Menelaus
has been too long out of battle.
TSUMU [handing her a hand mirror]. The Gods will keep Sparta free
from strife.
HELENA. I'll have you beaten if you assume that prophetic tone
with me. There's one thing I can't stand, and that's a know-all.
[Flinging the hand mirror to the floor.]
TSUMU [in alarm]. Gods grant you haven't bent it.
HELENA. These little mirrors are useless. His shield is the only
thing in which I can see myself full-length. If he only went to
war, he'd have to have it cleaned.
TSUMU [putting the mirror on a table near the QUEEN]. The King is
a lover of peace.
HELENA. The King is a lover of comfort. Have you noticed that he
spends more time than he used to in the library?
TSUMU. He is busy with questions of State.
HELENA. You know perfectly well that when anything's the matter
with the Government it's always straightened out at the other end
of the palace. Finish my shoulder. [She examines her arm.] I
doubt if there is a finer skin than this in Sparta.
[TSUMU begins to massage the QUEEN'S shoulder.]
HELENA [taking up a mirror]. That touch of deep carmine right
here in the centre of my lips was quite an idea.
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