hands he held before his eyes The purple mantle. Menelaus saw His tears, and pondered, doubting which were best— To let the stranger of his own accord Speak of his father, or to question him At first, and then to tell him all he knew.
As thus he pondered, Helen, like in form To Dian of the golden distaff, left Her high-roofed chamber, where the air was sweet With perfumes, and approached. Adrasta placed A seat for her of costly workmanship; Alcippè brought a mat of soft light wool, And Phylo with a silver basket came, Given by Alcandra, wife of Polybus, Who dwelt at Thebes, in Egypt, and whose house Was rich in things of price. Two silver baths He gave to Menelaus, tripods two, And talents ten of gold. His wife bestowed Beautiful gifts on Helen—one of gold, A distaff; one a silver basket edged With gold and round in form. This Phylo brought Heaped with spun yarn and placed before the queen; Upon it lay the distaff, wrapped in wool Of