Andromache (253-333)

Wilt thou leave these hallowed precincts of the sea-goddess?

Yes, if I am not to die for it; otherwise, I never will.

Since that is thy resolve, I shall not even wait my lord’s return.

Nor yet will I, at any rate ere that, surrender to thee.

I will bring fire to bear on thee, and pay no heed to thy entreaties.

Kindle thy blaze then; the gods will witness it.

And make thy flesh to writhe by cruel wounds.

Begin thy butchery, stain the altar of the goddess with blood, for she will visit thy iniquity.

Barbarian creature, hardened in impudence, wilt thou brave death itself? Still will I find speedy means to make thee quit this seat of thy free-will; such a bait have I to lure thee with. But I will hide my meaning,

which the event itself shall soon declare. Yes, keep thy seat, for I will make thee rise, though molten lead is holding thee there, before Achilles’ son, thy trusted champion, arrive. Exit Hermione.

My trusted champion, yes! how strange it is, that, though some god hath devised cures for mortals against the venom of reptiles, no man ever yet hath discovered aught to cure a woman’s venom, which is far worse than viper’s sting or scorching flame; so terrible a curse are we to mankind.

Behold I bring thy son with me, whom thou didst steal away to a neighbour’s house

without my daughter’s knowledge. Thou wert so sure this image of the goddess would protect thee and those who hid him, but thou hast not proved clever enough for Menelaus. And so if thou refuse to leave thy station here,

he shall be slain instead of thee. Wherefore weigh it well: wilt die thyself, or see him slain for the sin whereof thou art guilty against me and my daughter?

O fame, fame! full many a man ere

now of no account hast thou to high estate exalted. Those, indeed, who truly have a fair repute, I count blest; but those who get it by false pretences, I will never allow have aught but the accidental appearance of wisdom. Thou for instance, caitiff that thou art, didst thou ever wrest

Troy from Priam with thy picked troops of Hellenes? thou that hast raised such a storm, at the word of thy daughter, a mere child, and hast entered the lists with a poor captive; unworthy I count thee of Troy’s capture, and Troy still more disgraced by thy victory.

Those who only in appearance are men of sense make an outward show, but inwardly resemble the common herd, save it be in wealth, which is their chiefest strength.[*]

Come now, Menelaus, let us discuss this argument. Suppose I am slain[*] by thy daughter, and she work her will on me,