But thanks to our unparalleled
efficiency, the military system of Sparta is the most powerful in
all Greece and we can mobilize in half an hour.
[Loud acclaims from the people. MENELAUS, the papyrus still in
hand, crawls over and attempts to stop ANALYTIKOS.]
ANALYTIKOS [not noticing him]. In the midst of connubial and
communal peace the thunderbolt has fallen on the King.[MENELAUS
tugs at ANALYTIKOS' robe.] Broken in spirit as he is, he is
already pawing the ground like a battle steed. Never will we lay
down our arms! We and Jupiter! [Cheers.] Never until the Queen is
restored to Menelaus. Never, even if it takes ten years.
[MENELAUS squirms. A loud cheer.]
HELENA'S HUSBAND
Even now the King is buckling on his shield.
[More cheers. ANALYTIKOS steps farther forward and then
with bursting eloquence.]
One hate we have and one alone! [Yells from below.]
Hate by water and hate by land,
Hate of the head and hate of the hand,
Hate of Paris and hate of Troy
That has broken the Queen for a moment's toy.
[The yells grow fiercer.]
Zeus' thunder will shatter the Trojan throne.
We have one hate and one alone!
[MENELAUS sits on the floor dejectedly looking at the papyrus.
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