Have no tidings come of the possible arrival of Peleus? Maid He is too old to help thee if he came. Andromache And yet I sent for him more than once. Maid Surely thou dost not suppose that any of thy messengers heed thee? Andromache Why should they? Wilt thou then go for me? Maid How shall I explain my long absence from the house? Andromache Thou art a woman; thou canst invent a hundred ways. Maid There is a risk, for Hermione keeps no careless guard. Andromache Dost look to that? Thou art disowning thy friends in distress. Maid Not so; never taunt me with that. I will go, for of a truth a woman and a slave is not of much account, e’en if aught befall, me. Andromache Go then, while I will tell to heaven the lengthy tale of lamentation, mourning, and weeping, that has ever been my hard lot; for ’tis woman’s way to delight in present misfortunes