They're resting from their journey, they're coming to see me later.
PPandarus
He stole her away in a chest. We had no idea she was inside until we set sail. I tried to persuade him to return her, he threatened to throw me into the sea.
How could you not notice what was going on?
PPandarus
[sarcastically] I apologize, my lady. I should have foreseen that while the King of Sparta was burying his dead father, your new son would try to sleep with his wife!
Don't you use that tone with us! We put him in your charge!
By now, Menelaus will know they've eloped; he'll have told his brother. Agamemnon needs no excuse for a fight. She must be sent back, before they do something foolish.
Andromache's right. Agamemnon will have rallied all the kings of Greece, we can't waste any time. We'll send a message that we regret the discourtesy, return Helen, and send gifts of our own.
Why should I bow to him? We made this city prosperous through sweat and blood! This city bows to no one.
And will continue to do so. Your pride can afford to take one hit, if it's to save the city from any future harm. (pause) She must go back, Priam.
Leave us. [Pandarus and Andromache exit]
SServant
Forgive me, Your Majesty. The Spartan queen requests an audience.
[Helen walks in]
Helen
My Lord. My Lady. [Bows] If my fate is to be decided, I would like you to hear me first.
You have a nerve, my lady.
Helen
I hear, my Queen, that you rule Troy alongside your husband. That in this city, man and woman are equal in respect and power. I humbly claim that respect now. I was married at fourteen against my will, to a man I had not met and would never love. Not for one moment, have I been happy with Menelaus. I didn't choose him, and never would have. I do choose... to be with your son. I'm not a possession, I'm a woman. I think, I feel. And I'm here... because I want to be.
Helen
Who are you?
Helen
I don't need a friend.
XXanthius
You needed someone to clear up after you. That servant was about to betray you.
Helen
What did you do to him?
XXanthius
I fulfilled Achilles' command. I have been charged with your care while you remain in the city.
Helen
You're lying. What do you want from me? Money?
XXanthius
Merely to protect you... for your return.
Helen
I'll never return. Everything I have done, I have done for my love.
XXanthius
And now you are alone. Your lover has gone. You have secrets that need protection.
[Helen steps around the corner and looks him in the eye]
Helen
Listen. I never asked for your help, and I never will. Go back to your Greeks and tell them I don't want to see them or you again.
XXanthius
Your beauty is different, close-up.
Helen
Just go. [she turns to leave]
XXanthius
Lord Pandarus is making inquiries into your servant's disappearance. Be careful.
Helen
[about Andromache] Why didn't you send her out of the room?
Helen
Do you believe what she said? That I lured you, that I'm Menelaus' vassal?
Helen
I fell in love with you. That's what happened.
This war will end. Things will return to normal.
Helen
No, they won't. They'll never return.
Helen
I can't stay here. Let's leave... together. We could escape tonight. What do we need but each other? They'll never accept me, Paris. If we don't go now, we never will.
[shakes his head] I can't leave.
Helen
Why not?
Helen
I need you. Doesn't that mean anything?
Of course it does. (squeezes her hand) But they took me in. They suffered for me. Hector died for me!
Helen
I have a daughter. I haven't seen her in years; I left her for you. Not for anything else, Paris.
My name is not Paris! (shoves her hand away) That's a shepherd's name. I'm Alexander, the name given to me by my family.
Helen
But I didn't choose to run away with Alexander. I ran away with Paris.
Well, I'm not him anymore. And Troy is my home.
Helen
It's not mine.
TSTrojan soldier
The Greeks! They're coming!