I've never wronged you
in deed or in thought. No, never -- never. I've given up my hopes
and aspirations, because I knew you wanted me around you. And
now, NOW ---- [She can contain the tears no longer.] Because I
have neglected my beauty and because I am old and ugly, you
regret that Ulysses or Agamemnon didn't marry me when you all
wanted me, and I know you curse the day you ever saw me. [She is
breathless.]
MENELAUS [fuming]. Well! Have you done?
HELENA. No. I could say a great deal more, but I'm not a
talkative woman.
[ANALYTIKOS comes in from the library.]
ANALYTIKOS. Your Majesty, are we to read no longer to-day?
HELENA. I have something to say to the King. [ANALYTIKOS goes
toward the library. MENELAUS anxiously stops him.]
MENELAUS. No. Stay here. You are a wise man and will understand
the wisdom of the Queen.
ANALYTIKOS [bowing to HELENA]. Helena is wise as she is
beautiful.
MENELAUS. She is attempting to prove to me in a thousand words
that she's a silent woman.
ANALYTIKOS. Women are seldom silent. [HELENA resents this.] Their
beauty is forever speaking for them.
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