Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1896) v2.djvu/213

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THE DAUGHTERS OF TROY.
157

Hecuba.

Thanks, Menelaus, if thou slay thy wife! 890
Yet shun to look, lest she enthrall thee yet.
She snareth men's eyes, she destroyeth towns,
She burneth homes, such her enchantments are.
I and thou know her—all who have suffered know.

Enter Helen, haled forth by attendants.

Helen.

O Menelaus, terror-fraught to me 895
This prelude is; for by thy servants' hands
Forth of these tents with violence am I haled.
But, though well-nigh I know me abhorred of thee,
Fain would I ask what the decision is,
Touching my life, of thee and of the Greeks. 900


Menelaus.

No nicely-balanced vote—with one accord
Thee the host gave to me, the wronged, to slay.


Helen.

May I then plead in answer hereunto,
That, if I die, unjustly I shall die?


Menelaus.

Not for debate, for slaying am I come. 905


Hecuba.

Hear her, that lacking not this boon she die,
Menelaus; and to me vouchsafe to plead

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