Part 22 (1/2)

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

MAN-AT-ARMS.

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

ORESTES.

Nay, what worth is a dead body, or who can hurt it?

MAN-AT-ARMS.

Hus.h.!.+ What was that?

[_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_.

ORESTES.

Daughter of Helen, why at the altar? Whom do you fear so sore? [_No answer. He comes nearer and sees_ MOLOSSUS _lying_.] What does the boy here?

ANDROMACHE.

It is the stranger! Come you to seek _me_, or what more has chanced?

ORESTES.

Is it you? You?--Is the boy asleep?

ANDROMACHE.

We have waited here so long, and have heard no word, good or evil.

ORESTES.

But why hide you here?

ANDROMACHE.

We have taken sanctuary from the wrath of the King and Queen, my guest.

ORESTES.

Call you me still your guest?

ANDROMACHE.

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

ORESTES.