Epeisodion 2
Helen
Sailors happened to meet him and took him up, as he says.
Theoklymenos
Where then is that mischievous creature that was sent to Troy in your place?
Helen
You mean the cloud image? It has gone into the air.
Theoklymenos
O Priam, and Trojan lands, how you have perished in vain!
1220
Helen
I too have shared misfortunes with Priam’s race.
Theoklymenos
Did he leave your husband unburied, or did he hide him in the earth?
Helen
He is unburied; I am so unhappy in my troubles!
Theoklymenos
It is for this that you have cut your locks of golden hair?
Helen
Yes, for he is dear to me, whoever he is, being here.
1225
Theoklymenos
She rightly weeps for this misfortune. . .
Helen
It is certainly easy to escape your sister’s notice!
Theoklymenos
No, indeed. Well, what now? Will you continue to live at this tomb?
Helen
Why do you jeer at me? Won’t you let the dead man be?
Theoklymenos
No, for you are loyal to your husband and avoid me.
1230
Helen
No longer; begin my wedding now.
Theoklymenos
It has come after a long time, but still I commend you for it.
Helen
Do you know what you should do? Let us forget what is past.
Theoklymenos
On what terms? One good turn deserves another.
Helen
Let us make a truce; be reconciled to me.
1235
Theoklymenos
I relinquish my quarrel with you; may it go away on wings.
Helen
Now by your knees, since you are indeed a friend—
Theoklymenos
What thing do you hunt after, that you stretch out a suppliant hand to me?
Helen
I wish to bury my dead husband.
Theoklymenos
What? Is there a tomb for the absent? Or will you bury a shadow?
1240
Helen
It is customary among the Hellenes, whenever someone dies at sea—
Theoklymenos
To do what? The race of Pelops is certainly clever in such matters.
Helen
To carry out the funeral rites in empty woven robes.
Theoklymenos
Hold the funeral; set up the tomb wherever you wish.
Helen
We do not give burial like this to sailors who have perished.
1245
Theoklymenos
How then? I know nothing of the customs in Hellas.
