Last night I dreamed of war.
MENELAUS. No! No! Don't say that. After the scandal I can't be
expected to fight to get her back.
ANALYTIKOS. Sparta will see with the eyes of chivalry.
MENELAUS [fuming]. But I don't believe in war.
ANALYTIKOS [still obdurate]. Have you forgotten the oath pledged
of old, with Ulysses and Agamemnon? They have sworn, if ever the
time came, to fight and defend the Queen.
MENELAUS [bitterly]. I didn't think of the triple alliance.
ANALYTIKOS. Can Sparta ask less of her King?
MENELAUS. Let's hear the other side. We can perhaps arbitrate.
Peace at any price.
ANALYTIKOS. Some bargains are too cheap.
MENELAUS [hopelessly]. But I am a pacifist.
ANALYTIKOS. You are Menelaus of Sparta, and Sparta's a nation of
soldiers.
MENELAUS [desperately]. I am too proud to fight!
ANALYTIKOS. Here, put on your shield. [A great clamor comes up
from the courtyard. ANALYTIKOS steps out on the balcony and is
greeted with shouts of "The King! The King!" Addressing the
crowd.] People of Sparta, this calamity has been forced upon us.
[MENELAUS winces.]
We are a peaceful people.
Pages:
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120