30
EURIPIDES.
Menelaus.
This I forbid, who am no less than thou,
And have more right of lordship over her. 580
Peleus.
How?—hither wilt thou come to rule mine house?
Sufficeth not thy sway of Sparta's folk?
Menelaus.
'Twas I that took her captive out of Troy.
Peleus.
Ay, but my son's son gained her, prize of war.
Menelaus.
All mine are his, his mine—is this not so? 585
Peleus.
For good, not evil dealing, nor for murder.
Menelaus.
Her shalt thou rescue never from mine hand.
Peleus.
This staff shall make thine head to stream with blood.
Menelaus.
Touch me, and thou shalt see!—ay, draw but near!
