[Tsumu gets up and points to shield. Analytikos and the King look toward it. Analytikos tears off the papyrus and brings it to Menelaus. Tsumu, watching them, exits.]
Menelaus [reading]. "I am not a bad woman. I did what I had to do." How Greek to blame fate for what one wants to do.
[Tsumu again comes tumbling in.]
Tsumu [again prostrate before the King]. A rumor flies through the city. He—he—
Analytikos [anxiously]. Well? Well?
Tsumu. He—he—
Menelaus [furiously to Analytikos]. Rid me of this croaking raven.
Tsumu. Evil has fallen on Sparta. He—
Analytikos. Yes—yes—
Menelaus [in a rage]. Out of my sight, perfidious Nubian.