Andromache Part 24

ORESTES.

[_Troubled--roughly._] I know my own heart!

ANDROMACHE.

The G.o.ds' hearts may be hard, but man's is tender; only very hungry, and sore afraid, and wild as a hunted beast on the mountain.

ORESTES.

Know you your Queen's heart?

ANDROMACHE.

Not hard, but starving. And she thinks, perchance, that the grief of others will feed it.

ORESTES.

[_Absently--bending and touching the boy's hands._] He is very cold.

_Enter_ HERMIONE, _hooded and wrapped, hurriedly_.

HERMIONE.

[_To herself._] Is there no one?--Oh, I dare not!

[ORESTES _steps quickly out from behind the trees_. HERMIONE _starts in terror_.

ORESTES.

Welcome, daughter of Helen!

[HERMIONE _does not answer, but stands, breathing hardy with relief_.

ORESTES.

Throw back your hood.--Ye G.o.ds, she is pa.s.sing beautiful!

HERMIONE.

Take me quick to the s.h.i.+p. Quick, quick!

ORESTES.

It is not yet time. My men must draw Pyrrhus away from the castle.

HERMIONE.

He has gone. Nay, take me quick--Orestes----

ORESTES.

Why do you tremble so? What is it?

HERMIONE.

That oath I swore----

ORESTES.

You have not heard Them?

HERMIONE.

I know not. There seemed shapes at the edge of the trees.

ORESTES.

Shapes! [_Looks at her close._] No; _you_ have not seen them.

HERMIONE.

[_With horror._] Is the sight of them written on men's faces?

ORESTES.

Speak not of them!--You have neither seen nor heard.

HERMIONE.

It is only now, and here, that I am afraid. Take me to the s.h.i.+p now; and when once it is over----

ORESTES.

When Pyrrhus is slain?

HERMIONE.

And the other--[_clinging to him_]--oh, then we shall be safe and at peace.

ORESTES.

The boy? Why do you fear him?

HERMIONE.

[_Absently._] The boy? He is the king's son.

ORESTES.