Part 28 (2/2)

ORESTES.

[_Not raising his spear._] Nay, it was I that should have slain Andromache. Go your ways! I only take back my own bride.

[_Pointing to_ HERMIONE, _whom_ PYRRHUS _now sees for the first time_.

PYRRHUS.

It _is_ Orestes!--But the queen vowed---- And that oath! Oh, perjured!

perjured!

HERMIONE.

[_To the rocks and thickets._] O ye in the ambush, strike him down!

Strike him down! Oh, what is that rus.h.i.+ng on the wind?

[_Puts her hands over her ears as though in terror._

ORESTES.

The oath is fulfilled upon her!

ANDROMACHE.

[_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.

PYRRHUS.

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

ORESTES.

They hear you not. Go back!

[_He grasps his spear for defence_; PYRRHUS _draws his sword and starts forward_.

VOICE.

[_From behind the rocks._] Now, men of Mycenae!

[_A shower of arrows strikes_ PYRRHUS.

ANDROMACHE.

It is a murder, a coward's murder!

[PYRRHUS _staggers to the altar and falls_. ANDROMACHE _bends over, tending him_. MOLOSSUS, _with a cry, s.n.a.t.c.hes_ PYRRHUS'

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