Hecuba, Priam and others in “Unfinished Business”

Where are they?

They're resting from their journey, they're coming to see me later.

Is it what I think?

Tell them.

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.

He claims to love her.

How could you not notice what was going on?

[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]

Forgive me, Your Majesty. The Spartan queen requests an audience.

No, I said later.

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.

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.