Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1896) v2.djvu/358

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EURIPIDES.

Helen.

Surely mine hands about her knees shall cling.


Menelaus.

Hold—what if she will none of our appeal?


Helen.

Thou diest: and I, woe's me, shall wed perforce.


Menelaus.

Thou shouldst be traitress—false the plea of force![1]


Helen.

Nay, by thine head I swear a solemn oath— 835


Menelaus.

How?—wilt thou die ere thou desert thy lord?


Helen.

Yea, by this sword: beside thee will I lie.


Menelaus.

Then, for this pledge, lay thou thine hand in mine.


Helen.

I clasp—I swear to perish if thou fall.

  1. ↑ We are not compelled to understand, with Paley and others, that Menelaus, in his desperation, suddenly suspects his wife of wishing to betray him. His words may mean—"In that case you would be false to me, for no woman can really be forced into a sinful connexion;"—i.e. if she values honour above life: and so Helen evidently understands him, for she hastens to reassure him on this point.
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