Part 26 (1/2)

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.

ORESTES.

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

HERMIONE.

Is she here? [ANDROMACHE _comes out from the trees by the altar_.]

Averter of Evil, what is that?

ANDROMACHE.

I am but your handmaid, I have done you no hurt.

HERMIONE.

Nay, now you can see it--the thing I dared not say!

ORESTES.

What is it?

HERMIONE.

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?

ORESTES.

[_Troubled._] She is deathly white. Why she has no fear I know not.

ANDROMACHE.

What can I answer? The King might slay me, but not this man.

ORESTES.

It was the same but now, when I held death over her.

HERMIONE.

She has pa.s.sed through death! She has no fear, no anger, as the living have. Why does she never 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.

ANDROMACHE.

Queen, I know my heart is with the dead of Troy. Why should that anger you?

ORESTES.

[_Looking at_ HERMIONE.] In very truth there is a shadow come over you.