The Project Gutenberg eBook of Andromache, by Gilbert Murray

E-text prepared by James Wright
and the Online Distributed Proofreading Canada Team
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ANDROMACHE

BY THE SAME AUTHOR
UNIFORM WITH THIS VOLUME
Paper, 1s. 6d.; Cloth, 2s. 6d.
CARLYON SAHIB
A Drama in Four Acts
——
London: William Heinemann
21 Bedford Street, W.C.

ANDROMACHE

PREFATORY LETTER.

My Dear ARCHER,
The germ of this play sprang into existence on a certain April day in 1896 which you and I spent chiefly in dragging our reluctant bicycles up the great hills that surround Riveaulx Abbey, and discussing, so far as the blinding rain allowed us, the questions whether all sincere comedies are of necessity cynical, and how often we had had tea since the morning, and how far it would be possible to treat a historical subject loyally and unconventionally on a modern stage. Then we struck (as, I fear, is too often the fate of those who converse with me) on the subject of the lost plays of the Greek tragedians. We talked of the extraordinary variety of plot that the Greek dramatist found in his historical tradition, the force, the fire, the depth and richness of character-play. We thought of the marvellous dramatic possibilities of an age in which actual and living heroes and sages were to be seen moving against a background of primitive superstition and blank savagery; in which the soul of man walked more free from trappings than seems ever to have been permitted to it since. But I must stop; I see that I am approaching the common pitfall of playwrights who venture upon prefaces, and am beginning to prove how good my play ought to be!

What I want to remind you of is this: that we agreed that a simple historical play, with as little convention as possible, placed in the Greek Heroic Age, and dealing with one of the ordinary heroic stories, ought to be, well, an interesting experiment. Beyond this point, I know, we began to differ. You wanted verse and the Greece of the English poets. I wanted, above all things, a nearer approach to my conception of the real Greece, the Greece of history and even—dare I say it?—of anthropology! I recognise your full right to disapprove of every word and every sentiment of this play from the first to the last, but I hope you will not grudge me the pleasure of associating your name with at least the inception of the experiment, and thanking you at the same time for the many gifts of friendly encouragement and stimulating objurgation which you have bestowed upon

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ

The Action takes place in Phthia, on the Southern borders of Thessaly, about fifteen years after the Fall of Troy.

ANDROMACHE

THE FIRST ACT

Scene: The coast of Phthia. Rocks at the back, with the sea visible behind them. One of the rocks is a shrine, having niches cut in it for receiving offerings. On the right in front is the Altar of Thetis, shrouded in trees; to the left, a well. A path to the left leads to Pyrrhus' castle; another, far back to the right, leads to the house of the Priest. It is the morning twilight, with a faint glimmer of dawn.

At the foot of the rock Orestes is seated in meditation; he carries two spears, and wears the garb of a traveller. An Armed Man is moving off the stage at the back, as though going towards the sea; he stops suddenly, listens, and hides behind a rock.

[As though half roused from his reverie.] I seek only to see if she is indeed so passing beautiful. She was; I am sure she was, until—— [He pauses.

Nay, no more mad than I, but more quick to anger. It would be safer for me to go.

You think I am still mad because I dared not say it! I will say it here by the altar. [Doggedly.] I will see if she is still as she used to be before the day when—[with effort]—I shed my mother's blood, and first saw——

Speak not Their name, brother. You did nought but the gods' plain bidding. You see them no more now that you are healed.

[Musingly.] If she is changed as all the world else is changed since that time—— [Abruptly.] I care not for the woman. I will come back. If not—— [Smiles ambiguously.

But why go alone, and why venture so much? We two could lie hid in the thickets by the shrine yonder, and see her when the women come to pray at sunrise. And then——

[With determination, interrupting him.] I will go alone, and see her and speak with her alone! Hinder me not, friend! Leave no man to watch over me. Keep the ship well hidden, and have twoscore men ambushed above the cliff, to hold the path if need comes.

[Exeunt Pylades and Armed Man. Orestes wraps his mantle round him and sits in silence.

Enter from the right, Priest of Thetis, with a bowl in his hands. He climbs a rock at the back and watches the sunrise.

Not yet. Not quite yet. Ah, there it catches the crag-top: now the trees:—yes, there is the glint far off upon the sea! [Comes down towards the shrine and prays.] Hail, Thetis! Accept this wine and honey I bring thee at first touch of dawn. Keep thy Priest in wealth and honour, even as I keep thy worship. And, as the sunlight drives the Things of darkness from thy waters—— [Seeing Orestes.][Pg 6] Averter of evil! Who is this that has sat through the darkness under the Holy Rock? Stranger, whence come you here?

No man of Phthia, for his life, would stay here in darkness! Saw you not anything?

[Harshly.] I saw nought but what I have seen on a thousand nights. Enough! If I have offended any goddess I will make amends.

[He begins to wring off a pendant from a gold chain that he wears, and moves towards the altar.

With better sacrifices than swine! I am clean enough to make amends to your goddess. [Coming across to the shrine.] Where shall I lay it? For I may need her favour. [Holds out the gold pendant.

Scarce a man in Phthia has ever touched gold, save[Pg 8] Pyrrhus himself and the servants of Hermione. Nor many, I should guess, in Acarnania.

The friends of the dead are dead, and my friends are dead. I have none to fear; but I have been wronged, my house taken from me, and my father's wealth, and the woman that was vowed me to wife. No more, old man! I am an exile, and I live in happier lands than mine own.

Is it in Phthia you seek for a happy land? No matter; affliction comes to the good as to the evil.

See you that shrine, and the footprint of Thetis in the rock? Once it was all covered with offerings!

The wife of his father's bitterest enemy! Ay, and she was his enemy too, and loathed her life with Pyrrhus.

But has he not cast her off? [With constraint.] Men say he has wedded a new Queen, the daughter of Helen.

Oh, the Trojan has not dwelt in the King's house these ten years back. She begged him for a hut in the mountain, and he gave it her.

Why should a woman wish to live in secret, and not be seen? [Slight pause.] There be wise women among the barbarians.

You have said it! There is a prophet here who knows of counter-charms—I gave him three ewes for this that I wear—[showing a charm made of wolves' teeth]—else I durst not face her!

Men say she has waked the dead Hector to come to her across the seas! [He shudders.] But for the King, we should have judged her long ago.

Has she not blighted the womb of the Queen? There is no heir to Achilles in Achilles' land!

Cannot a witch blind the eyes? He can see nothing, and will hearken to nothing. Even now he has taken the Trojan woman's bastard with him.

He has gone hunting in the hills yonder—[pointing]—and down to the fields of the Napæans.

To-day, it may be—it is the fifth day of the hunt; or perchance the game may keep him some time yet.[Pg 13] [Enter Alcimedon, l., an old man with spears but no armour; he carries a bunch of violets for Thetis.] The witch woman is mad lest any hurt come to the boy!

What jealousy? What need to be jealous of him? He is no true heir. We have a King, and we have a Queen, both of the blood of Zeus, both our true rulers, but heir there is none.

[Seeing and handling the gold link.] Ye golden gods, have the sons of Pactôlus us come to Phthia?

[In sudden anger.] The curse of the crawling lichen on the man who moves that gold!

On your own head! [Throws gold quickly down.] Who are you, stranger, to curse one that has done you no wrong?

I check the wrong before it is done. And I tell not my name save to my host after I have eaten and slept.

If you come to teach your manners to the Myrmidons, by Thetis! you shall learn theirs first. Is the stranger yours, O Priest?

I have broken no man's bread nor touched his hand. [Defiantly.] What see you more?

[Lifting his two spears.] This is my sanctuary. And there is more gold for the man that will break through it.

Stay! Slay not the stranger so fast, Alcimedon. Reason with him. He will give up the chain, and we will let him go in peace.

Go in peace, when he has lifted his spear against Alcimedon! How shall I look my grandchildren in the face? By Thetis! I will wash the chain with his blood!

[Noise of footsteps. Orestes puts his back towards a rock, so that neither he nor Alcimedon[Pg 16] sees Andromache, the Maid, and two other damsels, who enter with pitchers on their heads.

[With his eye on Orestes.] Ha! who comes there? [Calling to the newcomers without looking at them.] A stranger in arms, and with gold! Ho! Myrmidons!

Is it you? [Yielding reluctantly.] Nay, he is no man's guest; it is lawful to slay him.

He is mine. [To Orestes.] Stranger, give me your right hand. [To Alcimedon.] He is my guest.

[Still stormy and excited.] Shall I take a woman's hand for fear of this old loon? My spear-blade is dry and has not drunk.

Alone? As a wolf among sheep is alone. When he slays first the dog—[pointing spear at Alcimedon]—and bleeds the sheep as he will!

And who will be the better when he has bled them? Nay, old friend—[to Alcimedon, who wants to break in; then to Orestes again]—though you slay us all, you have but lost the food and shelter we had given you; and the shedder of blood escapes not the Dread Watchers.

[Who had been cooling, starts and threatens her.] What know you of the Dread Watchers?

There are others of free estate who will take you in. I only sought to save men's lives.

Banishment may make a man well-nigh mad. I remember the year of my own manslaying.

Perchance he has been long alone in the forests. Take him and give him food and drink.

[Approaching the altar, and praying with upstretched[Pg 20] hands.] Greeting to thee and joy, Thetis, mother of all Phthia. Give us peace in this land; and grant that my son Molossus return safe, and grow to give joy to thee and all this house!

[In the same way.] Joy to thee, Thetis! Accept my offerings, and grant that my arms keep strong, and that I find the man whose swine have trampled my barley field.

[Taking offerings from other Maids to add to her own.] Hail, Thetis! and may joy be ever with thee! Accept these offerings from the bondmaidens Aithra, and Pholoe, and Deianassa; and grant all good things to them and theirs. [A pause.

The jade! She is praying in silence! Ho, stop her, Priest! [The others giggle.

[Taking hold of her and threatening her with the shaft of his spear.] Say it aloud, now! Say what it was!

[Recovering from his reverie.] Well, lead me in. I will be the guest of any that will take me.

I—to Thetis! No! Yet perhaps—— [Going up to altar.] Hail, Thetis! I have given thee an offering of many oxen's price, and many more will I give if thou hinder me not of my desires.

A vile prayer, a very dangerous prayer! He might as well have prayed silently. I will not take the man; the Priest may take him. [The Priest goes towards Orestes.

So be it, stranger. [The Priest moves anxiously towards Orestes.] And perchance the Priest will give you shelter till my work is done.

Ay, come with me. When the King returns, it[Pg 23] were meeter that he should take you. [Aside to Orestes.] Beware, stranger! It is the Phrygian woman.

[Apart to Priest.] She is over-wise, methinks; but not evil. I fear her not. [Coming back as though on impulse.] I give you my hand, wife of Hector!

[As Andromache and the women draw water at the well.] Lazy hounds, to let Hector's wife draw water! Fill her pails for her, little foxes!

Enter, by the path from the Castle, Hermione, with two attendants carrying libations. She does not notice the slaves.

Greeting, old man. [Going up to the altar.] Hail, Thetis, and have joy! Accept this wine and the blood of an ewe with two lambs that I bring to thee; and take off from me, I beseech—— [She stops, looks round, and sees Andromache, on whom she turns with vehemence.] You? [Flings out the blood on the ground.

What would my sacrifice profit, with that woman's eyes upon me? [To Andromache.] Get you back to the castle! Is the water not drawn yet?

'Twas a stranger that the Priest has taken in. Have a care: the dog laid a curse on any who should move it.

A stranger! He comes from the South, then; from Athens, or Argos, or Mycenæ——

That is no Acarnanian gold! [Taking it up.] See you the sea-beast wrought on it, with many feet? [To Maid.

[Not heeding her.] It brings my home back to me. In Lacedæmon we all wore chains of gold about our necks.

[Putting it back.] I meant no evil; and that dear gold of the South will never hurt me—— In Agamemnon's palace the men had gold in their armour, and even in the blades of their swords! And the gold was wrought into lions and wild bulls and trees, and strange sea-beasts like this.

[Angrily.] Bah! You deem because you are rude you are valiant, Alcimedon! The soldiers of the South were as brave as you.

I draw water! [Drawing himself up in indignation.] By Hermes! I care not for the tongue of a barren woman.

[Looking.] It is Molossus! And the King's huntsmen. They are coming up the path.

[To Andromache, who has stopped.] Why do you wait? Have I not bidden you back to the castle?[Pg 28] And when the hall is swept, go to your own house. Come not up to trouble the King till that web is finished.

Molossus and Pyrrhus enter, with some spearmen; Pyrrhus has his arm on the neck of Molossus.

[To Pyrrhus, with reproach, while she embraces Molossus.] You said you would take him to no battles, only to hunting.

[Cheerily.] By Hermes, it was he who made the battle! I meant nothing but hunting.

We had driven the deer down over the mountains and we came on a herd of the Napæans' cattle grazing, right up on the moors.

By Hermes! They came to us! And the herd-boy never saw us; he was sitting on a stone in the sun, and thinking of nothing. And even then I would not raid the cattle. When suddenly up jumped the herd-boy and looked at us, with his mouth open.[Pg 30] And before he knew who we were, I heard a twang!—and there he was with an arrow in his neck! [Laughs.

Right through his throat, mother! He was looking up. [Imitating the attitude.] And I have got a pipe he was plaiting. It wasn't finished, but it blows. [He shows a pipe made of reeds.

You can play better things than pipes, my boy. So we ran down and cut off the cattle; and I have given them to Molossus for his own herd.

If I send my women to draw water at sunrise, shall the water not be back when the shadows are thus? [Pointing to shadows.

There be other women meeter to draw water than Hector's wife. I tell you there is no man on this earth I should so joy to have slain as Hector.

[To Pyrrhus, who has laid his hand on her shoulder.] Nay, master, the hall must be made ready.

Well, take our boy, and be with him at the castle when I come. Stay, think of a boon to ask of me in[Pg 32] return for the day's good work. And make it a rich boon; I shall not stint you.

My master, what could I do now with freedom? Only suffer Molossus to make atonement to the Napæans for the man he slew. He may give back the oxen, and I will add of my own.

Not righteous! [Scornfully.] Then perchance you would have me cut off the herd-boy's hands[Pg 33] and feet, for fear his ghost should come after us? Not righteous! What is it you fear?

[Putting her hand on Molossus' shoulder.] He is but a boy, my lord! And if there is no atonement, they will watch day and night to slay him.

They cannot hurt us in our castle, but they can burn the villages in the plain and make dearth and famine.

And the oxen! I have given them to the lad; and one is already eaten. Well, well, it is for the lad to say if he will give back his oxen and ask for pardon.

[With a ring of emotion in her voice.] Shall my chests be made empty because your slave's child is afraid?

[To Hermione.] Peace, O Queen! [To Andromache.] Go! If Molossus wills, he can make his atonement. On to the castle, men! [Exeunt spearmen.

[Turning as she goes off.] Be not wroth, my King. Your hall would be very desolate if the boy were slain. [Exeunt Andromache and Molossus.

[Firing up and laying his hand on his dagger.] Daughter of a dog! I stole no man's bride.

You helped him and bribed him to break them. The wrath of the Broken Oath is on both of you!

You are mad, woman. Orestes had murdered his mother, and the Spirits without Name haunted him day and night——

And you, you dared not enter the land while Agamemnon's son was there; you waited till——

'Twas your father cozened Orestes away. How should I fear Agamemnon's son? Am I not the son of Achilles?

They may, in Phthia; and beggarly men, and savage, and witch-ridden, and makers of atonement, and stealers of wives!

By Peleus! if I stole you, you were willing. 'Tis yourself you mark with a dog's name, Helen's daughter!

God be witness, willing I never was! Though I dreamed not then that I should come to a beggared land and the house of a master who hated me!

[Flings herself down by the altar, hidden from the back of the stage by the trees.

[To Orestes.] Here is the King himself! [To Pyrrhus.] Son of Achilles, I bring you this stranger, whom your handmaid, Andromache, commended to my care.

The blood is faded long ago from my hand. I seek but to rest a while at your castle; I will give payment either in battle with your enemies, or by tidings and songs from beyond Parnassus and the Waters of Pelops.

[Hermione looks up in amazement at the voice, utters a stifled cry, and peers round.

It is well, stranger. Tidings are good in peace;[Pg 39] and if war comes, an exile for manslaying may well be worth the bread he eats.

Others know if I am skilled in war. I know only that my life is little worth to me, and I care not much to save it.

A good word, Sir Guest, and worthy of the roof of Achilles. We give you greeting, my Queen and I. [Shakes his hand, and looks round for Hermione.] Daughter of Helen, have you not seen our guest?

Nay, though methinks I have heard the Queen's praises till it is almost as though I knew her. For the women of the South speak daily of Helen's daughter, and the bards and kings' sons will never forget her.

[Mastering her agitation with difficulty.] You know the land of Pelops, stranger? It is a fair land.

Once it was far the fairest upon earth. But now its pride is brought down, and that which made it beautiful is departed. [He looks steadily at her.

Ay, they have had their troubles in the South. Howbeit, with us you may stay in peace as long as your pleasure is. Daughter of Helen, give your hand to our guest, and guide him to the castle.

[Moving her hand forward, then drawing back.] Let another guide him. I have yet a prayer unspoken, and my offering is poured.

[Displeased.] Be not vexed, stranger. Who can tell the prayers of a childless woman, save that they change and are very many? Come with me, and to-morrow we will ask your name and race.

[Exeunt Pyrrhus and Orestes, l. The Priest looks to the niches in the rock to see the offerings. Hermione falls on her knees at the altar, and prays silently.

THE SECOND ACT

Scene: The Hall of Pyrrhus' Castle, a rude stone building, with spears, swords, and armour hanging on the walls. A doorway in the back wall leads to the courtyard. At the extreme right is a fire burning; near it are two high seats for the King and Queen.

On a bench near the door are Andromache and Molossus seated; on the floor near them is a small pile of carpets and tapestries, and a bowl with some metal ornaments and small weapons in it.

But when you saw him fall, and saw the pain in his face, did it give you no grief?

A little, it may be. Not more than when I struck[Pg 42] my first deer. A child might cry over the ox they are flaying now in the yard.

Mother, you are but a woman, and I am getting to be a man; I must grow past all that and throw it behind me.

Enter Orestes unnoticed: he stands in the doorway, leaning against a pillar.

May your eyes never see half the pain mine have seen! I grew past feeling for it, too, long, long ago. I saw men writhe and bite the dust, without caring for them or counting them. They were so many that they were all confused, and the noise of their anguish was like the crying of cranes far off; there was no one voice in it, and no meaning. And then, as it went on growing, and the sons of Priam died about me and the folk starved, and my husband, Hector, was slain with torment, all the voices gathered again together and seemed as one voice, that cried to my heart so that it understood.

[Looking at him, and not answering.] Why did you ever wish to kill that herd-boy?

Why should I fear their blood-feud? I would sooner be slain than ask favours of them. My father would avenge me well!

And who will be the happier? Listen. Can you hear that little beating sound—down seaward, away from the sun?

There is a sound like that in the language I told you of. Old, old men, and those whose gods have deserted them, hear it in their hearts—the sound of all the blood that men have spilt and the tears they have shed, lapping against great rocks, in shadow, away from the sun.

Nay, methinks a man hears it when he has suffered enough, if he has the right ear to hear it.

Nay, death should not come for suffering. Death should come when there is no hope left for any one thing in the world.

But, Mother, they called Hector "Slayer of Men." I want first to slay many, many men, and many wild beasts, and burn a town, that people may fear me, and call me "Slayer of Men." And after that—after that, I will be merciful, and slay only those I hate.

If they wrong me! [Andromache smiles.] Shall I not hate them that wrong me? Do you not yourself?

Light of my age, if I hated, how should I live? There are three living souls that I love—you and your father and old Alcimus. And if I hated, whom should I hate more bitterly?

Astyanax? [She nods.] I wish Astyanax were alive, mother. I would take him hunting.—He would have no share, would he, in my heritage?

[Looking at him, then passing her hand across her face.] Oh yes, I hated them!

Some day perhaps you will hurt me worse than any of them; but I shall not hate you.

[After a pause, handling the objects in the bowl.] Well, I give you my oath this time, Mother; but I will not atone for my next slaying.

The bull is finished, and a fine beast he was. [Seeing the bowl.] What is this?

The atonement? That is right. I feared that Pyrrhus would be too proud to pay it.

H'm! That was how I talked once, before I knew what a blood-feud was. And now I would pay a dead man's weight in silver to be clear of one. Of[Pg 49] course, with a stranger it is different, or a man who has no kin. [Examining the stores.] No need to pay too much, though. It was a little boy, they tell me, and poorly clad.

[Almost crying.] He was a big boy!—I hate the Napæans, and I will slay more of them!

There are the oxen as well. We have killed two; but sorry beasts, both, sorry beasts. Any two calves will more than make up for them.

Hate them your fill; but make up the feud: we must not have Pyrrhus left childless.

And what is the road to peace? The hate must eat itself out, till it stays for weariness.

How can you get peace now, when the blood is still wet? He may give all his silver and his kine, but he will hate the men whose blood he has drunk; and though they swear by all the gods of their valley, they will hate him. And hate will out, in time, one way or another.

Peace for this one—[touching Molossus]—when Pyrrhus is childless, or when——

[Excitedly.] How know you, woman, that the Dead call for blood? [Gloomily again.] When the whole of a race is gone there may perhaps be peace.

But the whole of a race is never gone. Even from Troy there are men escaped who may make cities and seek for vengeance again. And if you blot out all the Napæans, there are those beyond the Napæans[Pg 52] who will hate you for that very thing. Make peace, swiftly, before you die, my son, lest there be no peace for ever and ever.

Enter Hermione, with Priest of Thetis and Attendants; she is richly dressed, and her eyes bright and anxious. She passes up to the two high seats, and takes one. She talks with her Maids, and Alcimedon goes over to her.

[Detaching another pendant from his chain.] Woman, you can see men's hearts, and you talk not as these talk. Behold, there is no peace, for peace is nothing; there is either Love or Hate. [Throwing pendant into the bowl.] If gold can buy love where hate is, put that to the blood-gift!

[To Orestes, across the hall.] Sir Stranger, this Priest tells me you are skilled as a bard.

Nay, no boys' tales! Andromache, take your son and help with the ox flesh. [To Orestes.] And sit not so far off, among the slaves' seats. Tell us some man's story.

[Approaching, but bringing Molossus with him, while Andromache goes out.] Nay, I will keep the boy. It is a boy's tale, this, and of little meaning. But seeing I have begun—— [To Molossus.] Have you heard of a man that once had a great feud—Orestes, Agamemnon's son?

[Controlling her excitement.] Nay, what hurt is his name? It is only some boy's tale.

He took on him a great feud, greater than he knew. For his father called from the dead for vengeance on the woman who had murdered him. And the gods called, too, and put voices always about him calling for blood. And then they betrayed him!

Nay, it may be that the voice was not his father's, after all. But the gods——

So be it. Well, in the end he recked not of the gods. He cared not how sore they hated him, and cared not if he lived or died.

This is the last story I heard of him, from a Chalcidian man who had been in Sicily.

Beyond the end of Sicily to a kingdom of the Iberians. For he vowed that he would be like Paris, and win the most beautiful of all women for his wife; for, you must know, the gods had marred all the world for him, and made it all as ashes in his mouth, except beauty. For beauty is immortal, like themselves; and they cannot hurt it. So he sought and questioned where that woman might be; and men said she was queen of a land among the Iberians.

[Looking full at her.] More beautiful than the flowers and the sunlight, so that in dreams her eyes haunted him.

He took his ship, with a hundred men well armed, and hid them in a bay of Iberia. And he went up alone to the king's castle and saw the woman. For he was not sure if she was really so beautiful, and wanted to see her again very close. So he stayed in the king's house and made a plot to bear her away.

I said it was but a boy's story. The Chalcidian knew not what had happened. Some said he won the queen to his ship, and fled away, wandering; and some said she told the king of his plotting, and they[Pg 57] slew him there in the banquet hall. [A slight pause.] So perchance even Orestes has found his peace; or, perchance he is still an outcast man, with a new feud following him.

[Breaking out from her suspense; recklessly.] And a poor fool, your Orestes, whatever befell!

He only fled on the seas with her, an exiled man, with no comfort. Could he not get him a kingdom?

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

If a high seat is empty, shall not a great king's[Pg 58] son be bold to sit on it? Were his men good soldiers of Mycenæ?

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

Unrighteous, very unrighteous; but doubtless the Iberian would have sinned against some god!

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

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!

He did not seek her for her righteousness; he sought her because her beauty spoke like a god to him!

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!

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

What do you fear? [Hermione shudders, but does not answer.] You dare not? Then, let it end the other way!

[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.

Not yet, my boy! [As Molossus would fit a greave on.] Bad luck before a banquet.

[With sudden displeasure, seeing the blood-gifts.] What mean all these carpets, and the bowl yonder?

You have just slain a man, and a woman can frighten you to promising your own dishonour?

[Half crying, as Pyrrhus stands gloomily silent.] I would not make atonement to them, Father, for all the world!

She has your word now, little fool; and mine likewise.—By the gods, woman, you have got your will, and shamed me in the eyes of all men.

Master, your honour is more to me than mine own. This thing shames you not; even Alcimedon deemed it wise and honourable.

[As Pyrrhus goes silently back to the throne.] A barbarian woman never forgets a hurt.

Let her be, King! She is thinking ever of her Hector, and Astyanax whom you slew!

Peace, peace! She knows well enough that Hector is dead—and beyond the seas too. Though I were[Pg 65] shamed to the dirt in mine own hall, Hector would not hear of it!

Hector himself is buried beyond the seas, but his ghost may have followed your ships to Phthia. [Coming up to the throne.] Yea, son of Achilles, though you like not my counsel, there be witches in Phrygia that can wake the dead, and tell them of shame come to their enemies, or of——

There be none such in Phthia, old man! And if the dead should wake, your prating would even set them to sleep again. [Laughter, in which Pyrrhus slightly joins.

[Talks to Pyrrhus, round whom a group gathers, leaving Andromache alone, and Orestes near Alcimedon.

[Apart to Alcimedon.] Old man, you have seen Helen. Was she more beautiful than your Queen?

[Looking towards Hermione, then brightening.] Nay, this is a woman like another; Helen was goddesslike, deathless and ageless for ever!

[To himself.] For Helen I could have done it! Alcimedon, did yonder woman ever do Helen any great wrong, anything meet for vengeance?

Even so; and therefore she must have hated her. Did she never seek, think you, to have Helen slain?

I trow not! Why, she gave her home and shelter when the folk of Troy sought to stone her.

[Shaking off the Priest.] Enough, enough!—Is your stranger in the hall, Andromache?

He is here, my lord; a man of good counsel, methinks, and like to be faithful to his guest-oath.

He is happily come to a night of festival.—Stranger, you stand far from the fire.

[Orestes and Hermione have been trying to read one another's faces. Here Orestes turns bitterly, looks to the suits of armour on the wall, and chooses a seat near one.

Ay, give me a goblet, and I will sing. I am but a rude singer, but my songs may perchance be new.

There are two songs running in my ears this hour past; and I know not fully even yet which of the two is better.

I fancied before that one of my songs was very joyful; but now methinks there is no joy at all in either.

[After looking at him questioningly for a moment.] Then give us a good straight battle-piece, with no cowards in it, and no slaying by stealth.

[Excitedly.] That it shall be! No cowards, no slaying by stealth, and a clean, hard fight! Ay, and it is the easier too!

On his own head! By Thetis! this stranger has run over with evil words ever since he came.

[Starting up.] Now, by Thetis, stranger, in shape God has made you kinglike, but within a very fool!

Stranger, some gayer song would better suit a day of rejoicing. Are the songs of Acarnania all sad?

We have our own bard, who can sing to our liking; and his lays will tell whether we fear death.

Your own bard will sing your own valour, belike? That I can ill do; for I have heard but little of the deeds of Pyrrhus.

But the praise of your ancestors I could make into something—something gayer, you said? Was Æacus the first of your house?

Perchance his wine likes him not. [Goes down to Orestes, pours him fresh wine, and whispers.] Are you mad?

[In the same tone, looking in her face.] Knew you not that, long ago? [Continuing, while she goes back to the throne.

[He snatches up the spear and shield of Molossus.[Pg 74] The other men take arms and growl. Hermione starts up, clasping her head with both hands, and staring in terror before her. Orestes stays quietly seated.

[Rushing before Pyrrhus.] Your oath, O King! Your pledged hand! He is our guest!

[Checking himself suddenly, then turning upon her.] Whose guest? You brought him here—you gave the barb to his mocking! [To the men.] Back, men! [To Andromache.] Who taught him to revile my house?

Peace, hounds! [To Orestes.] Sir Guest, this woman has saved you, else, oath or no oath, had I slain you where you stand!

My blood-gifts! [Goes to the bowl; then turns furiously on Andromache.] Woman, who gave you this gold?

No man gave me gold. The stranger cast a pendant of his chain to add to the blood-gifts, for pity, lest the boy should be slain.

King, King, hear me! She has witched the Queen's womb long ago, and witched the whole harvest. She has this day witched your own boy to consent to your dishonour; she has witched this mad stranger to give her gold worth twenty oxen; yea, she has witched both him and you, so that he stands up and flouts you in your hall. You are stripped naked, O King, for men and dogs to walk upon, that Hector in his grave may be merry!—Judgment, O son of Achilles, judgment!

Yea, judgment, my King! I, too, crave judgment. Only let not these be my judges.

Judge me yourself, O Pyrrhus, son of Achilles! even now, in your anger; and I fear not. Oh, my King, you who know me, say if I have hated you!

A witch has no right to speak. Let her be bound outside at the gate till she is judged.

[After a moment's hesitation.] By Zeus in heaven, it is the truth! I cannot judge her while she stands looking at me. Begone, woman!—Nay, touch her not!—Let her go to her own house.

I go, my King. Yet if you slay me and to-morrow wake sorrowful, bethink you there is no cure for that sorrow! [Exit Andromache.

[Stopping Molossus at the door.] To sanctuary![Pg 78] Not to your own house! Take sanctuary, both, at the altar of Thetis, till his fury is over. [Exit Molossus.

[Who during the interruption has mounted on the bench, taken the suit of arms from the wall, and armed himself, here leaps down, picks up the lyre, and sings again—

Will nothing sting you? Lo, mine was the bride he stole, and from me he fled! For he dared not face the wrath of Orestes, nor the spear of Agamemnon's son.

He must have men behind him! To the watch-tower quick! [Two retainers run out, r.

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

Now the Furies that haunt Orestes dog you, woman, if you lie! [Orestes gives a cry.

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

[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——

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

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

[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 shield 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.

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 pass silently behind rocks or bushes and disappear. Enter Orestes, armed, by path at back: a Man comes from behind a rock to meet him.

Good. One thing more. If I be stricken here, waste no men's lives for me. Make your way back to the ship.

Prince, we have our orders for this night's work from Pylades. We leave you not.

[Steals back to his ambush. Andromache has made some movement. Orestes peers towards Castle, l., in darkness; then, turning, sees that there is a woman at the altar.

Daughter of Helen, why at the altar? Whom do[Pg 84] you fear so sore? [No answer. He comes nearer and sees Molossus lying.] What does the boy here?

Nay, you are still my guest till you leave the land; and the King's wrath will perchance be cooled to-morrow.

Why did you not let them slay me in the hall? 'Twas your own folly. I sought no hurt to you. Speak, think you an altar will hold me back, or your blood stain deeper than my mother's blood?

[Amazed.] Clytæmnestra's son! [Coming towards him.] Oh, now I understand your face! Give me your hand. Whether that old stain be yet purged or no——

'Tis hidden and buried, rather, with much new blood over it. [Keeping back his hand.

It is such a one as you I have long prayed for, to be a friend to my child and me.

Listen. You and I have had more grief than others. We have seen beyond the glory of battle, beyond the joy of the conqueror and the shame of the conquered—as Priam and Hector saw before they died.

The King has had but little sorrow; he has conquered always, and taken glory in his manslaying.

It may be. But none here, save old Alcimus, know aught of suffering. I have long prayed that some man should come here who had suffered from the hurts he had done, and learnt to pity men and[Pg 87] women. And if the King's feet are set fast and cannot be turned, at least there is my son.

But is all the grief wasted that the gods have sent you? Can you not forget past evils and live in peace?

Oh, you kings and kings' sons, you dwell like wolves in your castles. I have heard many a ploughman at his ploughing sing with gladness, but seldom, seldom, a king's son.

You may know them by the howling of their misery in the night! God grant my boy may never be a king!

Shall I slay him, then, as they bid me? Or would you that I should take him away, where there are no kingdoms? My ship is in the bay, and lacks not for plunder.

Is he asleep? [He bends tenderly over Molossus; then recovers himself, and speaks in a harsh troubled voice.] Why is it that you fear me not?

Nay, my gods are vanished and powerless long ago, and these are but my enemies' gods.

I have no sorceries. This is a simple thing. We slaves learn to read men's moods in their eyes and voices, because their moods bring life or death to us.

Then why do you not fear me the more? [Roughly.]
You have never seen my heart!

He who has seen beyond the glory of bloodshedding may soon see beyond the hardness of man's heart.

The gods' hearts may be hard, but man's is tender;[Pg 91] only very hungry, and sore afraid, and wild as a hunted beast on the mountain.

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

[Orestes steps quickly out from behind the trees. Hermione starts in terror.

It is only now, and here, that I am afraid. Take me to the ship now; and when once it is over——

[Repelled.] And what fear you from her? I care not to slay a woman and a child.

[Speaking in vague, troubled tones.] When she is near me, even if I know it not, her breath runs in my blood and makes me tremble. [She is trembling.

[In the same way.] I might have borne her eyes perchance in my own country, with friends near me; but here, all alone——

[In the same way.] I meant no hurt to her for her sharing the king's bed. But when first I saw her and she looked straight into me, there was something that turned my heart sick and dimmed my eyes.

How can I slay her for dreams like these? I know nought of your heart, but I can see your beauty. She has not hurt that.

Can you not see a dimness over my face, where it once was bright—and a radiance in hers?

Where got she that radiance? It is not hers. It is the joy and sunlight she has sucked out of me!

[Passionately.] No, no, you cannot see. I am rotting, shrivelling, dying within; and only she can see how I die!

All flesh must decay. Tell me one deed of hate she has done, and I will slay her.

Childless, barren—barren of womb and of heart!—I[Pg 97] had courage and strength to bear good sons, till she sapped it from me to feed her son. Nay, there is another thing——

I know not why I am so wild now, and anger you.—When she is near, it makes me wild and cruel; but now, I know not why this should come over me.

Great Zeus! if it should be true!—Andromache, Andromache, speak and answer her.

Is she here? [Andromache comes out from the trees by the altar.] Averter of Evil, what is that?

She is no live woman! See! she is dead and sucks the blood of the living. Why is she not afraid, like a live woman?

She has passed through death! She has no fear, no anger, as the living have. Why does she never[Pg 99] ask for anything? [Almost beside herself with terror.] Faugh! the smell of death clings about all her garments! Kill her, kill her! [Orestes looks at Hermione with a shudder. Hermione, breaking down, continues.] Oh, friend, friend, I was not like this in Sparta.

[Looking at Hermione.] In very truth there is a shadow come over you. You seem to be shrunken, and scarce so wondrous beautiful.

My kingdom must be an ever-changing kingdom. I dreamed for an hour that I might stay and rest like other men.

Those watching? But you have not seen them? I have not seen anything! [To herself.

Not now. Few men have ever seen them; but I hear their wings on the wind. And perchance if I stayed long in one place——

I know not if I love or hate you. It was for your passing beauty I came, because your eyes beaconed me through the dark of the sea.

Like those two stars that men call Helen's brethren, immortal, never fading——

Nay, you shall never fade. There is a blue sunlit island, waterless, desolate—Hear me, daughter of Helen, ageless and deathless!

Some sunset when you are beautiful like a dream I will set you on that bright island, and fill my eyes full. And then I will go my ways alone, and the fairest of earthly things shall be mine for ever.

No man shall ever see you fade from your loveliness. The gods may take you even as they took Helen.

Die? Of that I know not. Only never, never fade; perfect for ever without age or waning! Daughter of Helen, will you come with me? [A sound of arms outside. They start.

Andromache! Ho! snake of Phrygia, starve at the altar if you will! Your plotters are all fled!

[To Molossus.] Cling fast! [Rushing from the altar towards Pyrrhus.] Back, my king! Keep back!

[Entering and grasping Andromache.] Think you to die so easily? You shall speak first and tell all!

You? Pirate! Because your men fled so fast and so far. My servants have chased them twenty furlongs from here. Yield!

[Loud.] No man shoot nor stir! [As before.] Your Myrmidons may be twenty furlongs from here; my[Pg 106] men are in these thickets to right and left. What sought you here? Was it to slay Andromache?

[Not raising his spear.] Nay, it was I that should have slain Andromache. Go your ways! I only take back my own bride.

It is Orestes!—But the queen vowed—— And that oath! Oh, perjured! perjured!

[To the rocks and thickets.] O ye in the ambush, strike him down! Strike him down! Oh, what is that rushing on the wind?

[Close to Pyrrhus.] My lord, my lord, wait and let him speak. It is he that asks you, so there is no dishonour. [He glares at her.] Nay, you may slay me after if I have done wrong. And his men are crowding behind these bushes and rocks.

[In a war chant.] The wolves set an ambush, set an ambush for the lion; and the lion feasted for many days! Ho, Myrmidons!

[He grasps his spear for defence; Pyrrhus draws his sword and starts forward.

[From behind the rocks.] Now, men of Mycenæ! [A shower of arrows strikes Pyrrhus.

[Pyrrhus staggers to the altar and falls. [Pg 108]Andromache bends over, tending him. Molossus, with a cry, snatches Pyrrhus' sword and flies at Orestes, who disarms him at a blow.

Nay, curse him not! Oh, my lord, if you have ever loved him, curse him not! Let him be free; he will do all that is well.

[Faintly.] Andromache? Ay, then, so be it. It is the same in the end. I am glad I did not slay you, Andromache. [Dies.

[As before.] His blood is trickling into the mark of the footprint of Thetis! [Wildly.] Ah, drag him[Pg 109] away, or it will be a curse upon us! He must not die at the altar!

I never slew him. I will not touch a man dying at an altar. Andromache, touch him not; he will haunt you.

She is not afraid of the haunting of the dead. See, she is whispering in his ear. She is doing witchwork to bring him back. [Crossing to Andromache, who is still bending over Pyrrhus' body, and kneeling to her.] Nay, in the goddess's name, Andromache, do not wake him! I have wronged you much, but I will make amends; I will set you free. He would never have done that. Only, do not whisper to him! Do not call him back to haunt me!

Hold your peace, traitor and coward! If I could bring him back, think you I would stay my voice for you?

[To Hermione.] You did not slay him. Even if he does wake, he will only haunt them that slew him.

He saw them not; he knows them not. He has only seen you and me. [Rapidly.] Oh, in God's name, it is too much! The sound of Their wings is all about me, and if I dared look, I know I should see Their faces. It is more than one woman can bear. If he wakes I shall go mad!

It is done now. We will fly in the ship quickly; he will never follow us over the seas.

[As before.] She will show him the way! Oh, she will have no pity! I have sought so long to slay her. She would not spare me now for all the treasures of Egypt. I knew well I should have no peace till I saw her dead.—Oh, woman, woman! bend not over him; whisper to him no more!

I will whisper no more; I will cry aloud—in dead[Pg 111] ears, as I have cried all my life! [To Pyrrhus.] O thou who hearest me not, who hast never heard me, I call again to thee, let there at last be peace! If thou hast found thy sleep, oh, cling to it! Never wake nor stir to follow these who murdered thee!

The living have never heard me, and the dead cannot hear; but broken and dying men know the words that I speak. Remember the one moment before utter death, when thine eyes were opened to see and thine ears to hear. Remember that, and forget the long waste of days before!

She bids him remember!—He will awake. I can feel that he will wake and follow us!

By the bitter hate wherewith once I hated thee; by the blood in the streets of Troy and the death-cry of Hector's child; by the love wherewith I have loved[Pg 112] thee in spite of all—[the body moves]—and love thee still——

[With a shriek.] O God! He is waking! [Grovelling in terror and hiding her eyes.] Oh, smite off his feet that he shall not pursue, and his hands that he may never lay hold of me!

She is not crying him to waken. She is bidding him rest in peace and not harm us.

It cannot be that; it cannot. I have hated her too sore. It is all witchwork or else madness.

[She looks up and sees the sword; suddenly clutches it and moves towards Andromache.

And afterward go and seek Hector, and he will[Pg 113] tell thee more, for he was wiser and greater than other men. And some day this woman, too, will be broken and dying; and then she will see what thou and I have seen, and will know what mercy is. [Hermione stabs her.] Ah!

[Andromache falls over the body of Pyrrhus. Orestes starts forward and grasps Hermione.

[Orestes and Molossus bend together over the body of Andromache. The men-at-arms seize Hermione.

[Standing up.] We know what she would say—— Young[Pg 114] King of Phthia, I never sought to slay your father; and for this woman, I would give all my wealth to have her alive again.—But I will make atonement: take all my gold—[takes off his chain, and throws it at Molossus' feet. Molossus stands silent]—and this dagger likewise. There is a bright stone in the hilt that keeps off the venom of snakes. [Molossus is still silent.] And my cloak was woven by women of Sidon. [Throws down the cloak.

Is it the woman? There is your sword. [Picks it up and gives it him. To the men holding Hermione.] Hold back her arms, men, that the King may slay her as he will!

[The men bring forward Hermione, dazed and stupefied; they hold her so that either breast or throat may receive the sword.

Oh, take her away, or I will verily slay her! Let her never set foot upon this land again.

[Suddenly struggling.] I will not go! Let me free! I will stay and he shall slay me! [The men drag her off.

And for mine own atonement. [He looks round.] Men, get you gone!—If you would have more, here is my sword; and here is my shield, and my helmet. [He lays the arms one by one at Molossus' feet.]—My men are all gone. The rest is for you to take.

[Looking at Andromache.] I will take no more. I will have peace. [Kneels down, bending over the body.

Printed by Ballantyne, Hanson & Co.
London & Edinburgh

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Pyrrhus	Son of Achilles; King of Phthia.
Andromache	Once wife of Hector, Prince of Troy; now slave to Pyrrhus.
Hermione	Daughter of Helen, Queen of Sparta; wife to Pyrrhus.
Molossus	Child of Pyrrhus and Andromache.
Alcimedon or Alcimus	An old Captain of Achilles' Myrmidons.
Orestes	Son of Agamemnon, King of Mycenæ; now banished for the slaying of his mother, Clytæmnestra.
Pylades	A Prince of Phocis, friend to Orestes.
A Priest of Thetis
Two Maids of Hermione

The Project Gutenberg eBook of Andromache: A Play in Three Acts

ANDROMACHE

BY THE SAME AUTHOR
UNIFORM WITH THIS VOLUME
Paper, 1s. 6d.; Cloth, 2s. 6d.
CARLYON SAHIB
A Drama in Four Acts
——
London: William Heinemann
21 Bedford Street, W.C.

ANDROMACHE

PREFATORY LETTER.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ

ANDROMACHE

THE FIRST ACT

THE SECOND ACT

THE THIRD ACT

Printed by Ballantyne, Hanson & Co.
London & Edinburgh

THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE

The Project Gutenberg eBook of Andromache: A Play in Three Acts

ANDROMACHE

BY THE SAME AUTHOR UNIFORM WITH THIS VOLUME Paper, 1s. 6d.; Cloth, 2s. 6d. CARLYON SAHIB A Drama in Four Acts —— London: William Heinemann 21 Bedford Street, W.C.

ANDROMACHE

PREFATORY LETTER.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ

ANDROMACHE

THE FIRST ACT

THE SECOND ACT

THE THIRD ACT

Printed by Ballantyne, Hanson & Co. London & Edinburgh

THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE

BY THE SAME AUTHOR
UNIFORM WITH THIS VOLUME
Paper, 1s. 6d.; Cloth, 2s. 6d.
CARLYON SAHIB
A Drama in Four Acts
——
London: William Heinemann
21 Bedford Street, W.C.

Printed by Ballantyne, Hanson & Co.
London & Edinburgh