"I was glad when King Priam made this request," continued Menelaus,
"for, in truth, I was loath to part with Paris; and I arranged at once
that he should bear me company in my own ship while his vessel with its
crew followed not far behind.

"And so, being blessed with favoring winds, we made a quick voyage back
to my own country. What followed is too sad for lengthy mention, and
is in part already known to you. Need I tell you how I opened my halls
to Paris, and left no act of courtesy undone that I might make him
happy? Need I tell you how he was welcomed by fair Helen, and how the
summer days fled by on golden wings; and how in the delights of
Lacedaemon he forgot his errand to Salamis, and cared only to remain
with me, my honored guest and trusted friend?

"One day a message came to me from my old friend Idomeneus. He had
planned a hunt among the mountains and woods of Crete, and he invited
me to join him in the sport. I had not seen Idomeneus since the time
that we together, in friendly contention, sought the hand of Helen. I
could not do otherwise than accept his invitation, for he had sent his
own ship to carry me over to Crete.

"So I bade farewell to Helen, saying, 'Let not our noble guest lack
entertainment while I am gone; and may the golden hours glide happily
until I come again.' And to Paris I said, 'Tarry another moon in
Lacedasmon; and when I return from Crete, I will go with you to
Salamis, and aid you in your search for Hesione.'

"Then I went on board the waiting ship, and prospering breezes carried
us without delays to Crete.