Hel. And did ye capture that Spartan dame?
Teu. Menelaus caught her by the hair, and was for dragging her away.
Hel. Didst thou thyself behold that unhappy one? or art thou speaking from hearsay?
Teu. As plain as I now see thee, I then saw her.
Hel. Consider whether ye were but indulging an idle fancy sent by heaven.
Teu. Bethink thee of some other topic; no more of her!
Hel.[1] Are you so sure this fancy was reliable?
Teu.[2] With these eyes I saw her face to face, if so be I see thee now.
Hel. Hath Menelaus reached his home by this time with his wife?
Teu. No; he is neither in Argos, nor yet by the streams of Eurotas.
Hel. Ah me! here is evil news for those to whom thou art telling it.
Teu. 'Tis said he disappeared with his wife.
Hel. Did not all the Argives make the passage together?
Teu. Yes; but a tempest scattered them in every direction.
Hel. In what quarter of the broad ocean?
Teu. They were crossing the Ægean in mid channel.
Hel. And after that, doth no man know of Menelaus' arrival?
Teu. No, none; but through Hellas is he reported to be dead.
Hel. Then am I lost. Is the daughter of Thestius alive?
