Barbarians’ laws are not a standard for our city.AndromacheAlike in Asia and in Hellas infamy attends base actions.HermioneClever, clever quibbler! yet die thou must and shalt.AndromacheDost see the image of Thetis with her eye upon thee?HermioneA bitter foe to thy country because of the death of Achilles.Andromache’Twas not I that slew him, but Helen that mother of thine.HermionePray, is it thy intention to probe my wounds yet deeper?AndromacheBehold, I am dumb, my lips are closed.HermioneTell me that which was my only reason for coming hither.AndromacheNo! all I tell thee is, thou hast less wisdom than thou needest.HermioneWilt thou leave these hallowed precincts of the sea-goddess?AndromacheYes, if I am not to die for it; otherwise, I never will.HermioneSince that is thy resolve, I shall not even wait my lord’s return.AndromacheNor yet will I, at any rate ere that, surrender to thee.HermioneI will bring fire to bear on thee, and pay no heed to thy entreaties.AndromacheKindle thy blaze then; the gods will witness it.HermioneAnd make thy flesh to writhe by cruel wounds.AndromacheBegin thy butchery, stain the altar of the goddess with blood, for she will visit thy iniquity.HermioneBarbarian creature, hardened in impudence, wilt thou brave death itself? Still will I find speedy means to make thee quit this seat of thy free-will; such a bait have I to lure thee with. But I will hide my meaning, which the event itself shall soon declare. Yes, keep thy seat, for I will make thee rise, though molten lead is holding thee there, before Achilles’ son, thy trusted champion, arrive. Exit Hermione.