Andromache Part 21

PYRRHUS.

Is it not Orestes? Who is it?

HERMIONE.

This is some poor half-mad, wandering minstrel-man. I know him not. He is not Orestes!

A VOICE FROM THE WATCH-TOWER.

There are no men near the castle.

ALCIMEDON.

Well, strike him down!

HERMIONE.

What profit to break the guest-oath for such as he? He is not Orestes!

PYRRHUS.

Now the Furies that haunt Orestes dog you, woman, if you lie! [ORESTES _gives a cry_.

PRIEST.

If he be mad, it were a great sin to slay him. And the G.o.d has been strong in him to-day.

HERMIONE.

[_After gazing at_ ORESTES _steadily_.] May the Furies that haunt Orestes be ever with me if I lie. [_Recklessly._] Is that enough? If you would have another oath, behold, I will go this night to the altar of Thetis----

PYRRHUS.

Hush, Queen, lest the G.o.ddess hear!

HERMIONE.

[_Continuing._] And there by the altar I will swear oaths, and Thetis may work upon me what she will!

PYRRHUS.

Nay, daughter of Helen, no such wild words! I mistrust you not.--Guest, get you gone in peace.

ORESTES.

[_Subdued by mention of the Furies._] I go, not fearing you, but lest I see Them. I am no guest of yours. [_Throwing down armour._] Take back your s.h.i.+eld and helmet. Aught else I have had from your hands, my gold will more than repay [_With horror._] Apollo, Averter of Evil! keep them back!--Oh, why did you not slay me while you might?

[_Exit_ ORESTES.

A RETAINER.

Shall we not stone him from the Court?

PRIEST.

He is possessed! Stricken of G.o.d! Touch him not if you fear the G.o.ds'

anger.

HERMIONE.

[_Terrified, staring in front of her._] No, no, I see nothing!

END OF THE SECOND ACT.

THE THIRD ACT

SCENE: _As in Act I. Night._ ANDROMACHE _on the steps of the altar of Thetis, with_ MOLOSSUS _asleep. Enter from the back, one after another, three armed men, with bows and arrows as well as spears; they pa.s.s silently behind rocks or bushes and disappear. Enter_ ORESTES, _armed, by path at back: a_ MAN _comes from behind a rock to meet him_.

ORESTES.

Is the watch set?

MAN-AT-ARMS.

Everywhere.

ORESTES.

And the path to the s.h.i.+p safe?

MAN-AT-ARMS.

Yes. We have but to wait till they are drawn off from the castle.

ORESTES.

Which way will Pylades lure them?

MAN-AT-ARMS.

He will feign flight northwards, to leave our way clear to the s.h.i.+p.

ORESTES.