But when in time fair Helen’s virtue failed, He with the suitors bounden to befriend Wronged Menelaus, against Ilion sailed, And joined his arms, pledged by that oath with them; Till Priam’s broad-wayed city in the end Fell by his stratagem. 989 But long being not returned, and passed for dead, There gathered suitors in his house to woo His fair wife in his stead; And strife among them grew. Nor is his arm more lacked to guard his walls, Than his good counsel true To keep peace in his halls. 1 _c._ Which counsel I reclaim, Remembered for your use, Ye wooers, even the same Which saved from blood and shame 1000 The house of Tyndareus. So now unto my song your chorus bear, As Helen’s suitors sware. _Chor._ 1 _d._ To keep good peace we swear, And let that man go free, Nor do him hurt whate’er, Whoever wins the fair And wise Penelope. Good or ill fortune lieth in the lap Of Zeus; what haps let hap. 1010 _Amph._ I thank thee for my father, Phemius. _Eur._ Thy tale is twice a tale told at this time. _Ctes._ I’ll hold it, that an oath sung out of tune Binds not the singer. _Enter Herald._ _HERALD._ Tidings, my lords. _Eur._ Speak forth. _Her._ Be it known the prince Telemachus is come. [_Suitors rise and murmur._ _Eur._ Shame on you. Silence. Sir, we are much rejoiced To learn the prince’s safety. When arrived he? _Her._ He landed yestereve. We brought the ship This morn in harbour. _Eur._ Where disbarked the prince? _Her._ Northward by Ægilips. 1020 _Eur._ Is’t known? _Her._ My lord, I speed to tell it. [_Exit._ _Eur._ Friends, if this be true, We are baffled. _Ctes._ False, ’tis false. _Eur._ And nought remains But man a galley, that shall bear the tidings To Lord Antinous and his men, who else Will lie out watching for him in the straits. _Amph._ Yet even that pains is spared us. Looking forth I see two ships in harbour side by side, And not far off a company of men, I take to be Antinous and his band. _Ctes._ How so? 1030 _Amph._ See then. _Ctes._ O, true: they are at the gate. How hath it happed?