After the fall of Troy, Helen is pursued by Menelaus up the steps of the palace; an old attendant deprecates and intercepts his vengeance. Menelaus. Out of my way! Off! or my sword may smite thee Heedless of venerable age. And thou Fugitive! stop. Stand, traitress, on that stair Thou mountest not another, by the gods! Now take the death thou meritest, the death Zeus who presides o'er hospitality, And every other who abandons thee With wing at either shoulder, Then somewhat seem'd to whisper near I doubted it: I felt no fear, If aught befell it. Love was by I may not call thee back; but thou Of gentle Sleep waves o'er my brow Then smiling eyes bend over mine, 1853. years Have we lived door by door: The Fates have laid aside their shears Perhaps for some few more. I was indocile at an age When better boys were taught, But thou at length hast made me sage, If I am sage in aught. Little I know from other men, Too little they from me, Thanks for expelling Fear and Hope, Rather what lies before my feet He who hath braved Youth's dizzy heat 1853. |