Make answer, for a rumour have I heard
That Menelaus' child hath left these halls
And fled away. In haste I come to learn 1050
If this be sooth; for we which bide at home
Should bear the burdens of our absent friends.
Chorus.
Peleus, truth hast thou heard: 'twere for my shame
To hide the ills wherein my lot is cast.
O yea, the queen is gone—fled from these halls. 1055
Peleus.
With what fear stricken? Tell me all the tale.
Chorus.
Dreading her lord, lest forth the home he cast her.
Peleus.
For that her murder-plot against his son?
Chorus.
Yea: of the captive dame adread withal.
Peleus.
Forth with her father went she, or with whom? 1060
Chorus.
Agamemnon's son hath led her from the land.
Peleus.
Yea?—furthering what hope?—would he wed her?
