Part 23 (1/2)

ANDROMACHE.

[_Calmly._] Slay them? But why? Why?

ORESTES.

To take their kingdom, as others have taken mine!

ANDROMACHE.

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

ORESTES.

In storm I can forget them. Peace is all anguish to me.

ANDROMACHE.

And what will a kingdom profit you?

ORESTES.

I am a king's son; I must have my kingdom.

ANDROMACHE.

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.

ORESTES.

Wolves must live in the wolves' way; and they have their own gladness, too.

ANDROMACHE.

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

ORESTES.

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

ANDROMACHE.

Better that you should slay him now, where he lies.

ORESTES.

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?

ANDROMACHE.

Why should I fear you?