Menelaus
[425]
Seize her, slaves, take her in your grasp.
The slaves seize her.
For the words she shall hear are not pleasant. I've caught you. In order that you might leave the goddess's shrine, I threatened you with the death of your son, by which I induced you to surrender to my power and be slaughtered.
[430]
As regards yourself, know that this shall be so. As to your son, my daughter shall decide whether she wants to kill him or not. But go into the house here so that you may learn, slave that you are, to commit no further outrages against the free.
Andromache
[435]
Oh, you have tricked me, I am deceived!
Menelaus
Tell the whole world! I shall not deny it.
Andromache
Do you dwellers by the Eurotas find this clever?
Menelaus
Yes, just as do dwellers in Troy: it is called revenge.
Andromache
Are not the gods divine, do you not think they punish?
Menelaus
[440]
I'll bear that when it comes. But you I shall kill.
Andromache
And kill this young bird, tearing him from beneath my wings?
Menelaus
Heavens no! I leave his death to Hermione.
Andromache
Alas! My child, why do I not now bewail you?
Menelaus
The prospects that await him are not bright.
Andromache
[445]
Dwellers in Sparta, most hateful of mortals in the eyes of all mankind, wily plotters, masters of the lie, weavers of deadly contrivance, with thoughts that are always devious, rotten, and tortuous, how unjust is the prosperity you enjoy among the Greeks!
[450]
What crime is not to be found in your midst? Are there not murders in great numbers? Aren't your greed for gain and your duplicity being constantly unmasked? My curse upon you! The death-sentence you have passed on me is not so grievous. I was undone long ago
[455]
when the unhappy city of Troy was destroyed and my glorious husband killed, whose spear often changed you from a plague on land to one on shipboard. And now you appear against a woman in grim warrior garb and are killing me. Kill on! For I shall leave you
[460]
without uttering one word of truckling flattery to you or your daughter. For though you are great in Sparta, yet I was great in Troy, and if my fortune now is evil, do not make this your boast: yours may be so as well.Exit Andromache, Molossus, Menelaus, and retinue into the house.