Part 24 (1/2)

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.