make a gift, take care to give nothing mean.
Theokylemnos
I have no lack of such in my rich herds.
1260
Menelaos
Next, a couch empty of the body is decked and carried in procession.
Theoklymenos
It wall be done; what else is it customary to add?
Menelaos
Bronze arms; for war was his delight.
Theoklymenos
These will be worthy of the race of Pelops, and these we will give.
Menelaos
And for the rest, all the lovely offspring that the earth bears.
1265
Theoklymenos
How then? In what way do you let them fall into the waves?
Menelaos
A ship must be ready, and rowers.
Theoklymenos
How far from the shore does the ship put out?
Menelaos
So far that the foam in her wake can scarcely be seen from the land.
Theoklymenos
But why? Why does Hellas observe this custom.
1270
Menelaos
So that the waves may not wash pollution back ashore.
Theoklymenos
A swift Phoenician ship will be there.
Menelaos
That would be well done, and pleasing to Menelaos, too.
Theoklymenos
Can you not perform these rites well enough without Helen?
Menelaos
This task belongs to mother, or wife, or children.
1275
Theoklymenos
According to you, the work of burying her husband belongs to her.
