from his morning sleep, Son of Boëtheus, came, for very near His dwelling was. The sovereign bade him light A fire and roast the flesh, and he obeyed. And then into the fragrant treasure-room Descended Menelaus, not alone; Helen and Megapenthes went with him. And when they came to where the treasures lay, Atrides took a double goblet up, And bade his son, young Megapenthes, bear A silver beaker thence, while Helen stood Beside the coffers where the embroidered robes Wrought by her hands were laid. The glorious dame Took one and brought it forth, most beautiful In needlework, and amplest of them all. The garment glittered like a star, and lay Below the other robes. Then, passing through The palace halls, they found Telemachus, And thus the fair-haired Menelaus spake:—
“Telemachus, may Jove the Thunderer, Husband of Juno, grant thee to return According to thy wish! I give thee here Of all the treasures which my house contains The fairest and most precious. I present A goblet all of silver, save the lips, And they are bound with gold; it is the work Of Vulcan. Phaedimus the hero, king Of the Sidonians, gave it me when once His palace sheltered me. He gave it me At parting, and I now would have it thine.”
Atrides spake, and gave into his hands The double goblet. Megapenthes next Before him set the shining beaker wrought Of silver. Rosy Helen, holding up The robe, drew near, and spake to him and said:—
“I also bring to thee, dear son, a gift, The work of Helen’s hands, which thou shalt keep, In memory of her, until the day Of thy desired espousals, when thy bride Shall wear it. Let it in the meantime lie Within thy halls, in thy dear mother’s care; And mayst thou soon and happily arrive At thy fair palace and thy native coast.”
So spake she, placing in his hands the robe. He took it, and was glad. Peisistratus Was moved with wonder as he saw, and laid The presents in