Andromache Part 15

Belike he cared not for a little kingdom, being once robbed of his own great kingdom.

HERMIONE.

If a high seat is empty, shall not a great king's son be bold to sit on it? Were his men good soldiers of Mycenae?

ORESTES.

Some, of Mycenae, who had sacked Troy; some, pirates he had got in his voyaging; all good fighters!

HERMIONE.

Could he not slay that Iberian in his halls, and sit upon his seat?

ALCIMEDON.

By Thetis! that would have been a gallant deed.

PRIEST.

Unrighteous, very unrighteous; but doubtless the Iberian would have sinned against some G.o.d!

ORESTES.

The Iberians may be brave fighters; I know not. And he knew of none to help him.

ALCIMEDON.

A hundred good Phthians might have tried it.

HERMIONE.

The queen might have had her own friends who would fight for her.

ALCIMEDON.

A very foul deed, very foul; but a gallant one! And if she would leave her lord--the hound!--she might well help to slay him!

ORESTES.

He did not seek her for her righteousness; he sought her because her beauty spoke like a G.o.d to him!

[_A moment's pause. A shout of several voices heard in the Court._

ALCIMEDON.

What is that shouting?

[_Moves towards door, with_ MOLOSSUS; _the_ PRIEST _follows_.

HERMIONE.

I heard the King's voice in it. [_To her_ MAIDS.] Go, quick. See what has happened. [_They also go towards the door, leaving_ HERMIONE _and_ ORESTES _alone. An instant of silence; then she makes a quick movement to him._] Oh, speak!

ORESTES.

Either I will take you this night or I will be slain here in the hall!

HERMIONE.

Oh, take me, take me! I am half dead with wearying!

ORESTES.

You shall weary no more. Go forth alone at midnight to the altar of Thetis----

HERMIONE.

The altar of Thetis--by night! [_She shows fear._

ORESTES.

What do you fear? [HERMIONE _shudders, but does not answer_.] You dare not? Then, let it end the other way!

HERMIONE.

Dare you slay _him_?

ORESTES.

That is no great thing!

HERMIONE.

And the witch, and the witch-child?

[_With frightened ferocity._

ORESTES.

Slay _her_?

HERMIONE.

You will not? You will not? Oh, then, I dare not go to you!

[ORESTES _looks at her with surprise and some repulsion; the women and_ ALCIMUS _return, followed by_ PYRRHUS _and_ MOLOSSUS, _with some armour: after them_ ANDROMACHE _and some retainers_.

MAID.