Analytikos. Circumstances alter treaties. They will mean nothing.

Menelaus. Nothing?

Analytikos. No more than a scrap of papyrus. Sparta will fight to regain her Queen.

Menelaus. But I don't want her back.

Analytikos. Can you tell that to Sparta? Remember, the King can do no wrong. Last night I dreamed of war.

Menelaus. No! No! Don't say that. After the scandal I can't be expected to fight to get her back.

Analytikos. Sparta will see with the eyes of chivalry.

Menelaus [fuming]. But I don't believe in war.

Analytikos [still obdurate]. Have you forgotten the oath pledged of old, with Ulysses and Agamemnon? They have sworn, if ever the time came, to fight and defend the Queen.

Menelaus [bitterly]. I didn't think of the triple alliance.