Helen.
Yet shame it were should handmaids bear these gifts.
Electra.
Wherefore send not thy child Hermionê?
Helen.
To pass mid throngs beseemeth maidens not.
Electra.
She should pay nurture's debt unto the dead.
Helen.
Sooth hast thou said: I hearken to thee, maid.110
Yea, I will send my daughter; thou say'st well.
Child, come, Hermionê, without the doors:
Enter Hermionê.
Take these drink-offerings, this mine hair, in hand,
And go thou, and round Klytemnestra's tomb
Shed mingled honey, milk, and foam of wine;115
And, standing on the grave-mound's height, say this:
"Thy sister Helen these drink-offerings gives,
Fearing to approach thy tomb, and dreading sore
The Argive rabble." Bid her bear a mood
Kindly to me, to thee, and to my lord,120
And to these hapless twain, whom God hath stricken.
All gifts unto the dead which duty bids
I render to my sister, promise thou.
Go, daughter, haste: and, soon as thou hast paid
The tomb its offerings, with all speed return.125
